Lighthouse Appraisals 

We are a leading real estate appraisal firm located in Massachusetts with expertise dedicated to providing valuation and consulting services through analytic discipline and a team approach. Our company's philosophy is to provide an objective analysis to assist our clients in making informed real estate decisions. Our reports are prepared with the precision that the industry demands with all major property types included.

Member of the Massachusett Board of Real Estate Appraisers ( MBREA )

Our Business

In addition to residential appraisal - and depending upon an appraiser's designation and qualifications - he or she may be able to assist with the following: 

• Estate planning and estate settlements

• Tax assessment review and advice

1. Are you licensed or certified in the state in which you live?
2. How long have you been in practice?
3. What level of experience do you have in this particular market and with this type of property?
4. Are you familiar with property in this neighborhood?
5. What types of clients have you had (homeowners, estates, lenders, relocation companies)?

Appraisal Facts

Assumption: The appraised value of a property will vary, depending upon whether the appraisal is conducted for the buyer or the seller.

Fact: The appraiser has no vested interest in the outcome of the appraisal and should render services with independence, objectivity and impartiality

Assumption: Appraisers are hired only to estimate real estate property values in property sales involving mortgage-lending transactions.

Fact: Depending upon their qualifications and designations, appraisers can and do provide a variety of services, including advice for estate planning, dispute resolution, zoning and tax assessment review and cost/benefit analysis.

Assumption: Because consumers pay for appraisals when applying for loans to purchase or refinance real estate, they own their appraisal.

Fact: The appraisal is, in fact, legally owned by the lender - unless the lender "releases its interest" in the document. However, consumers may obtain a copy of the appraisal report from their lender who had ordered the report under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

Assumption: Appraisers are hired only to estimate real estate property values in property sales involving mortgage-lending transactions.

Fact: Depending upon their qualifications and designations, appraisers can and do provide a variety of services, including advice for estate planning, dispute resolution, zoning and tax assessment review, PMI removal and cost/benefit analysis.

Assumption: An Appraisal is the same as a home inspection.

Fact: An Appraisal does not serve the same purpose as an inspection. The Appraiser forms an opinion of value in the Appraisal process and resulting report. A home inspector determines the condition of the home and its major components and reports these findings

Assumption: You generally can tell what a property is worth simply by looking at the outside.

Fact: Property value is determined by a number of factors, including location, condition, improvements, amenities, and market trends.