Let Herbert Martin take care of your appraisal

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like another cost in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. And while there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that might seem more prudent than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Of course.


	For real estate appraisals in Westminster and Carroll County, it's easiest when your order online from Herbert Martin, just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Carroll County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if values have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Herbert Martin is your best evidence when building your case. At Herbert Martin, we're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Herbert Martin help you lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask homebuyers to purchase an extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Oftentimes, this additional payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Herbert Martin will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can often be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the property, and it can be a particularly heartbreaking occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Herbert Martin so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property.

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

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with help from Herbert MartinSettling an estate

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 guarantee 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 wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Carroll County?

We are familiar with the stress associated with an employee relocation. 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 remarks on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Don't sell out for too little or let your home stay 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 can help you make a better educated decision regarding 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 calculated on our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining 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 an unnecessarily long time - because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market.