Reasons someone would need H.J. Ford & Associates

To many, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. The majority of lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. You might assume that getting 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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Let H.J. Ford & Associates help you appeal your tax assessment in Your County

If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from H.J. Ford & Associates is your best evidence. At H.J. Ford & Associates, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

How can you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that almost all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Since the added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

H.J. Ford & Associates can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is a very heartbreaking ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the hard decision of who gets the home. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from H.J. Ford & Associates so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property.

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

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The loss of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the certain value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Wayne County

Moving due to a job change is a more than just an inconvenience. We know where you're coming from! That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can 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 amount the house sells for. Our fees are derived from our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to 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 properties are on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market for an extended amount of time.