Why you should hire an appraiser

Thousands of people in Florida purchase, sell or refinance their home every year. A lot of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. The majority of lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal. But is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Of course there are.


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Let Rickenbacher Appraisals help you appeal your tax assessment in Pinellas County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your home, 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 Rickenbacher Appraisals is your best evidence. At Rickenbacher Appraisals, we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let Rickenbacher Appraisals help you lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, almost all lenders ask home owners to purchase an added insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Oftentimes, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance 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 implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Rickenbacher Appraisals can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce can be a very daunting experience for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the strenuous decision of who maintains the property. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Rickenbacher Appraisals so both parties are fully 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 better idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

Losing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish 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.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 Rickenbacher Appraisals assist you in relocating to or from Pinellas County

We know the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough process.

Sell your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 too long, costing you time and money.