Date-of-Death Valuations
Retrospective appraisals for IRS Form 706 and stepped-up cost basis documentation.
IRS compliant
Estate & Trust Appraisals
USPAP CompliantIRS Compliant
Defensible valuations for
estate settlement.
IRS and court-ready appraisals for probate, trust administration, and estate planning. Narrative Appraisal Reports with documented methodology and attorney-friendly formatting.
$800
Starting fee
10
Business day turnaround
100%
IRS & USPAP compliant
What This Is
Professional valuations for estate and trust matters
When someone passes away or a trust requires administration, the real property in the estate needs an independent, professional valuation. Courts, the IRS, and fiduciaries all require documented fair market value opinions from a certified appraiser.
We prepare narrative Appraisal Reports — not the lending forms used in mortgage transactions. The narrative format provides the level of detail, explanation, and documentation that estate attorneys, CPAs, and the IRS require for compliance and audit-readiness.
When You Need One
Common scenarios
Estate appraisals serve a range of legal, tax, and fiduciary purposes.
Probate Proceedings
Courts require an independent property valuation to settle estates and distribute assets among heirs. A certified appraisal satisfies this requirement.
Trust Administration
Trustees have a fiduciary duty to document asset values accurately. A USPAP-compliant appraisal provides the defensible basis trustees need.
Equitable Distribution Among Heirs
When multiple beneficiaries inherit real property, an independent appraisal provides the neutral value needed to divide assets fairly or negotiate a buyout.
Gift Tax Planning
Transfers of real property during life require documented valuations for IRS Form 709 filing. An appraisal establishes the fair market value at the date of transfer.
Our Process
How it works
A streamlined process designed around the needs of executors, trustees, and their professional advisors.
1
Engagement & Scope
We coordinate with the executor, trustee, attorney, or CPA to confirm the property details, effective valuation date, and any court or IRS requirements. A written engagement letter confirms scope and fee.
2
Property Inspection
A thorough interior and exterior inspection documents the property's condition, features, and any deferred maintenance as of the effective date. We coordinate access with the estate representative.
3
Market Analysis & Valuation
We analyze comparable sales contemporaneous with the effective date, market conditions, and property-specific factors. Every adjustment is documented and traceable.
4
Narrative Report Delivery
You receive a USPAP-compliant narrative Appraisal Report formatted for IRS and court use. Reports are delivered to the attorney, CPA, or executor as directed.
What You Get
IRS and court-ready deliverables
Every estate appraisal includes comprehensive documentation designed for IRS compliance, court proceedings, and fiduciary record-keeping.
- USPAP-compliant narrative Appraisal Report
- IRS-friendly documentation for Form 706 or 709 filing
- Comparable sales analysis with market-supported adjustments
- Property condition documentation with photographs
- Complete workfile for audit-readiness and IRS review
- Collaboration with your attorney and CPA as needed
Pricing & Turnaround
Transparent fees
Final quotes depend on property complexity, location, and timeline requirements.
starting
$800
Single-Family Residence
Full interior/exterior inspection, narrative Appraisal Report with IRS-compliant documentation
10 business days or less
quote
Custom
Complex or Multi-Property Estate
Multiple properties, acreage, unique improvements, or retrospective effective dates requiring additional research
10 business days or less
FAQ
Common questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from executors, trustees, and estate attorneys.
What type of report is needed for estate settlement?
Estate and probate situations require a narrative Appraisal Report as defined by USPAP. This is not the same as a 1004/URAR form used in mortgage lending. The narrative format provides the detailed commentary, methodology explanation, and documentation that courts and the IRS expect.
Who typically orders the estate appraisal?
The executor, personal representative, trustee, or their attorney typically engages the appraiser. We are happy to coordinate with any authorized party and deliver reports to attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals as directed.
Can you appraise a property the estate has already sold?
Yes. If the property was sold after the date of death, we can still provide a retrospective appraisal as of the required effective date using comparable sales and market data from that period. The current owner's cooperation is not required for a retrospective valuation.
How does the IRS use the appraisal?
For estates exceeding the federal filing threshold, IRS Form 706 requires the fair market value of all real property as of the date of death. The appraisal supports the reported value and provides the documentation the IRS reviews during audit. An alternate valuation date six months post-death is also available under IRC Section 2032.
What is the stepped-up cost basis and why does it matter?
Under IRC Section 1014, heirs receive a stepped-up cost basis equal to the fair market value at the date of death. This means if they sell the property shortly after inheriting it, they may owe little or no capital gains tax. A professional appraisal documents this value for future tax reporting.
What is the filing deadline for Form 706?
IRS Form 706 is due nine months after the date of death, with a six-month extension available. Engaging an appraiser early in the estate settlement process ensures the valuation is completed well before filing deadlines.
Related Services
You may also need
Also available
Need a listing agent for the estate sale?
Kory is also a licensed Texas real estate sales agent sponsored by Compass RE Texas, LLC. See his brokerage practice for representation in selling the estate property.
See Compass practice
Need an estate appraisal?
Tell us about the property and we’ll confirm scope, fee, and turnaround within one business day.