Reasons to order an appraisalThousands of people in Michigan buy, sell or refinance their home every year. Many of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. Nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be more economical than an appraisal. Is getting a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there other situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course. 
Contest your tax assessment in Livingston CountyIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your real estate, so if values have gone down in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At ABS Appraisal Service, Inc., we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that almost all lenders ask buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. More often than not, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is bad because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. ABS Appraisal Service, Inc. can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can generally be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from ABS Appraisal Service, Inc. today Order onlineSettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce is a particularly traumatic experience for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the house. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from ABS Appraisal Service, Inc. so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home. If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe death of 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 residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the highest degree of discretion. Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. 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 significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Livingston County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Sell your home quickly — at the right priceWhether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking 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 properties stay on the market. 
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