Howard Goldstein and Associates in Laguna Niguel are hired for diverse clients

To many, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may appear cheaper than an appraisal, practically all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy.

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Appeal your tax assessment in Orange County

If you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Howard Goldstein and Associates is your best evidence. At Howard Goldstein and Associates,we can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that almost all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Very often, this additional payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. 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 get rid of PMI, Howard Goldstein and Associates can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can generally be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Howard Goldstein and Associates

A divorce is an especially daunting event for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the property. Regardless of the circumstances, it's wise to order an appraisal from Howard Goldstein and Associates so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties need 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 gotten a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Howard Goldstein and AssociatesSettling an estate

The 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 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 wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of 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 leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Let Howard Goldstein and Associates assist you in relocating to or from Orange County

We know the headaches involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we suggest employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Don't sell out short or keep your home 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 regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are derived from our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine 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 properties stay on the market.