There are lots of reasons people call on American Appraisal

Thousands of people in California buy, sell or refinance their home each month. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more prudent than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet there are.

For real estate appraisals in Bakersfield and Kern County, it's easiest when your order online from American Appraisal, just click here.

Dispute your tax assessment in Kern County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a past assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from American Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. At American Appraisal,we can assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

How can you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that many lenders ask home buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Since the added payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, American Appraisal will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from American Appraisal will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is an especially traumatic experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who maintains the house. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from American Appraisal so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property.

If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Kern County

Moving due to a job change is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from American Appraisal

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable sales price is for your home - so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time - because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market.