Getting an appraisal from Maria G. Mantis Real Estate, Inc.

To many, an appraisal is simply a line item in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. Even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more prudent than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful.


	Contact Maria G. Mantis Real Estate, Inc. if you're planning on any transaction where the value of your home is a factor. Just click here

Dispute your tax assessment in Westchester County

If you live in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Maria G. Mantis Real Estate, Inc. is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Maria G. Mantis Real Estate, Inc. can help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Seeing that additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Maria G. Mantis Real Estate, Inc. can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Maria G. Mantis Real Estate, Inc.

A divorce is a very heartbreaking ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the house. Regardless of the circumstances, it's prudent to order an appraisal from Maria G. Mantis Real Estate, Inc. so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties want 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.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

Losing 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the highest degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the precise value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Westchester County

Moving due to a job change is a stressful event. We know where you're coming from. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we recommend employees that are moving to provide input on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Don't sell out for too little 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 when determining 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 complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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 too long, costing you time and money.