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
Why Chicago Was Named the #1 Big City Again — and What It Means for Chicago Home Values For the ninth year in a row, Chicago has been named the No. 1 Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler in its 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Over 757,000 readers voted—and once again, the … 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
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
Refinancing Resurgence: The Strategic Role of Home Equity Valuation Services After several years of elevated borrowing costs, mortgage rates are beginning to ease, sparking renewed interest in refinancing. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, overall mortgage applications jumped nearly 11% last week, while refinancing activity surged 23% as homeowners moved quickly to capitalize on lower … 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
