Let JSM Appraisal Services take care of your appraisal

Each year, thousands of people in New York buy, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? You bet.


	When you're planning on any transaction where the likely sales price of your real estate is of importance, contact JSM Appraisal Services. Just click here

Appeal your tax assessment in Rensselaer County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from JSM Appraisal Services is your best evidence. At JSM Appraisal Services,we can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let JSM Appraisal Services help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that most lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, JSM Appraisal Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from JSM Appraisal Services

A divorce is an especially traumatic experience for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the property. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from JSM Appraisal Services so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

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 received a fair assessment.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

Losing a loved one is a difficult 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the maximum degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Rensselaer County?

Employee relocation is a more than just an inconvenience. We know where you're coming from. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive process.

Let JSM Appraisal Services assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 an unnecessarily long time - because we're experts in knowing how long homes are one the market.