Why you should order an appraisal from Benchmark Appraisal Services, Inc.

To many, an appraisal is simply another cost in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. Almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be cheaper than an appraisal. 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 might come in handy? You bet there are.


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Dispute your tax assessment in Lancaster 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. When building your case, an appraisal from Benchmark Appraisal Services, Inc. is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Getting rid of your PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, nearly all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase an supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Benchmark Appraisal Services, Inc. can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Benchmark Appraisal Services, Inc.

A divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the home, and it can be a particularly heartbreaking ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's prudent to order an appraisal from Benchmark Appraisal Services, Inc. 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 if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

Losing 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 highest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Benchmark Appraisal Services, Inc. assist you in relocating to or from Lancaster County

Employee relocation can be a real pain, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Let Benchmark Appraisal Services, Inc. help you sell your home quickly at the right price

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. The price we charge isn't related to the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 homes stay on the market.