Mark Baker Appraisals in Saint Cloud are hired for numerous clients

To many, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that might seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial.

When you're planning on any transaction where the likely sales price of your real estate is of importance, contact Mark Baker Appraisals. Just click here

Appeal your tax assessment in Osceola County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your real estate, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Mark Baker Appraisals is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

Mark Baker Appraisals can help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that almost all lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Most often, this additional payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Mark Baker Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can generally be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Mark Baker Appraisals will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the house, and it can be a very traumatic occurrence for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Mark Baker Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

Losing a loved one is a difficult 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 do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike wealthy 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 essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Mark Baker Appraisals can help you with relocating to or from Osceola County

We are familiar with the headaches involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed process.

Let Mark Baker Appraisals help you sell your home quickly at the right 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 regarding your selling price. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long properties are on the market. So, 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.
Search Foreclosures

Today's Rates

Mtg Loan Rate APR
30-yr Fixed 4.55% 4.7%
15-yr Fixed 4.01% 4.22%
1-yr Adj 2.76% 3.42%
* national averages