Estate Appraisals
When a loved one passes, settling their estate fairly and accurately requires a certified, defensible value for any real property involved. Whether you need a current value or a retrospective date-of-death valuation, KB Appraisal provides certified estate appraisals that hold up to legal, tax, and IRS scrutiny.
What is an estate appraisal?
An estate appraisal is a certified appraisal completed for the purpose of settling a deceased person's estate. It establishes the fair market value of real property as of a specific date — either the current date or a retrospective date, such as the date of death. This value is used to divide assets among heirs, satisfy IRS requirements for estate tax purposes, or support the probate process.
A note on stepped-up cost basis
One of the most significant financial benefits of an estate appraisal is establishing a stepped-up cost basis for inherited property. When a property is inherited, the IRS allows heirs to reset the cost basis to the fair market value as of the date of death rather than the original purchase price. This can dramatically reduce or eliminate capital gains tax if the property is later sold. A certified appraisal from a licensed appraiser is the documentation the IRS requires to support that stepped-up basis. If you are an heir, executor, or CPA navigating this process, KB Appraisal can provide the certified valuation you need.
Who it's for
Estate appraisals are used by executors, trustees, attorneys, and heirs who need a credible, documented property value for legal or financial proceedings. They are especially valuable for executors and administrators settling an estate through probate, attorneys handling estate litigation or disputes among heirs, families dividing real property fairly among multiple beneficiaries, trustees managing property held in a trust, heirs who need to establish a stepped-up cost basis for tax purposes, and estate sales where an independent value is needed before listing.
Retrospective appraisals
If the date of death has already passed, KB Appraisal can complete a retrospective appraisal using the market data that was available as of that specific date. This is a specialized process that requires experience working with historical market data and is not something every appraiser is equipped to handle properly.
What to expect
Katie will schedule an on-site inspection of the property and complete a full certified appraisal report. The report clearly states the effective date, the scope of work, and the value conclusion — everything an attorney, CPA, or court needs to rely on it with confidence.
Why KB Appraisal
Estate situations are sensitive. Katie understands that behind every assignment is a family navigating a difficult time, and she approaches every estate appraisal with the professionalism and discretion that moment deserves. Her reports are thorough, well-documented, and built to withstand scrutiny — so the last thing you need to worry about is the appraisal.