Real estate or property taxes generally consist of two components - the local tax rate and the value of your property. The tax rate is set by the local authority (i.e town, village, or city) and is generally the same for everyone. The appraised value of your property reflects the opinion of a local assessor, which may be inaccurate. Whenever these factors do not align, you can file various Propert...
More >>
By in Reduce Your Taxes

Private mortgage insurance, also called PMI, is a type of mortgage insurance you might be required to pay for if you have a conventional loan. It is supplemental insurance that many lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned is more than 80% of the value of the home. Very often, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. T...
More >>
By in Reduce Your Taxes

An expert witness can play a vital role throughout the dispute resolution process, from investigating and analyzing the situation, to educating litigants, lawyers and juries regarding industry standards, to helping mediate settlements by offering their unbiased view of reality. Whatever their issue, the high-stakes in real estate problems often obscure the objectivity and ability of litigants t...
More >>
By in Legal Services

When you find that your home or commercial property has been damaged, it can be an incredibly stressful time for you, your family, or any affected employees. Navigating the insurance claims process can be very difficult and confusing without a professional to help you make sense of everything. Having a current appraisal valuation of your property can go a long way toward acquiring Professional ...
More >>
By in Legal Services

Typically for couples, the marital residence is the most expensive asset obtained during the marriage.  Whether you or your spouse wishes to retain the home after the divorce, it is important that a fair and accurate value is obtained for purposes of property division.  In this situation, an attorney will require an appraisal to settle divorce or estates for equitable distribution of property base...
More >>
By in Legal Services

If you ever get charged and arrested for a crime, a judge will set the bail / deposit for your case. If you can put the cost of the deposit together by yourself, you can go free until your trial date without complications. If you do not have the bail money, you will need to secure a bail bond (deposit). This means contacting a bondsman and paying a fee of roughly 10% of the cost of the bail. You w...
More >>
By in Legal Services

Although estate planning can be a complex task, a well-informed plan can make a big difference in what is left for your loved ones. Before you begin to take action on your estate plan, it's important to understand the key topics that may arise as you address your specific needs. You'll make the decisions, but your Expert appraiser can help you think through and understand the sometimes complex ...
More >>
By in Estate Planning

A probate case requires that the property of the deceased be evaluated, in order to determine the cash value of the property at the date of the death of the deceased. The probate court must know the total cash value of the property, prior to the distribution of the assets. Probate cases depend mainly on professional valuations to determine the cash value for "non-cash" assets, such as real esta...
More >>
By in Estate Planning

An estate refers to the possessions, property and debts left by an individual at death. In general, when an estate has value, it is subject to taxation, which may exist on the state or federal level and is often distinct from inheritance taxes. However, not all estates are subject to tax, and estate tax is subject to change each year depending on current tax laws. Generally speaking, the only indi...
More >>
By in Estate Planning

No one can be sure of what will happen to them in the next few years, next month or even in the next few minutes. That is why it is in every person's best interest to take advantage of estate planning and make sure that their assets and property are arranged and prepared in the event of their death. If you are thinking about your estate, but are not sure what measures you should take, or if you...
More >>
By in Estate Planning