Date of Death Appraisals & Retrospective Property Valuations
When a loved one passes away, determining the value of their real estate as of the date of death may be necessary for estate settlement, tax and stepped-up basis purposes, probate, trusts, or other legal and financial matters. West Valley Appraisal Services provides professional retrospective real estate appraisals that develop an opinion of a property's market value as of a specific historical date.
Serving homeowners, executors, trustees, attorneys and CPAs throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, the West Valley and Maricopa County.
Who Needs a Date of Death Appraisal?
Date of death appraisals are commonly requested by executors, personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, attorneys and CPAs when a reliable opinion of a property's value is needed as of a prior date. The effective date of the appraisal is typically the date of death rather than the date the appraisal is completed.
These retrospective valuations may be used in connection with estate administration, probate, trusts, tax and stepped-up basis matters, distribution of assets among heirs, or other legal and financial needs.
Why a Retrospective Appraisal Requires Experience
A date of death appraisal is different from an appraisal with a current effective date. The appraiser must research market conditions, comparable sales and other information that was relevant as of the historical effective date. Depending on how far back the date of death occurred, this may require researching older market data and determining which information would have been available and relevant at that time.
West Valley Appraisal Services provides independent appraisal reports prepared with the confidentiality, professionalism and supporting market analysis expected for estate, tax and legal purposes.
What to Expect
A date of death appraisal begins with identifying the property and the required historical effective date. We research the property, relevant public records and market data, and analyze comparable sales and market conditions applicable to that date.
Because every estate and property is different, we can discuss the assignment with you, your attorney, CPA, executor or trustee to help determine the appropriate appraisal scope and effective date.
Need a Date of Death Appraisal?
If you need a retrospective real estate appraisal for an estate, trust, probate, tax matter or stepped-up basis, West Valley Appraisal Services can help. We provide independent residential appraisal services throughout the West Valley and Maricopa County.
Call West Valley Appraisal Services at (602) 717-8450 to discuss your appraisal needs.
Looking for appraisal services for other estate-related purposes? Visit our Estate Appraisals page.