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Showing posts from January, 2025

How to Eliminate Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) with a Professional Licensed Appraiser

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  Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is an added expense that many homeowners would prefer to avoid. Designed to protect lenders in case of default, PMI is typically required for borrowers who put down less than 20% on their home purchase. However, once you’ve built sufficient equity in your home, you may no longer need to pay this extra cost. A professional appraisal can provide the verification your lender requires to remove PMI from your mortgage. As a licensed appraiser serving New Jersey homeowners from Essex County to Gloucester County, I’m here to help you achieve that goal. What is PMI and Why Remove It? PMI is often added to monthly mortgage payments, and while it benefits the lender, it offers no financial advantage to you as the homeowner. The good news is that PMI isn’t permanent. Once your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio falls below 80%, you can request that your lender cancel the PMI requirement. Eliminating PMI can: Save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually. Re...

How to Challenge Your Property Tax Assessment with Confidence

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Property taxes are a significant expense for homeowners, and they’re based on your home’s assessed value. But what happens if your home’s assessed value doesn’t match the current market? You could be paying more than your fair share in property taxes. This is where a professional appraisal comes in. As a licensed appraiser serving New Jersey from Essex County to Gloucester County, I specialize in providing accurate valuations that can help you challenge your property tax assessment effectively. Why Your Tax Assessment Might Be Wrong Local tax authorities base your property taxes on an assessed value, which is often calculated using general market trends or outdated data. If property values in your area have decreased or if your home has unique features that were overlooked, your assessment might not reflect the true market value of your property. For example: If property values in your neighborhood have declined but your assessment hasn’t been updated, you’re likely overpaying. If your...

Why You Should Order an Appraisal from Tight & Right Real Estate Valuation

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  When it comes to real estate, an appraisal might seem like just another checkbox on the list of requirements for a home purchase or refinance. However, as a licensed real estate appraiser with years of experience in New Jersey, I can tell you firsthand that an appraisal is so much more than that. It’s a powerful tool that provides clarity, accuracy, and confidence in a wide range of situations. If you are searching for an appraiser near me in New Jersey, contact me, Cardwell Thaxton. As a licensed real estate appraiser with years of experience, I’ve assisted homeowners and property buyers from Essex County to Gloucester County with professional, reliable valuations tailored to their needs. Here are some key reasons why ordering an appraisal from Tight & Right Real Estate Valuation could be one of the smartest decisions you make: 1. Challenge Your Property Tax Assessment If you live in New Jersey, it’s possible that you’re paying too much in property taxes. Property taxes are...