A date-of-death appraisal is a retrospective valuation used to develop an opinion of a property's market value as of a prior date—commonly the date an owner died. These assignments are frequently used in estate administration, probate, trust matters, tax planning, and establishing a basis for inherited real property.
Why the Effective Date Matters
The appraisal is not necessarily an opinion of what the property is worth today. The appraiser researches market conditions, comparable sales, and the property's characteristics as they existed on the required historical effective date.
Information That Can Help
- Date of death or other required valuation date
- Owner's name and property address
- Estate, trust, executor, trustee, attorney, or CPA contact information as appropriate
- Information about the property's condition on the effective date
- Records of improvements completed before or after the effective date
- Any significant change to the property since that date
Why Experience With Retrospective Valuation Matters
Historical assignments require the appraiser to reconstruct the market as of a prior date and avoid allowing later events to improperly influence the analysis. Comparable sales, listings, market trends, and property condition must be considered in the context of the retrospective date.
For Attorneys, Executors & Trustees
A well-supported appraisal should communicate the property, market evidence, analysis, and value conclusion clearly enough that intended users can understand the reasoning. Cornerstone Appraisal provides residential retrospective and current estate-related valuations throughout its Arizona service area.
Need an Estate or Date-of-Death Appraisal?
Provide the property address, effective date, and a brief description of the assignment.
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