Reasons to choose an appraisal from Top Dog Appraisals

Year after year, thousands of people in Pennsylvania buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there other cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Absolutely.

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Contest your tax assessment in Mercer County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past 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. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Top Dog Appraisals, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Additional information may be obtained at www.mercercountypa.gov/tax/assessment/default.htm

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Settle a divorce with fewer hang-ups

A divorce can be a very traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the house. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Top Dog Appraisals, 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 evaluation.

Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Sell your home promptly — at an accurate price

Whether you choose 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 when determining your selling price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking 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 properties are one the market.

Let Top Dog Appraisals help you sell your home quickly at the right price