There are lots of reasons people call on Germano & Company, Inc.

To many, an appraisal is simply another fee on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. While there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may appear to be more economical than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? You bet there are.


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Let Germano & Company, Inc. help you challenge your tax assessment in Norfolk City County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Germano & Company, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Germano & Company, Inc. can help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Most often, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to dismiss 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, Germano & Company, Inc. can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Germano & Company, Inc. will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the house, and it can be an especially heartbreaking event for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Germano & Company, Inc. so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances.

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

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a hard 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, guaranteeing the maximum degree of discretion.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding 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.

Relocating to or from Norfolk City County

We know the headaches involved with an employee relocation. 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, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough process.

Let Germano & Company, Inc. help you sell your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. The price we charge isn't contingent upon the value we come up with, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining 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 properties stay on the market.