W. Eric Howard & Associates in Severn are hired for diverse reasons

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like a line item on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. And while there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that might seem cheaper than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful.


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Dispute your tax assessment in Anne Arundel County

If you live in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from W. Eric Howard & Associates is your best evidence when building your case. At W. Eric Howard & Associates, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

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

When the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, nearly all lenders ask homeowners to take out an supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI becomes unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

W. Eric Howard & Associates can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from W. Eric Howard & Associates will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the home, and it can be a very heartbreaking ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from W. Eric Howard & Associates so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property.

The parties will have a better idea 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.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation with W. Eric Howard & AssociatesSettling an estate

Losing 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 residential property 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).

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. 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 received an honest deal.

Let W. Eric Howard & Associates assist you in relocating to or from Anne Arundel County

We are aware of the stress involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough process.

Let W. Eric Howard & Associates assist you in 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 choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value we come up with, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we determine 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, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 for an extended amount of time.