There are lots of reasons people call on Hartsgrove Appraisal Services

Every year, thousands of people in Maine buy, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more practical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Of course there are.

For real estate appraisals in Patten and Penobscot County, it's easiest when your order online from Hartsgrove Appraisal Services, just click here.

Let Hartsgrove Appraisal Services help you appeal your tax assessment in Penobscot County

If you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Hartsgrove Appraisal Services is your best evidence. At Hartsgrove Appraisal Services, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let Hartsgrove Appraisal Services assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Most often, this added payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Hartsgrove Appraisal Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the property, and it can be a very traumatic event for both parties. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Hartsgrove Appraisal Services, regardless of the situation.

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

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

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

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues. A home or other property often makes up an unequal 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 walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Hartsgrove Appraisal Services assist you in relocating to or from Penobscot County

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Sell your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Hartsgrove Appraisal Services

Whether you choose 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 regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses are on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted 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.