Why you should get an appraisalEach year, thousands of people in buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that might seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course there are. ![]() Challenge your tax assessment in Ventura CountyIf you reside in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Piscitelli Appraisal Service is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Most often, this additional payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. 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. Piscitelli Appraisal Service will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Piscitelli Appraisal Service Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the property, and it can be an especially daunting experience for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Piscitelli Appraisal Service so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a better 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 received a fair assessment. Ascertain an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationLosing 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 guarantee the utmost 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 manage these affairs. 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 vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Ventura County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — for an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price, whether you want 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 aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide what improvements will add value and what an appropriate 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 houses stay on the market. ![]() |