Estate & Date of Death Appraisals Done Right
Accurate retrospective valuations for trust administration, and estate settlement.
Estate situations require a clear, well-supported valuation tied to a specific point in time. We provide retrospective appraisals that reduce uncertainty and support proper decision-making.
When a property is part of an estate, the valuation of that property carries real legal and financial consequences. The IRS, trust administrators, and estate attorneys all require a certified, documented valuation tied to a specific date. That report needs to be accurate, thoroughly supported, and prepared by a licensed or Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser who understands the weight these assignments carry.
At Bricker Appraisals, estate and date-of-death appraisals have been a core part of our practice since 2006. Every report is grounded in verified market data from the effective date, clearly documented, delivered on a timeline that keeps the matter moving forward, and provides a single value opinion of fair market value as of the date of death of the trustor. We coordinate directly with attorneys, executors, and trustees, and handle every engagement with the discretion and professionalism these situations require.
When You Need This
- Estate settlement
- Trust administration
- Tax reporting
- Inherited property decisions
Why Bricker
- Professional handling of sensitive situations
- Clear guidance through the process
- Accurate retrospective valuation
- Strong local market expertise
How the Process Works
Consultation
Property Research
Retrospective Valuation
Report Delivery
Support As Needed
Consultation
We start with a conversation to understand the property, the date of death or effective date of value, and where the matter stands. We coordinate directly with attorneys, executors, and trustees, and can work within whatever communication structure the legal team prefers. Fees, timeline, and next steps are all covered here.
Property Research
Because estate appraisals are retrospective, the research phase is critical. We gather market data from the effective date, comparable sales, market conditions, and property-specific information that reflects what the market looked like at that specific point in time, not today. If a property inspection is needed, we coordinate access with whoever is managing the estate.
Retrospective Valuation
The opinion of value is developed using verified market data tied to the effective date. This requires working backward through market conditions, identifying comparable sales that were available at the time, and applying a methodology that accurately reflects the property's value as of that date. Every conclusion is documented and supported with the understanding that the report may be reviewed by the IRS or opposing counsel.
Report Delivery
The completed appraisal is delivered in a clear, professional format appropriate for legal and tax use. It includes the opinion of value as of the effective date, the market data and comparable sales supporting it, and the methodology applied — everything attorneys, executors, trust administrators, and courts need to rely on the findings with confidence.
Support As Needed
We remain available after delivery to answer questions from attorneys, trustees, executors, or family members navigating the process. If the report needs to be explained in a legal context, reviewed by another party, or referenced in ongoing proceedings, we're accessible and responsive throughout.
