Reasons to get an appraisal from Ken Chen

To a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. And while there are an increasing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem less expensive than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is getting a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there additional situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet there are.


	If you're planning on any transaction where the value of your property is a factor, just contact Ken Chen. Just click here.

Let Ken Chen help you appeal your tax assessment in Los Angeles County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Ken Chen is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask homebuyers to take out an supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Ken Chen can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the home valuation can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is a very daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the house. Regardless of the circumstances, it is prudent to order an appraisal from Ken Chen so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Ken Chen - Settling an estate

The death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the utmost 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 don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Ken Chen help you with relocating to or from Los Angeles County

We are aware of the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Sell your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Ken Chen

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine 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 a suitable 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 houses are one the market.