Ordering an appraisal from American Heritage Appraisals

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like a line item in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. And even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may seem less expensive than an appraisal, almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might think that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.


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Let American Heritage Appraisals help you challenge your tax assessment in Penobscot County

It'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 based upon a previous assessment of your real estate, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from American Heritage Appraisals is your best evidence. We're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

How can you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, nearly all lenders ask home buyers to take out an extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked 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.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, American Heritage Appraisals can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from American Heritage Appraisals will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be a very daunting event for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the property. Regardless of the situation, it's prudent to get an appraisal from American Heritage Appraisals so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home.

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

The loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish 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 utmost degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the absolute value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let American Heritage Appraisals assist you in relocating to or from Penobscot County

We are aware of the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed process.

Don't sell out short or let your home stay on the market too long.

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. 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 are derived from our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long homes are one the market.