Locally owned and operated real estate appraisal firm serving central and northeastern Illinois. We are experienced with all types of residential appraisals including single family units, 2-4 unit income properties, condominium, land appraisals, pre-listings, estate appraisals, bankruptcy and assessor related services, and more. Our priority is a high quality appraisal delivered in a quick turn around. Please call for availability outside of listed business hours.
Locally owned and operated real estate appraisal firm serving central and northeastern Illinois. We are experienced with all types of residential appraisals including single family units, 2-4 unit income properties, condominium, land appraisals, pre-listings, estate appraisals, bankruptcy and assessor related services, and more. Our priority is a high quality appraisal delivered in a quick turn around. Please call for availability outside of listed business hours.
Stapleton Appraisals is an owner operated appraisal company based out of Illinois. I have been a real estate appraiser for the past 30 years. This includes considerable experience in single family homes, condominiums and small apartment buildings. I am currently certified through the State of Illinois. Please contact me for your appraisal on your home, condo, townhome or small apartment building. Cell: 708-977-2521 E-Mail: mstapleton1@comcast.net
"Stapleton Appraisals (Mark Stapleton) inspected my property at 1248 Boeger on Monday and today Thursday he still has not done the appraisal report and informs me that he I would not have the report until next week because he is going away for the holiday weekend. Totally not acceptable! I want my $300. Refunded!"
James N H on October 2023
Stapleton Appraisals is an owner operated appraisal company based out of Illinois. I have been a real estate appraiser for the past 30 years. This includes considerable experience in single family homes, condominiums and small apartment buildings. I am currently certified through the State of Illinois. Please contact me for your appraisal on your home, condo, townhome or small apartment building. Cell: 708-977-2521 E-Mail: mstapleton1@comcast.net
"Stapleton Appraisals (Mark Stapleton) inspected my property at 1248 Boeger on Monday and today Thursday he still has not done the appraisal report and informs me that he I would not have the report until next week because he is going away for the holiday weekend. Totally not acceptable! I want my $300. Refunded!"
James N H on October 2023
MJ/Johnson Appraisals is a fully licensed residential up to four units professional Real Estate appraisal company offering superior residential service. We provide fast and reliable service and take pride in the work we do.
"Came out to our house right away and did a thorough assessment"
Megan O on June 2025
MJ/Johnson Appraisals is a fully licensed residential up to four units professional Real Estate appraisal company offering superior residential service. We provide fast and reliable service and take pride in the work we do.
"Came out to our house right away and did a thorough assessment"
Megan O on June 2025
Kephart Appraisal Service, Inc., has over 55 years of combined experience, providing accurate appraisals for homeowners, attorneys, investors and more. Kephart Appraisal Service, Inc., is on the HUD approved list for both Wisconsin and Illinois.
"Steve Kephart was very professional and thorough. I would absolutely hire him again!"
Diana N on March 2025
Kephart Appraisal Service, Inc., has over 55 years of combined experience, providing accurate appraisals for homeowners, attorneys, investors and more. Kephart Appraisal Service, Inc., is on the HUD approved list for both Wisconsin and Illinois.
"Steve Kephart was very professional and thorough. I would absolutely hire him again!"
Diana N on March 2025
For over 30 years, Hafner Appraisals has been committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of the Chicagoland area, combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Please give us a call today to discuss which product is right for you.
"Very thorough and detailed report"
Dev D on October 2023
For over 30 years, Hafner Appraisals has been committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of the Chicagoland area, combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Please give us a call today to discuss which product is right for you.
"Very thorough and detailed report"
Dev D on October 2023
Welcome to the future of real estate valuation solutions with Akrivis. We combine innovation and evolving technology with our exclusive network of photography contractors to deliver accurate real estate valuations in less than five days. No stress, no fuss, just fast and reliable property values.
"Appraisal was paid for and ordered 13 days before agreed upon report completetion of 5/14 but we did not receive the report until days after on 5/20. "
Kove L on June 2025
Welcome to the future of real estate valuation solutions with Akrivis. We combine innovation and evolving technology with our exclusive network of photography contractors to deliver accurate real estate valuations in less than five days. No stress, no fuss, just fast and reliable property values.
"Appraisal was paid for and ordered 13 days before agreed upon report completetion of 5/14 but we did not receive the report until days after on 5/20. "
Kove L on June 2025
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Very friendly and professional I highly recommend CHRIS !!!"
Ray R on May 2018
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Very friendly and professional I highly recommend CHRIS !!!"
Ray R on May 2018
You know your property and its unique characteristics. Hire a professional who recognizes the features and qualities that others may have missed. Hire an experienced and certified real estate appraiser today!
"Great"
Nusrat D on November 2023
You know your property and its unique characteristics. Hire a professional who recognizes the features and qualities that others may have missed. Hire an experienced and certified real estate appraiser today!
"Great"
Nusrat D on November 2023
Excellence in every estimate! Over 11 years of quality valuations with precision in mind and the forefront of our focus in providing a accurate and timely appraisal.
Excellence in every estimate! Over 11 years of quality valuations with precision in mind and the forefront of our focus in providing a accurate and timely appraisal.
Legend of Time offers a prestigious collection of fine watches. Cartier, Panerai, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breguet, Tag Heuer, Chopard, Jaeger-LeCoultre and many other fine timepieces. If it's not in our inventory we will find it! Sell and Procure. Service and Repair. Trade and Buy.
Legend of Time offers a prestigious collection of fine watches. Cartier, Panerai, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breguet, Tag Heuer, Chopard, Jaeger-LeCoultre and many other fine timepieces. If it's not in our inventory we will find it! Sell and Procure. Service and Repair. Trade and Buy.
The appraisal timeline begins with scheduling, which may take three to five days, depending on local appraiser availability. The on-site evaluation requires one to three hours based on property size and complexity. Following the inspection, appraisers need two to five days for research, analysis, and report preparation. The entire process takes seven to 10 days, though complex properties or government-backed loans may extend this timeframe.
The value of home appraisals extends beyond their immediate expense. They protect buyers from overpaying and help lenders ensure appropriate loan amounts. By providing independent market value verification, home appraisals help prevent potential financial missteps in major property transactions. This protection justifies the upfront cost for most real estate scenarios.
Home appraisers evaluate numerous property elements, including square footage, floor plan functionality, overall condition, and specific features. They document improvements, necessary repairs, and distinctive amenities. These observations are compared against similar properties recently sold in the neighborhood. Appraisers also consider location factors, current market conditions, and relevant zoning or property restrictions.
Yes, home appraisal fees are collected before the final closing. Since lenders require completed home appraisal reports before finalizing loan approvals, this cost occurs earlier in the transaction process. While buyers usually cover this expense, payment methods vary—some pay directly to the appraiser while others include it in closing costs.
Some property owners successfully use recent appraisals when challenging tax assessments. However, tax-assessed values often differ from market valuations. The appeal process involves submitting your appraisal as evidence that the tax authority's valuation exceeds actual market value. Success rates vary by jurisdiction, and the process may require patience and persistence.
From the buyer's perspective, appraisals verify they aren't overpaying for a property. Lenders won't approve financing that exceeds appraised value, potentially requiring buyers to renegotiate or contribute additional cash. Appraisal findings can also inform future improvement planning and investment decisions.
For sellers, preparation makes a difference. Clean, well-maintained properties present better during appraisal evaluations. Some sellers obtain pre-listing appraisals to establish appropriate asking prices, though most rely on the buyer's lender-ordered appraisal during the transaction process.