Reasons to get an appraisal from Birchwood & Leaf AppraisalsTo many, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. Almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more practical than an appraisal. Is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course there are. 
Dispute your tax assessmentIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Birchwood & Leaf Appraisals is your best evidence when building your case. At Birchwood & Leaf Appraisals, we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the home owneris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, most lenders ask buyers to purchase this extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the extra payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Birchwood & Leaf Appraisals will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can generally be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from Birchwood & Leaf Appraisals today Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is an especially horrible ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the property. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Birchwood & Leaf Appraisals so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the highest degree of discretion. Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Move to or from the Twin Cities through an employee relocation programWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough inspection. Sell your home quickly — at the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what a suitable 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 homes are one the market. 
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