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
Why September Home Sales Matter for a House Appraisal in Chicago If you’re preparing a home purchase and house appraisal in Chicago, recent September housing data offers valuable context on what your property may be worth today. Appraisals are tied closely to market conditions — and the latest numbers from the Illinois REALTORS® show a … Read more
When Can You Appeal Property Taxes in Illinois? For Illinois homeowners, property taxes can be one of the largest annual expenses. If you believe your property has been over-assessed, you may be wondering: when can you appeal property taxes in Illinois? The answer depends on your county’s specific deadlines, but in general, Illinois allows taxpayers … Read more
Valuing Real Estate When Refinancing a Home Loan When homeowners consider refinancing their mortgage, one of the most important steps in the process is valuing real estate accurately. The property’s appraised value plays a direct role in determining whether a refinance makes sense, what loan terms you may qualify for, and how much equity you … Read more
How Long are Property Appraisals Valid in Chicago? When buying, selling, or refinancing a home in Chicago, one of the most common questions homeowners and buyers ask is: How long is my property appraisal valid? The answer isn’t always straightforward, but generally, a property appraisal is considered valid for 90 days. However, depending on the lender, loan type, … Read more
What Services Are Included in a Standard Home Appraisal Package? When buying, selling, or refinancing a property, one of the most important steps is getting a home appraisal. But what exactly does a standard appraisal package include, and what can homeowners in the Chicago marketplace expect? Core Services in a Home Appraisal A typical home … Read more
Why You Need Estate Valuation Services: Legal and Practical Reasons When it comes to handling the financial affairs of an estate, accuracy is not just helpful—it’s legally required. Whether you are managing the estate of a loved one, planning your own legacy, or dealing with inheritance tax matters, estate valuation services provide the professional expertise … Read more
Can a High Appraisal Eliminate PMI in Chicago? If you’re a homeowner in Chicago or its surrounding suburbs, you may be wondering: can a high appraisal eliminate PMI? The answer is yes — in many cases, a strong home appraisal can be the key to removing private mortgage insurance (PMI) and lowering your monthly payments. … Read more
What July’s Chicago Home Sales Tell Us About Real Estate Valuation and Advisory Services Summer is often one of the busiest times for Chicagoland real estate, with buyers eager to move before school starts and sellers aiming to catch the season’s peak demand. July 2025 was no exception—bringing a mix of strong prices, quick sales, … Read more