Why you should get an appraisalTo many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more cost-effective than an appraisal. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy. 
Challenge your tax assessment in Plymouth CountyIt's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from John Donahue & Associates is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that many lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Most often, this added payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. John Donahue & Associates will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the home valuation can usually be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from John Donahue & Associates today Order todaySettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the house, and it can be an especially daunting occurrence for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from John Donahue & Associates so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they need 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 evaluation. Fair and accurate estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion. 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 worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Relocate to or from Plymouth County for workWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Close on your home promptly — at the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide what improvements will add value and what an appropriate 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 houses are one the market. 
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