Dawn Adams in Kneeland are hired for numerous clients

To a lot of us, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. Even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that might appear more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? You bet there are.


	For real estate appraisals in Kneeland and Humboldt County, it's easiest when your order online from Dawn Adams, just click here.

Appeal your tax assessment in Humboldt County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your house, so if prices have declined in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Dawn Adams is your best evidence when building your case. At Dawn Adams, we're equipped to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Eliminating PMI will lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that almost all lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This additional payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Dawn Adams will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can generally be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Dawn Adams

A divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the house, and it can be a very heartbreaking experience for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Dawn Adams so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house.

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

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property 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 wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Dawn Adams assist you in relocating to or from Humboldt County

Employee relocation can be a more than just an inconvenience, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Dawn Adams

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. 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 determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 houses stay on the market.