Reasons someone would hire Brown and Associates

Thousands of people in Maryland purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. Most of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem more economical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course.

If you're planning on any transaction where the value of your real estate is a factor, you should contact Brown and Associates. Just click here.

Let Brown and Associates help you appeal your tax assessment in Baltimore County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your house, so if values have declined in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Brown and Associates is your best evidence. We're equipped to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

How can you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask home owners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Oftentimes, this extra payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Brown and Associates will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can often be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Brown and Associates will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the property, and it can be a particularly traumatic experience for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Brown and Associates 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 gotten a fair evaluation.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The loss of a loved one is a painful 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. We guarantee the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Baltimore County?

Employee relocation can be a real pain, and we understand. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Brown and Associates

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 are one the market.