There are lots of reasons the public calls on Andrew Morton

Year after year, thousands of people in South Carolina purchase, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. Almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal. You might believe that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful.


	For real estate appraisals in Surfside Beach and Horry County, it's easiest when your order online from Andrew Morton, just click here.

Let Andrew Morton help you challenge your tax assessment in Horry County

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if prices have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Andrew Morton is your best evidence. We're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that most lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Oftentimes, this extra payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. 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 do away with PMI, Andrew Morton can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually 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 difficult decision of who maintains the house, and it can be an especially traumatic experience for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's wise to get an appraisal from Andrew Morton so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house.

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

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

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

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Horry County?

Employee relocation can be a more than just an inconvenience, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive process.

Don't sell out for too little or keep your home on the market too long.

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. With much different interests than a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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.