6 Reasons to choose an appraisal from Ascension Appraisal

Each year, thousands of people in Massachusetts buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Nearly all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.

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Contest your tax assessment in Worcester County

If you live in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Ascension Appraisal, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage payments

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that almost all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Seeing that additional payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Ascension Appraisal will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be a particularly daunting experience for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the property. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Ascension Appraisal so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a a good idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment.

Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidation

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

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocate to or from Worcester County through an employee relocation program

We are aware of the headaches associated with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Close on your home quickly — at the right price

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report.

We analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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.

Let Ascension Appraisal help you sell your home quickly at the right price