Need some help!!! I don't know what to do.

[Dominick Marschall]

Hello, 

I inherited a duplex last December. I am owner occupying this property, bottom unit is rented with a lease. I am trying to refinance into my name. Current mortgage is still in my family members name. This property was built in 1890. My family has owned this property since 1990. The duplex conversion was done well before 1990, but unsure of the exact date. The appraiser just came by today. She said that the city and county has my property listed as a single family, however there are separate electric meters, gas meters, addresses, etc. She is saying she cannot write an appraisal now because she cannot appraise as a duplex because its zoned for single family and she also cannot write an appraisal for a single family as she is aware it is being used as a duplex. Now the mortgage company is saying they cannot move forward because the appraisal cannot be done. I am currently in talks with the city zoning and planning department to figure out how to move forward, but i'm afraid i'm going to be opening a can of worms with talking to this department. I don't know what to do. 

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to move forward? Or how to get a mortgage into my name? Or should I just keep paying the current mortgage? Its been over a year and nothing from the current mortgage company. I did notify them of his passing and they now have the mortgage as 'the estate of 'name''. 

Has anyone experienced this? Any advise is much appreciated. 

Thanks,