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Reasons someone would hire Mark Lenard

Thousands of people in North Carolina purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. Many of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that might seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there other times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet there are.

For real estate appraisals in Ocean Isle Beach and Brunswick County, it's easiest when your order online from Mark Lenard, just click here.

Appeal your tax assessment in Brunswick County

It's likely 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 home, so if prices have gone down in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Mark Lenard is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

How can you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that many lenders ask buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Mark Lenard will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can often be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the house, and it can be a very heartbreaking ordeal for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Mark Lenard, regardless of the situation.

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

Accurate and fair estate liquidation with help from Mark LenardSettling an estate

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property 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).

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

Mark Lenard can assist you in relocating to or from Brunswick County

Employee relocation can be a stressful event. We know where you're coming from. We take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough process.

Let Mark Lenard help you sell your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are derived from our efforts to perform the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 stay on the market.