Ordering an appraisal from Schaeffer Appraisal Services

Every year, thousands of people in Massachusetts buy, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a developing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more economical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy.


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Appeal your tax assessment in Essex County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your real estate, 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 Schaeffer Appraisal Services is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

Let Schaeffer Appraisal Services help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental 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 real estate. Oftentimes, this additional payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is no longer required 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 payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Schaeffer Appraisal Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can generally be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Schaeffer Appraisal Services

A divorce can be a particularly daunting ordeal for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the house. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Schaeffer Appraisal Services so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation with help from Schaeffer Appraisal ServicesSettling an estate

The death 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 real estate involved. We ensure the maximum 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 manage these matters. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the correct value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Schaeffer Appraisal Services help you with relocating to or from Essex County

Moving due to a job change can be a more than just an inconvenience, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive process.

Let Schaeffer Appraisal Services assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. The price we charge isn't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homes are on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a reliable 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.