Benchmark Appraisal Center in Royal Palm Beach perform appraisals for diverse purposes

To many, an appraisal just looks like a line item on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more practical than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful.


	If you're planning on any transaction where the value of your real estate is a factor, just contact Benchmark Appraisal Center. Just click here.

Let Benchmark Appraisal Center help you challenge your tax assessment in Palm Beach County

If you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Benchmark Appraisal Center is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

How can you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra 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 home. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remaining balance 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 do away with the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Benchmark Appraisal Center can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can generally be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the property, and it can be a very traumatic event for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Benchmark Appraisal Center, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And 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 Benchmark Appraisal CenterSettling an estate

Losing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair 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 many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Palm Beach County?

We are familiar with the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Sell your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Benchmark Appraisal Center

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed 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 derived from our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses are on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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.