Why Get an Appraisal

Listing Appraisals

You don’t want to sell out short or let your home stay on the market too long.  Even if you are working with the most experienced agent, it is in your best interest to also have an “objective” third-party’s opinion of value before signing the listing agreement.  A professional appraisal can help you make an educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent.

So many people are blown away when they find out that the market value of their house is a lot more than they expected.  There are also plenty of sellers who think their home is worth much more than it really is.  An appraisal helps you decide on a realistic price for your home in order for it to sell.  An overpriced property will not attract potential buyers, which means you squander valuable time and money.  And you lose money on an underpriced home; money you could have used to purchase a larger or upgraded home with.  So seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and marketability to your property.

Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is a big decision which involves multiple factors. One of the most important aspects in buying a home is what you are paying for it. While almost all lenders require an appraisal if they are making a loan on the property, some will ask if you want a hybrid or Bifurcated appraisal.  These products DO NOT protect you from overpriced inventory!  They are quick, cheap, products created by an algorithm feed information benefiting the lenders lending practice.  Any algorithm can be manipulated as they are data based.  So remember, real estate agents and lenders all have an interest in the sales price.  The higher the price, the more money they make.  So if you want peace of mind in knowing you are not paying too much, demand a full appraisal completed by a local licensed or "certified" residential real estate appraiser!

Nowadays the lender picks the appraiser from their own appraiser panel, or from a third party appraisal management company. However, you are paying cash for a home, what better way to ensure that you are not over-paying than by ordering a home appraisal from B.N. Appraisals, Inc.  We are the expert throughout the North Beach and the surrounding areas when it comes to appraising real estate.  

Estate Settlement

The death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling the estate for probate and/or the IRS often calls for an appraisal to establish Market Value for the property involved.  These are typically required as of the date of death.  B.N. Appraisals, Inc. ensures the fullest degree of discretion, and I am bound to  confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Many Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues.  A home often makes up a large, disproportionate share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate is of the utmost importance to ensure disputing parties leave knowing they’ve received a fair and honest settlement.

For estate executors, settling an estate is often stressful, but a very important job.  As a executor, you’ve been given the responsibility to carry out the wishes of the departed as swiftly and respectfully as possible.  You can count on B.N. Appraisals, Inc. to respond expeditiously and with as much respect to the feelings of everyone in bereavement.

I have made it my company’s goal to producing the best estate appraisals.  Appraisals that attorneys, accountants, and the IRS have come to depend on.  I cater to the specific needs of each client throughout the appraisal process.  Having a professional appraisal report from B.N. Appraisals, Inc. gives the executor undeniable facts and figures.  It assures peace of mind to everyone concerned because I assure you that I will stand behind the report if it is ever refuted.

Divorce settlement

A divorce can be a heartbreaking ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the challenging decision of who keeps the property.

When the reason for an appraisal is the division of assets, it should include a well-established, professional report that will hold up to judge and jury.  B.N. Appraisals, Inc. pledges to give you the very best in service with courtesy and well-supported conclusions.  We understand how to handle the delicate needs of a divorce situation.  If the parties want to sell the home, they’ll have a much better idea of the listing price for the home.  And if a “buyout” is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they’ve gotten a fair evaluation.

For legal professionals dealing with a divorce, your case’s material facts customarily require an appraisal to establish market value for the residential real estate involved.  A lot of the time the divorce date differs from the date you ordered the appraisal.  We’re accustomed to the procedures and what is essential to perform a retrospective appraisal with an effective date and Market Value opinion corresponding to the date of divorce.  For each divorce appraisal we are hired to do, we remain cognizant of the fact that they need to be handled with total professionalism.  The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) contains an ethics provision which means the highest amount of confidentiality, resulting in the utmost discretion.  It’s a good idea to order an appraisal from B.N. Appraisals, Inc. to ensure both parties are fully aware of the true market value of the property, regardless of the circumstances.

dispute your tax assessment

Sometimes, as a property owner, you get an unwanted surprise in the mail telling you your taxes are going up, and sometimes it may seem as though your tax assessment is too high.  When building your case, a consultation completed by a real estate appraiser is your best evidence.  At B.N. Appraisals, Inc., we can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.