4.7 
12 Brian was great. I had a rush job for a new plat of survey and he was able to make it happen. Inclement weather was an issue, but he kept me informed through those days and was at my property just as soon as the weather allowed; from there, his work was quick, efficient, and professional,...
Premier Land SurveyingOverall the home inspection went great! Mike was very professional and thorough. He was very personable and polite. He explained everthing in a manner that could be understood by everybody in the room. He showed us exactly what he was doing and what he was checking for. Mike was very...
Waste of money. Horrible. Did not get report when promised. I followed up close to deadline for my property tax protest and he sent it to the correct e-mail address. He appraised my home for $170k, not knowing that it was appraised for $90k three years ago and that is what the state required...
The initial installation service was satisfactory, yet the follow-up to the quality of the product only a year later (through normal and reasonable use) has been highly unsatisfactory to a point that we do not recommend using Freeman for your needs and strongly urge you to contract another...
Kyle Egan was on time for the appointment and had a very professional manner. I delayed the project because I didn't have the plat drawings that he wanted. He was still able to survey the property and listen to our ideas. Onsite meeting went well with no problems. However, I sent the plat...
A-1 CONTRACTORS INCWe contracted CertraPro, Burr Ridge, IL Office. My husband have renovated a number of properties (together and individually). This was the worst experience with a contractor ever. The date for the job got pushed back, they were late arriving and we learn't that while we expected two...
CertaPro Painters® of Clarendon Hills
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.
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.
"Hired to do valuation of a manufactured home - not on land. Gave appraisal comparison properties included land. therefore not an accurate valuation. Thought salesperson understood nuance. "
Melissa P on October 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.
"Hired to do valuation of a manufactured home - not on land. Gave appraisal comparison properties included land. therefore not an accurate valuation. Thought salesperson understood nuance. "
Melissa P on October 2025
Investigation, corporate level analytical reporting, consumer reporting, strategic marketing, pilot programs designed to meet your company individual needs.
Investigation, corporate level analytical reporting, consumer reporting, strategic marketing, pilot programs designed to meet your company individual needs.
Mike Murgatroy has 24 years of lending experience and is an Angi Super Service Award recipient 2012-2022. Mike is also ranked in the top 1% mortgage originators in the United States. With integrity at the core of his values, you can rest assured that Mike Murgatroy will give you informed detailed mortgage advice, the same he would recommend to his own family. We pride ourselves on having a transparent process which we will walk you through every step of the way. Start your application process today by visiting themurgteam.com and find out why so many others continue to bring their business to Mike Murgatroy. NMLS ID# 60099; http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
"It went great again. I am a repeat customer. They are professional, organized, and they perform like a well oiled machine. From the application process to the closing A+++++++ They do what they say they are going to do in a timely manner. I cannot say enough about this team. Thank you for another great experience Michael, Peter, Monica, and Connie."
Joseph V on March 2022
Mike Murgatroy has 24 years of lending experience and is an Angi Super Service Award recipient 2012-2022. Mike is also ranked in the top 1% mortgage originators in the United States. With integrity at the core of his values, you can rest assured that Mike Murgatroy will give you informed detailed mortgage advice, the same he would recommend to his own family. We pride ourselves on having a transparent process which we will walk you through every step of the way. Start your application process today by visiting themurgteam.com and find out why so many others continue to bring their business to Mike Murgatroy. NMLS ID# 60099; http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
"It went great again. I am a repeat customer. They are professional, organized, and they perform like a well oiled machine. From the application process to the closing A+++++++ They do what they say they are going to do in a timely manner. I cannot say enough about this team. Thank you for another great experience Michael, Peter, Monica, and Connie."
Joseph V on March 2022
An appraisal is an opinion of value, so anything that is expected to boost your home value is likely to work in your favor when it comes to the appraisal. Things like improving your curb appeal, painting, refinishing floors, and taking care of minor repairs are all good investments prior to ordering an appraisal. It’s also a good idea to clear out any clutter and complete a deep clean beforehand to show your property in the best light possible.
Appraisals aren’t required by law to complete a real estate transaction, but it’s unlikely that a lender will allow a buyer to close on a property without an appraisal, so, effectively, they are usually required. Your mortgage lender uses the property as collateral for your loan, and the appraisal is what the lender will base the mortgage on to confirm the value is there to justify their investment.
The average cost of a property appraisal is around $355, but different appraisers in your area could charge anywhere from $250 to $500. Appraisals for larger properties will often cost more, as will valuations for older properties. Appraisers will use homes in the surrounding area to help determine a valuation as well, so if your home doesn’t conform to the neighborhood standards, the valuation will require more work and will likely cost more.
A licensed appraiser is the only individual that can carry out a property appraisal. You should always check to ensure an appraiser you’re considering has the proper licensing from your state. Additionally, since an appraisal is meant to be an unbiased opinion of a property’s value, you should confirm that the appraiser doesn’t have ties to any other party in the sale of the property.
Anyone can hire a property appraiser to confirm the inherent value of a property, but the buyer or buyer’s lender will usually choose the appraiser and pay the individual for their opinion. It’s also not uncommon for the seller’s side in a real estate transaction to hire an appraiser in order to justify an asking price or negotiate a higher selling price.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Home appraisals typically expire in just a few months. Learn how long an appraisal is good for and what factors affect its longevity.
Wondering how to improve the appraisal value of your home? Use these tips to maximize return on investment and boost your property value before you sell.
Confused by the terms involved in a real estate transaction? Learn about the differences between appraised value and market value to clear things up.
Understanding how appraisers determine the value of a house can help guide pre-sale renovations or offer negotiation as a buyer or a seller.
Waiting for an appraisal on a home you’re buying or selling? Learn how long an appraisal takes and factors that can affect your timeline.
If you’re buying or selling a plot of land, you should know what a land appraisal is, how it works, and what factors can influence your land value.
