Why you should hire an appraiserTo many, an appraisal just looks like another cost on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. Practically all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more practical than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful? Absolutely. 
Challenge your tax assessment in New London CountyIt's possible 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 previous assessment of your house, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from L.B. Brainard and Associates is your best evidence when building your case. At L.B. Brainard and Associates, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that many lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Very often, this extra payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. L.B. Brainard and Associates will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can often be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from L.B. Brainard and Associates Order todayDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the home, and it can be an especially daunting event for both parties. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from L.B. Brainard and Associates, regardless of the situation. If the parties need 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. Accurate and fair estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate 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 do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from New London County through an employee relocation programWe are familiar with the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — for 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. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. 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 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. 
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