Why you should hire an appraiser

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that may seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Of course.


	Secure appraisal ordering is easy from Sandra LeBlanc. Just click here

Appeal your tax assessment in Anne Arundel County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Sandra LeBlanc is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Sandra LeBlanc can help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, nearly all lenders ask home owners to take out an additional insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the additional payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to remove the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Sandra LeBlanc can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Sandra LeBlanc will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is a particularly daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the house. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Sandra LeBlanc so both parties are completely 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 wish to sell the home. And on the flip side, 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

Losing a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the maximum degree of discretion.

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

Let Sandra LeBlanc help you with relocating to or from Anne Arundel County

Moving due to a job change can be a real pain, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 for an extended amount of time.