Looking for an Appraiser Near You? Here’s What to Know About Local Land and Home Valuations
When you search for “appraiser near me” or “land appraiser near me,” it usually means you’re making an important decision — and you want trusted, local expertise to guide it.
Whether you’re buying land, selling a home, appealing taxes, planning an estate, or dividing property in a divorce, having the right appraiser in your corner can make a major difference.
So let’s break it down:
What Are You Really Looking For When You Google “Appraiser Near Me”?
You’re not just looking for anyone with a license — you’re looking for:
Local market knowledge — someone who knows the neighborhood and land values block by block.
Unbiased third-party support — an appraiser who’s not working for the buyer or seller, but for the truth.
Experience with your type of property — whether that’s raw land, residential homes, rental properties, or something more unique.
Clear, defensible reports — whether for court, IRS, tax appeal boards, or buyers and sellers.
At REI Valuations & Advisory, that’s what we deliver — every time.
We Specialize in Local Land and Home Appraisals
We’re one of the few independent firms in the Atlanta area that specializes in both:
If you’re evaluating land for a future build, or need a defensible value for a probate or legal situation, we can help.
We proudly serve clients across the greater Atlanta region, including:
…and surrounding cities and towns throughout North Georgia
If you’re not sure whether you’re in our service area, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to confirm.
Why “Near Me” Still Matters in Appraisal Work
In an age of digital everything, geography still matters — especially in real estate.
Valuations can vary dramatically just across neighborhood lines, zoning districts, or school zones. Online tools like Zestimate or Redfin can’t capture those nuances — but a qualified local appraiser can.
We bring boots-on-the-ground knowledge, combined with the latest market data, to help you make confident, well-informed decisions.
Need an Appraiser Near You? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re dealing with a unique parcel of land, a family estate, a pending legal matter, or just need peace of mind — we’re here to help.
REI Valuations & Advisory offers fast, professional service with a clear, client-focused process from start to finish.
Serving Metro Atlanta and Surrounding Counties
Email: reivaluations@gmail.com
October 19 1:30pm
7 Key Things CPAs Need to Know About Step-Up in Basis Valuations for Estate Tax Filings.
When preparing estate tax filings, CPAs are often responsible for coordinating real estate valuations that support the stepped-up basis of inherited property. Accurate and well-supported valuations are essential — not only to avoid audit delays but also to ensure clients are in the best possible tax position.
Here are 7 important considerations to keep in mind when ordering real estate appraisals for estate and tax purposes:
1. Ensure the Appraisal Meets IRS Standards
For IRS purposes, valuations should be performed by a licensed or certified real estate appraiser and must comply with USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). This ensures that the report includes the proper certifications, methodology, and documentation expected in tax-related filings.
Best practice: Always confirm the appraiser is familiar with estate and retrospective reporting standards.
2. The Effective Date Must Reflect the Date of Death
For step-up in basis purposes, the valuation must estimate the property’s fair market value as of the decedent’s date of death — not the current date. This is known as a retrospective appraisal.
Example: If the decedent passed away in October 2022, the appraisal must analyze market data relevant to that specific point in time.
3. Online Estimates and AVMs Are Not Sufficient
While tools like Zillow or Redfin provide general estimates, they do not meet the documentation or credibility standards required for IRS reporting. They cannot account for condition, market nuances, or retrospective dates.
Important note: AVMs are helpful for rough planning but shouldn’t be used for official filings.
4. Appraisals Should Clearly Support the Reported Value
When the IRS reviews an estate filing, they expect a real property valuation that is well-documented, clearly explained, and supported by market data. A high-quality report will include comparable sales, adjustments, and commentary that make the opinion of value easy to follow.
Best practice: Look for reports that are transparent in their analysis and include all necessary exhibits, especially when attached to IRS Form 706 or 1041.
5. Each Property Should Be Evaluated Independently
If the estate includes multiple real properties, each one should be evaluated on its own merits. This ensures accuracy and helps provide a clear, supportable basis for each asset in the estate.
