Date of Death Appraisal Services

Date of Death Valuations - Scottsdale Arizona

Reliable Property Valuation for Estate Planning and Settlements

Understanding the value of a property for a date in the past, such as the date of a loved one’s passing, is essential for fair estate distribution, tax assessments, and legal proceedings. At Master Appraisal Services, we specialize in date of death appraisals, providing accurate, compassionate, and reliable service to ensure you have the information you need during a sensitive time. Our appraisals give you confidence in your property valuation, helping to simplify estate decisions with trust and accuracy.

 

What Is A Date of Death Appraisal?

A date of death appraisal determines a property’s value as of a specific past date, often needed for estate planning, probate, or tax purposes. Unlike regular appraisals, which assess the current market value, a date of death appraisal calculates the fair market value of a property on the exact date of the individual’s passing. This historical valuation is essential for fulfilling legal and financial obligations accurately.

Real property isn't like publicly traded stock or other items because it fluctuates in value, and no historical public data is available. Because of this, it's important to hire a real estate appraiser with expertise and experience in your local area to correctly evaluate past comparable properties and market trends to give you an accurate historical appraisal.

Date of Death Appraisal requirements include:

  • Special expertise and training
  • A firm that has been in the area for some time
  • Effective research of comparable, contemporaneous sales

Having a professional date of death appraisal from Master Appraisal Services gives the executor irrefutable facts and figures to work with in going forward with state and county proceedings. You don't need to stress over anything, because we will be there to back up our reports if they are ever refuted.

 

Why Choose a Date of Death Appraisal?

Essential for Estate Settlement and Tax Purposes


A date of death appraisal provides the precise property value needed for accurate estate division and potential tax assessments. This valuation can affect tax calculations, inheritance decisions, and the overall estate planning process, ensuring that all parties receive a fair outcome.

Accurate Valuation for Legal Requirements


Courts and tax authorities require an unbiased, certified appraisal to finalize an estate. Our date of death appraisals are prepared with the highest standards of accuracy and compliance, meeting all legal requirements and providing confidence to executors, heirs, and legal professionals.

Gain Clarity and Peace of Mind

Handling a loved one’s estate can be emotionally and financially challenging. Our compassionate, professional approach ensures you have a clear, reliable property value for a past date, helping ease the complexities of estate management.

 

Our Date of Death Appraisal Process

At Master Appraisal Services, we make the appraisal process as smooth and supportive as possible, tailoring each step to your needs during this sensitive time.

    1. Initial Consultation and Document Review

    We begin with an initial conversation to understand your needs and answer any questions. We’ll review all relevant documentation, including legal and property records, to ensure we have a full understanding of the property’s history.

    2. Market Research and Comparable Sales Analysis

    Our team conducts thorough research on comparable properties and market trends from the specific date in the past. This historical analysis helps us establish an accurate value for the property based on its condition and market conditions at the time.

    3. Comprehensive Appraisal Report

    Once our research is complete, we provide a detailed appraisal report, including our findings and the property’s fair market value as of the date of death. This report is fully compliant with legal standards and can be used in probate court, tax assessments, or personal estate planning.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Date of Death Appraisals

Why is a date of death appraisal different from a regular appraisal?

A date of death appraisal focuses on the property’s value for a specific past date, requiring historical market data and analysis, unlike standard appraisals which assess current value.

When should a date of death appraisal be done?

Determining property value at the time of death is straightforward if not too much time has passed. However, varied situations can arise that need a property appraisal for a date some time ago and it’s important to have a licensed, certified appraiser with experience in the local area. According to the IRS, an appraisal should be done within six months following the date of death. In most cases, date of death appraisals are ordered between 2-6 months after the death of an individual.

Do I need a date of death appraisal?

Yes. A date of death appraisal is commonly needed for the real estate to calculate estate tax. Even if the real estate is less than the federal estate tax exemption, the tax code is complicated and full of various exemptions and requirements. It is much more difficult and more costly to get a real estate appraisal several years after the date of passing, thus most prefer to get an appraisal on the property as soon as possible.

If a property is gifted or transferred to a new person or entity, and is not being purchased, often times a "basis" must be established in which to measure future capital gains, losses, or estate taxes. It may be important to consult with a tax professional or attorney for additional questions related to estate settlement.

Is a date of death appraisal legally required for probate?

While requirements vary by jurisdiction, most probate courts and tax authorities require a certified date of death appraisal to confirm the value of estate properties. This ensures accurate distribution and tax assessment.

How long does a date of death appraisal take?

Typically, we complete date of death appraisals within 5-7 business days, depending on the property and market complexity. Our goal is to provide timely, accurate results to help ease your estate process.

 

Why Choose Master Appraisal Services for Your Date of Death Appraisal?

At Master Appraisal Services, we are committed to accuracy, professionalism, and empathy. With years of experience in historical property valuations, our team understands the unique requirements of date of death appraisals. We’re here to support you with transparent communication, timely service, and an unwavering commitment to providing reliable, accurate valuations.

 

Schedule Date of Death Appraisal Services

If you need a date of death appraisal or a property value for a date in the past, contact Master Appraisal Services today. Our team is ready to help you navigate this process with care, expertise, and the confidence that your appraisal meets all necessary standards.

Give us a call to schedule your property appraisal.

schedule date of death appraisal