Reasons to consider an appraisal from Bowers Real Estate & Appraisal ServicesTo a lot of us, an appraisal is simply another fee on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more economical than an appraisal, practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there more cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful? You bet there are. 
Contest your tax assessmentIt's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your house, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, most lenders ask homebuyers to take out this added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Bowers Real Estate & Appraisal Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Bowers Real Estate & Appraisal Services Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce can be a very daunting ordeal for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the home. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Bowers Real Estate & Appraisal Services so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation. If the parties want 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 evaluation. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe death of 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 residential property involved. We guarantee 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 handle these issues, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Move to or from Los Angeles County for workWe understand the headaches associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — at the right priceWhether 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 better educated decision regarding your asking price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long housesstay 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 an unnecessarily long time. 
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