Efficiency tip: Coordinating all properties with one qualified firm can streamline the process and improve consistency.
6. Property Condition and Unique Features Matter
An accurate valuation must consider more than square footage and location. It should reflect the property’s physical condition, updates or repairs needed, and any unique features that affect marketability or value.
Why it matters: An objective analysis helps ensure the step-up value aligns with fair market expectations and avoids over- or under-valuation.
7. Local Market Experience Is Incredibly Valuable
Every market is different — from neighborhood trends to buyer behavior. Appraisers with local expertise can better identify appropriate comparable sales, make informed adjustments, and explain their conclusions in a way that stands up to scrutiny.
Professional tip: Ask whether the appraiser specializes in your market area and has experience with retrospective and estate-related work.
Closing Thought: Partnering with the Right Appraiser Adds Value
As a CPA, the goal is to provide accurate, defensible filings that protect your clients. A well-supported appraisal is a key piece of that puzzle — especially when dealing with stepped-up basis valuations.
At REI Valuations & Advisory, we specialize in providing clear, compliant, and timely appraisals for estate tax, probate, and retrospective reporting across the Atlanta metro. If you’re looking for a local appraisal partner who understands the unique needs of CPAs and fiduciaries, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to assist.
Do Home Appraisers Go Inside? What You Need to Know About Appraisals, Costs, and Expert Services in Atlanta.
If you’re navigating a property transfer, estate settlement, divorce, tax matter, or preparing to sell an investment home, chances are you’ll need a credible, professional home appraisal. But what exactly does that process involve? Does a home appraiser go inside the property? How much does it cost? And what if you need a valuation that stands up in court?
At REI Valuations & Advisory, we specialize in non-lender residential appraisals for homeowners, attorneys, investors, and fiduciaries across the Atlanta metropolitan area. Let’s walk you through some of the most common questions we hear and how we can help.
A home appraisal is a professional opinion of value performed by a state-licensed real estate appraiser. Unlike a Zestimate or an agent’s CMA, an appraisal is an independent, USPAP-compliant analysis that factors in market data, property condition, legal rights, and more. It’s the gold standard for credible valuations, especially when legal, financial, or tax decisions are involved.
Yes — in most cases, a home appraisal requires an interior inspection. While some desktop or exterior-only appraisals exist, a full interior inspection provides the most accurate valuation. This includes measuring the home’s square footage, noting the layout, condition, upgrades, and any deferred maintenance.
At REI Valuations, we conduct detailed walk-throughs, take measurements, photos, and document features that affect marketability — whether it’s a dated kitchen or luxury bathroom remodel. We also offer home measurement-only services when you just need an accurate sketch or GLA (gross living area) verification.
What Are Home Appraisal Costs in Atlanta?
The cost of a home appraisal varies depending on complexity, property type, intended use, and turnaround time. For example:
Standard homeowner appraisals (pre-listing, FSBO, estate planning): $450–$900
Complex or multi-family properties: $500–$750
Urgent / expedited requests: Additional fees may apply
Expert witness assignments (divorce, litigation): $450–$1,200+
We provide tiered pricing and custom quotes based on each assignment’s scope. No lender overlays. No hidden fees.
Atlanta Estate Tax Appraisers & Probate Valuations
Estate and probate appraisals are a core focus of our practice. If you’re settling an estate or filing IRS Form 706 or 709, you’ll need a retrospective appraisal — often dated back to the date of death. These must be USPAP-compliant, defensible, and properly documented.
We’ve worked with CPAs, fiduciaries, and probate attorneys throughout Atlanta to provide estate tax valuations that meet IRS standards and timelines. We also serve as expert witnesses if values are ever questioned.
Expert Witness Appraiser & Litigation Support
In complex legal matters — like divorce disputes, partnership dissolutions, or zoning challenges — having an expert witness appraiser is critical. Our team at REI Valuations is experienced in providing written reports, courtroom testimony, and rebuttals when valuation disputes arise.
