There are lots of reasons people call on Brian Hawley Appraisals

To many, an appraisal just looks like another cost in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. While there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may appear more practical than an appraisal, most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are other situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful.

Order appraisals online from Brian Hawley Appraisals by simply clicking here.

Let Brian Hawley Appraisals help you dispute your tax assessment in Lehigh 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 Brian Hawley Appraisals is your best evidence. At Brian Hawley Appraisals, we're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

How can you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Brian Hawley Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is a very heartbreaking experience for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the home. Regardless of the circumstances, it's prudent to order an appraisal from Brian Hawley Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Brian Hawley AppraisalsSettling 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the maximum degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Lehigh County?

Moving due to a job change is a real pain. We know where you're coming from! That's why we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. With much different interests than 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 depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 an unnecessarily long time - because we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market.