Estate Trust & Date of Death Real Property Appraisals

Settling an estate is an important and sometimes stressful job. As an executor you have been entrusted to carry out the wishes of the deceased as swiftly and exactly as possible. You can count on us to act quickly and with sensitivity to the feelings of everyone involved.

Attorneys and Accountants rely on our values when calculating real property values for estates, divorces, or other disputes requiring a value being placed on real property. We understand their needs and are used to dealing with all parties involved. We provide appraisal reports that meet the requirements of the courts and various agencies.

Settling an estate usually requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. Often, the date of death differs from the date the appraisal is requested. We are familiar with the procedures and requirements necessary to perform a retroactive appraisal with an effective date and Fair Market Value estimate matching the date of death. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

All too often, people do not fully appreciate the need to have a detailed real estate appraisal prepared in support of the numbers being used in documents filed with revenue authorities.

Opinions of value used in documents filed with the revenue authorities should be supported by a detailed report as to how the appraiser arrived at his conclusions. Such a report will certainly demonstrate to the authorities that the numbers used are well founded and substantiated.

Having a professional appraisal gives the executor solid facts and figures to work with in meeting IRS and state agency requirements. It assures peace of mind to everyone concerned because we are there to stand behind the appraisal if it is challenged.

Appraisals are increasingly coming under IRS scrutiny. If you need to obtain an appraisal of a decedent’s property, make sure that the person appraising the property is an expert in that field. The appraiser will, as a rule, attach to the appraisal a resume or curriculum vitae showing his or her qualifications. If it’s not attached to the official appraisal, ask for it.

Should the IRS ever question the valuations you use on a Form 706, appraisals jotted down on a piece of paper may not fly, but one that documents the value of the item in question and the qualifications of the appraiser most likely will. Goosby Valuation is an expert in appraising real estate in Greater Los Angeles. Call Now: 424-777-9340