What Real Estate Valuation Services Really Include (And Why It Matters) When people hear the phrase real estate valuation services, many assume it’s just another word for a home appraisal. In reality, professional valuation services involve much more than assigning a single number to a property. They combine market data, physical analysis, and standardized methodologies … Read more
Rising Equity in Chicago: How a 2025 Appraisal Could Help You Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) If you bought a home in Chicago with less than 20% down, there’s a good chance you’re still paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) every month. What many homeowners don’t realize is that rising home values across the Chicago area … Read more
Evanston Housing Update: What’s Really Driving Property Values and Home Appraisals? Subtitle for This Block Text for This Block Evanston has always stood apart from many Chicago-area suburbs. With a blend of historic homes, lakefront properties, and a strong local economy anchored by Northwestern University, the city offers a level of stability that appeals to … Read more
How Redfin’s 2026 Housing Forecast Could Be Good News for Appraisal Companies in Chicago Redfin recently released its big 2026 housing outlook — calling the upcoming year “The Great Housing Reset.” Instead of another roller-coaster year, Redfin expects something most buyers, sellers, and real-estate pros have been craving: a slow, steady return to normal. Source: … Read more
Neighborhood Spotlight: Lincoln Park’s Evolving Property Values Lincoln Park continues to stand out as one of Chicago’s most dynamic real estate markets, blending historic architecture, walkable streets, and strong buyer demand. With shifting interest rates and changing buyer priorities, lincoln park home appraisals are reflecting a neighborhood that remains resilient—even as the broader Chicago market … Read more
How Chicago’s Housing Market Compares to the Rest of the U.S. Last week, we looked at how Chicago’s housing market is holding its own in a pretty strange national environment. This week, let’s zoom out. A lot of U.S. metros are going through real shifts, while Chicago keeps moving along at a steadier pace. That … Read more
October Housing Costs in Chicago: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know Now Chicago’s housing market kept its steady, slightly cooling pace through October — but the story is more nuanced than a simple “up or down” headline. For homeowners thinking about listing, and for buyers trying to read the market, understanding how the city’s … Read more
Valuation Appraisals: Home Upgrades That Increase Your Sale Price When you’re preparing a home for sale, one of the key factors that sellers and appraisers alike consider is the condition and appeal of the property from the perspective of a valuation appraisal. By making targeted upgrades, you can help your home stand out in comps, … Read more
What Appraisers Actually Look for During a Home Appraisal When you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home, one of the biggest questions is: what exactly does an appraiser look for? Understanding this can help you prepare your property for a home appraisal, before the appraiser ever steps inside. At Real Valuation Services (RVS), our certified … Read more
The 5 Most Common Reasons a Home Appraisal Comes In Low — and What You Can Do About It Few things are more frustrating for homebuyers and sellers than a low home appraisal. In today’s competitive Chicago housing market, even a small gap between the appraised value and the agreed-upon purchase price can put a … Read more