Reasons someone would hire Christopher Mirra

To many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. While there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may appear cheaper than an appraisal, almost all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there more situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Of course there are.


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Let Christopher Mirra help you appeal your tax assessment in Columbia County

If you live in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Christopher Mirra is your best evidence when building your case. At Christopher Mirra, we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

Let Christopher Mirra help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that most lenders ask buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This extra payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved 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 eliminate PMI, Christopher Mirra will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Christopher Mirra

A divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the property, and it can be an especially traumatic ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Christopher Mirra so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation.

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

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Christopher MirraSettling an estate

The loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. We guarantee the highest 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 handle these affairs. 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 essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Let Christopher Mirra assist you in relocating to or from Columbia County

We are aware of the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed process.

Don't sell out for too little or keep your home on the market too long.

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. With much different interests than a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We examine 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, seeking 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 for an extended amount of time.