Why Accurate Real Estate Appraisals Matter in the Chicagoland Market In a competitive market like Chicago, an accurate real estate appraisal isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or managing an estate, the appraisal serves as the foundation for informed decisions and fair transactions. What goes into producing an accurate real estate appraisal? … Read more
If you’re buying, selling, or investing in property across Chicago or its suburbs, understanding your property’s value is essential. From Evanston to Hinsdale, real estate valuation and advisory services help you make confident, informed decisions in one of the country’s most dynamic housing markets. Whether you’re navigating the historic brownstones of Oak Park or planning … Read more
If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home, you may be wondering: Is a property appraisal required? The answer depends on the situation, but in many cases, yes—a real estate appraisal is either required by lenders or strongly recommended to protect your investment. When an Appraisal Is Required When an Accurate Real Estate Appraisal May … Read more
Are you looking for property appraisals in the Chicago area or searching for “property appraisals near me”? Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or simply curious about your property’s value, understanding the appraisal process is key to making smart real estate decisions. Appraisals play a vital role in determining market value, especially in dynamic markets like … Read more
If you purchased a home in the Chicago area with less than 20% down, you’re likely paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). While PMI protects lenders, it’s an added monthly cost for homeowners—often several hundred dollars. The good news? A local real estate appraiser can help you remove PMI sooner by documenting increased equity in your … Read more
Intro: Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or resolving a legal matter, real estate property appraisals play a vital role in determining accurate home values. At Real Valuation Services, we’ve completed over 250,000 residential and commercial appraisals across the Chicagoland area—and we’ve seen just about every scenario. Here are five of the most common reasons our … Read more
As of May 2025, the Chicagoland housing market remains firmly in seller’s territory, with strong year-over-year price growth and tight inventory continuing to define local real estate conditions. Home Prices Continue to Rise According to Rocket Homes, the median home sale price in Chicago rose to $374,309 in April—up 7.1% compared to last year. This … Read more
A recent article on Realtor.com offers timely advice on how to approach pricing in today’s housing market. In the current selling season, setting the right price for your home is more important than ever—and overestimating its value based on gut instinct or minor upgrades can backfire quickly. In the greater Chicago area, the same rules … Read more
Divorce is never easy, and dividing property can be one of the most complex parts of the process. If you own a home or investment property in the Chicagoland area, you’ll likely need a professional appraisal to determine fair market value. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for a divorce appraisal and ensure … Read more
When a loved one passes away, managing their estate can feel overwhelming—especially when it involves real estate. One of the most common questions we hear at Real Valuation Services is: “Do I need a property appraisal for an estate?” The answer is often yes, and here’s why. 1. Determining Fair Market Value (FMV) at the … Read more