Settling an estate is something most people don’t think about until they’re faced with it—and it can feel overwhelming. One of the most important steps in this process is establishing an accurate value of any real estate included in the estate.
When a property transfers ownership due to death or inheritance, a real estate appraisal is often required for tax purposes, settlement among heirs, or legal proceedings. In many cases, an attorney or accountant will order the appraisal, but sometimes a family member or executor will handle the request directly.
From our experience, estate appraisals are most commonly ordered between 2–6 months after the death of a loved one or inheritance of a property. However, timing can vary—sometimes an appraisal is needed almost immediately, while other times it may not be requested until a year or more has passed.
Retrospective (Date of Death) Appraisals
Estate appraisals often involve a retrospective appraisal, also known as a “date of death” appraisal. This requires determining a home’s fair market value as of a prior date—usually the date of the property owner’s passing. In addition, a “current value” appraisal may also be requested to determine today’s market value for purposes such as sale, refinancing, or settlement between heirs.
Why Choose Anderson Appraisals
Every estate situation is unique, which is why it’s critical to work with an experienced, certified appraiser who understands the complexities involved. At Anderson Appraisals, our team provides well-supported, defensible valuations that meet IRS, court, and state requirements. We approach these sensitive situations with the professionalism, accuracy, and discretion they require.
Our Senior Appraiser, Kevin Handlen, has over 20 years of experience in estate and date of death valuations. Attorneys, accountants, and financial planners throughout the region rely on our expertise to provide accurate, trustworthy valuations during estate settlement proceedings.
Contact Anderson Appraisals today with your questions—we’re here to help guide you through this process with professionalism and care.