Appraisal Waivers for Refinancing: When Illinois Homeowners Can Skip the Appraisal
September 17, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
Some Illinois refinances can skip a traditional appraisal through a lender-decided alternative program. Options include Fannie Mae's Value...
Cash-Out Refinance Appraisals in Illinois: How Value Determines How Much You Can Borrow
September 17, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
Appraised value is the key input a lender uses to calculate how much a Central Illinois homeowner can borrow in a cash-out refinance. The...
Home Appraisal for Refinancing in Central Illinois: What Lenders Require and How to Prepare
September 17, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
When a Central Illinois lender requires a full refinance appraisal, a licensed appraiser inspects the property, verifies square footage and...
Illinois Equalization Factor Explained: How It Affects Your Property’s Assessed and Appraised Value
July 15, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
The Illinois equalization factor is a state-issued multiplier applied to every county's assessed values to bring them to the statutory 33.33% level...
How to Use an Independent Appraisal to Challenge Your Champaign County Property Tax Assessment
July 15, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
A licensed appraisal is the most effective instrument a Champaign County homeowner can submit to the Board of Review to reduce an incorrect property...
Why Your Illinois Tax Assessment Is Not Your Home’s Market Value — And Why It Matters
July 15, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
Illinois tax assessed value and market value are two separate figures calculated by two separate processes, and confusing them costs homeowners...
Heir Disputes and Property Appraisals: How a Certified Illinois Appraiser Protects All Parties
June 16, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
A certified Illinois appraiser protects all parties in an heir dispute by producing an independent, USPAP-compliant fair market value determination...
Illinois Probate Inventory Requirements: How Appraisals Satisfy Court Standards
June 16, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
Illinois probate courts require executors to file a verified inventory that includes the fair market value of every estate asset as of the date of...
Date-of-Death Property Valuation in Illinois: What Executors Need to Know and When to Order It
June 16, 2026 Mark Whitsitt
A date-of-death valuation in Illinois is a licensed appraiser's written determination of a property's fair market value as of the exact day the...