We don’t just appraise — we consult, defend, and explain. When necessary, we’ll walk your attorney through every comp, adjustment, and method used in the appraisal, whether it’s Sales Comparison, Cost, or Income Approach.
Real Estate Consulting for Investors
We also work with real estate investors who want more than just a number. Whether you’re flipping a house, renting a duplex, or developing land, we provide strategic insights like:
As-is vs. after-repair values
Income approach analysis for rental properties
Zoning and land-use studies
Feasibility consulting for value-add projects
Our goal is to give you an honest, market-based valuation that helps you make smarter investment decisions.
Does Every Appraisal Include an Interior Walkthrough?
Most do — but not always. Here’s how we break it down:
Full Appraisal (Interior + Exterior) – Standard for most private uses
Desktop Appraisal – No inspection, based solely on public data (limited use)
Drive-by / Exterior-Only – Visual exterior assessment only (limited credibility)
Measurement-Only – For square footage verification without value opinion
If you’re unsure what type you need, we’ll help you figure it out during the intake process.
Why REI Valuations & Advisory?
We’re not a mass-volume lender shop. We specialize in non-lender, legal-grade, private-use appraisals. Our appraisers are Atlanta-based, state-licensed professionals with deep market knowledge, sharp analytical skills, and courtroom experience. We’re committed to independent, credible, and unbiased valuation work, tailored to your exact use case.
We proudly serve:
Need an Appraisal? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re dealing with probate, divorce, estate tax, or simply planning to sell your home or investment property, we’re here to help. Call us, text us, or request a quote today.
Email: reivaluations@gmail.com
October 15, 2025 6:00pm
Why You Need a Home Appraisal for Estate or Probate Planning in Atlanta !
When a loved one passes or you’re planning your estate, one of the most overlooked — but critically important — steps is getting a professional real estate appraisal. Whether you’re in Atlanta or anywhere in the Atlanta Metro area, a Licensed home appraisal helps protect your financial interests and ensures a smooth legal process during estate or probate proceedings.
What Is an Estate or Probate Appraisal?
An estate appraisal determines the fair market value of a property as of a specific date — often the date of death — which is required for IRS reporting, equitable asset distribution, and legal documentation. A probate appraisal provides the same essential function when a property is going through the Georgia probate court system.
These appraisals are typically used by:
Executors and administrators
Estate attorneys
CPAs and financial planners
Heirs and beneficiaries
4 Reasons to Get an Appraisal for Estate or Probate Purposes
1. Meet IRS & Legal Requirements
The IRS often requires a formal, court-defensible appraisal when reporting estate taxes. Automated online estimates aren’t sufficient — they won’t hold up in probate court or with tax authorities.
2. Minimize Family Conflicts
Property is often one of the most valuable assets in an estate. A professional appraisal offers an objective, third-party valuation to help prevent disputes among heirs or stakeholders.
3. Make Smart Financial Decisions
Whether you’re selling the home, refinancing it, or transferring ownership, an appraisal ensures you’re working with accurate, market-based numbers — not guesses or inflated expectations.
4. Protect Your Equity
A home is a major asset. Knowing its true value ensures you’re safeguarding your family’s wealth and legacy — whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one or planning ahead.
Why Hire a Local Appraiser in Atlanta?
As a Licensed real estate appraiser serving Atlanta and the greater Metro Atlanta area, I offer in-depth local market knowledge, accurate valuation methods, and fast, dependable service for estate and probate cases.
IRS & court-compliant reports
Quick turnaround
Friendly, professional service
Trusted by attorneys, CPAs, and homeowners
Schedule Your Estate or Probate Appraisal in Atlanta Today
Don’t wait until the last minute. If you’re navigating probate or preparing your estate, now is the time to get a trusted, local valuation, Contact Us Today !
If you’re ready to get started, you can request your Probate appraisal here.