BANKRUPTCY APPRAISALS · NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Know Your Home's Value Before You File.
Accurate residential appraisals for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 proceedings. Get the number that protects your homestead exemption and moves your case forward.
State-Certified Appraiser
Residential Appraiser
Court-Accepted Reports
USPAP compliant
BBB A+ Accredited
Accredited Business
Northern Illinois Expert
Western Division familiar
When You Need a Bankruptcy Appraisal
Every situation is different. Here are the most common reasons clients come to us.
What Makes a Bankruptcy Appraisal Different
Filing for bankruptcy protection is one of the hardest financial decisions a person makes. You are trying to protect what is left, get a fair process, and start over. The last thing you need is an appraisal that gets challenged, delayed, or rejected by the court.
Here is what most people do not realize: an inaccurate home valuation in bankruptcy does not just cause paperwork problems. It can cost you your home.
If your home is appraised too high, the trustee may see nonexempt equity where none actually exists. That equity becomes a target. In a Chapter 7 case, the trustee can force a sale to pay creditors the difference. In a Chapter 13 case, your repayment plan gets built on a number that was wrong from the start, and you pay for it every month for years.
Illinois raised its homestead exemption on January 1, 2026. Single filers can now protect up to $50,000 in home equity. Married couples filing jointly can protect up to $100,000. That is up from $15,000 and $30,000 respectively (P.A. 104-120, amending 735 ILCS 5/12-901). The exemption tripled. For many Northern Illinois homeowners, a home that would have had exposed equity under the old law is now fully protected.
But that protection only applies if the equity is documented accurately. Zillow estimates and tax assessments are not accepted by courts and trustees as evidence of value. A USPAP-compliant appraisal by a state-certified appraiser is the standard. Period.
VanEtten Appraisal performs bankruptcy appraisals for all three audiences who need them: individuals protecting their homes, attorneys who need a defensible number for the schedule, and trustees who need an independent valuation they can rely on. We understand the Northern District of Illinois Western Division courts. We know what the Rockford trustee panel expects. We perform retrospective appraisals valued as of the petition filing date when required by your attorney.
The number we give you is not just a number. It is the foundation of your case.
Who We Work With
Bankruptcy Attorneys
Attorneys handling Chapter 7 and 13 filings throughout the Northern District of Illinois. We know your deadlines, we format for court, and we pick up the phone.
Chapter 7 and 13 Filers
Homeowners going through bankruptcy who need to know their equity before the trustee does. No judgment. Just an accurate, defensible number that works for you.
Court-Appointed Trustees
Panel trustees in the Western Division who need an independent valuation they can rely on. State-certified, USPAP-compliant, and familiar with Northern Illinois markets.
Financial Advisors
Advisors counseling clients through debt restructuring who need an objective property value to guide the decision between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
How It Works
Simple, straightforward, and faster than you expect.
Attorney or Filer Contacts Us
Your attorney reaches out, or you do. We discuss the effective date the court requires (usually the petition filing date), any case-specific requirements, and your timeline. Rush scheduling available for deadline-sensitive filings. Call (779) 207-6523 or use the form below.
We Inspect With Exemption-Aware Analysis
We schedule and complete the on-site property inspection. Our analysis accounts for the current Illinois homestead exemption thresholds and, when required, values the property as of a past effective date using historical MLS data and archived comparable sales. We know what the court needs to see.
Receive Your Court-Ready Report
A USPAP-compliant appraisal report delivered to you and your attorney, formatted to meet the standards of the Northern District of Illinois. Ready for the trustee's review, the schedule of assets, or plan confirmation. Turnaround: typically within 5 to 7 business days of the inspection.
“Trustworthy, honest, and brings a “calm” to what can sometimes feel like a stressful process. I am grateful for Scott's expertise and guidance! Highly recommend.”
The Chief | Google Review
“Working with Scott it was a great experience really nice, friendly, He came really quick, and I have My result the next day, He explained to me everything so clear in terms I could understand, I'm happy about it, thank you so much and I highly recommend it; No with the 5 star review, I would like to put 20 star review Thank you so much.”
Juan Ramos | Google Review
“The "VA" team has gone above and beyond to accommodate my property appraisal with our very busy work, family, and sports/coaching lifestyle, and for that, we are truly grateful. The professionalism, attention to detail have not gone unnoticed, and it is clear that you truly care about providing the best possible services to your customers.”
TONĒ SHIRLEY | Google Review
“Outstanding Service! I highly recommend VanEtten Appraisal Service. Scott was absolutely excellent! He was extremely knowledgeable, thorough and took the time to understand the property. He was very responsive, great turnaround time on getting the report and available for questions. An absolute pleasure to deal with and would use them again in a heart beat!!!!”
Silvana Tosic | Google Review
“VanEtten Appraisal Service is the only call you need to make! I called VanEtten Appraisal Service just last Thursday, 4/24, based on their 5.0 Google rating and the very favorable written reviews. I am now adding my own. We are looking to sell our home and I called hoping for an appointment on 4/29 or 4/30 and Scott was able to be here today (4/29) and I even have my written appraisal in hand the very same day! He was on time, extremely professional, and very kind to my grandchildren that were present. The whole process was very straightforward and Scott was pleasant to work with. I highly recommend VanEtten Appraisal Service!”
Debbie Weslow | Google Review
Bankruptcy Appraisal FAQs
Questions? Call (779) 207-6523.
Need a Bankruptcy Appraisal?
Professional, discreet, and court-ready. We work with individuals, attorneys, and trustees throughout Northern Illinois.
- Fast communication, real answers. No waiting around.
- No obligation, just accurate information
- Serving all of Northern Illinois from 4 locations
- Reports accepted by all major lenders and courts