Date of Death Appraisals in Atlanta: What They Are, Why You Need One, and How We Help.

When a loved one passes away and leaves behind real estate, one of the most important — yet overlooked — steps in the estate process is getting a Date of Death Appraisal.

This isn’t just about knowing what the property is worth. It’s about protecting your family’s financial future, staying compliant with IRS guidelines, and potentially saving tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital gains taxes.

At REI Valuations & Advisory, we specialize in retrospective date of death appraisals that establish the proper step-up in basis — so you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and tax compliance.

What Is a Date of Death Appraisal?

A Date of Death Appraisal is a professional, retrospective valuation of a property based on its market value as of the date the deceased owner passed away.

It’s typically used for:

The IRS requires a “qualified appraisal” to substantiate the fair market value of inherited property. That means it must be performed by a licensed real estate appraiser — and it must comply with USPAP standards and IRS Publication 561.

The Problem Most Families Face

Grieving families often delay or skip this critical step — not realizing that failing to get a professional valuation can lead to:

You may be asking:

“Do we really need this?”

“Can we just use a Zestimate or tax assessor’s number?”

“What if we plan to sell the house soon anyway?”

Here’s the truth:

Without a certified retrospective appraisal, you may be setting your family up for tax liability, legal delays, or equity loss.

The Solution: Our IRS-Compliant Date of Death Appraisal Service

At REI Valuations & Advisory, we provide full-service, court‑ and IRS‑ready Date of Death Appraisals across the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

Certified Retrospective Valuation – Based on the exact date of death, with full support documentation and sales comps from that time period.

Step-Up Basis Support – Establish the updated cost basis so you can eliminate unnecessary capital gains tax when the property is sold.

IRS & CPA Coordination – Our reports are built for accountants, probate attorneys, and IRS documentation.

Family Clarity & Confidence – We help eliminate guesswork, remove emotional decision-making, and give all heirs a clear, unbiased value to work from.

Fast Turnaround Times – We understand time-sensitive estate cases and keep you informed from intake to delivery.

Fully USPAP & IRS Compliant – No cut corners. Every report is produced to meet the highest valuation standards, suitable for tax reporting or legal proceedings.

Who We Serve

We regularly work with:

If you’re navigating probate or preparing to sell an inherited property, this appraisal is your foundation.

Real Example: Tax-Free Equity After 40+ Years of Ownership

We recently assisted a retired CPA whose family inherited a home purchased in the early 1980s. By establishing the step-up basis through our Date of Death Appraisal, they were able to avoid hundreds of thousands in taxable gains — and sell the home with zero capital gains tax.

Our appraisal wasn’t just a number — it was the difference between financial stress and tax-free equity.

Call to Action: Get the Clarity You Need

Don’t leave your family’s finances to chance.

Contact us today to request a Date of Death Appraisal, or learn more about how this one step can eliminate future tax issues, legal delays, and costly mistakes.

Request Your Date of Death Appraisal

Let REI Valuations & Advisory be your guide through the estate process — with accuracy, professionalism, and peace of mind every step of the way.

November 4th 2025

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Certified & Licensed Real Estate Appraisers in Atlanta: Serving the Metro Area with Professional Valuation Services.

When searching for a certified real estate appraiser near you in the Atlanta metropolitan area, it’s important to find a professional who is not only licensed but also understands the complexity and nuance of each unique assignment type. At REI Valuations & Advisory, we specialize in delivering accurate, impartial, and court-ready valuation services throughout Atlanta and the surrounding counties.

Why Working with a Certified or Licensed Appraiser Matters

Whether you’re a homeowner, attorney, executor, or investor, hiring a licensed real estate appraiser in Georgia ensures that your property valuation is:

Our team is state-certified, and we stay up to date with the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board’s latest licensing standards and compliance requirements.

Real Estate Appraisal Services We Offer in Metro Atlanta

We don’t just provide appraisals — we solve problems. Our real estate valuation services are custom-tailored to your situation. Common assignment types include:

Divorce Appraisals

Accurate, impartial valuations built for equitable distribution in contested or uncontested divorce cases.

Probate & Estate Appraisals

Date-of-death appraisals for estate settlement, inheritance, or IRS tax purposes. We work closely with estate attorneys and personal representatives.

Pre-Listing & FSBO Appraisals

Set the right asking price before listing your home — whether you’re working with an agent or selling by owner (FSBO).

Property Tax Appeal Appraisals

Challenge a high property tax assessment with an independent valuation that meets county appeal standards.

Bankruptcy Appraisals

Get a defensible property value for bankruptcy filings — we provide reports used by trustees, courts, and attorneys.

Home Measurement / ANSI-Compliant Sketches

Ensure accurate square footage with our professional measurement services, following the ANSI Z765-2021 standard.

Land Appraisals & Investor Reports

We also offer vacant land appraisals and ARV market analysis reports for flippers, landlords, and builders.

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve the entire Atlanta metro area, including:

We frequently complete assignments in cities like Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, East Point, Alpharetta, College Park, and more.

Why Clients Choose REI Valuations & Advisory

Need a Certified Appraiser in Atlanta?

If you’re looking for a licensed or certified real estate appraiser near Atlanta, we’re here to help. From family law and estate cases to tax appeals and investment analysis — we deliver valuation clarity when it matters most.

Call us now or request a quote online:

www.rei-valuations.com/home-appraisal-request

October 28 2025 8:00pm


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Searching for a Property Appraiser Near You? Here’s How to Find the Right Fit for Your Needs

Whether you’re preparing to sell, settling an estate, appealing your property taxes, or simply curious about your home’s value — at some point, you’ve probably typed “property appraisers near me” into a search bar. And you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners, investors, and attorneys across Georgia are looking for credible, local experts who can deliver more than just a number — they want clarity, professionalism, and a valuation that holds up under pressure.

But here’s the thing: not all appraisers are the same.

And not every appraisal is created equal.

What Should You Look for in a Local Appraiser?

When searching for a licensed or certified real estate appraiser in your area, you want someone who:

Our Approach: Tailored Appraisal Services Built Around Your Situation

At REI Valuations & Advisory, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all reports. Every assignment starts with a short conversation to understand your goals — whether you’re a homeowner, attorney, investor, or executor.

We offer:

And because we’re based right here in the Atlanta metro, we know this market like the back of our hand. We serve Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, Henry, and surrounding counties — and we’ve appraised everything from in-town bungalows to rural acreage.

Looking for a Certified Appraiser in Your Area?

You don’t have to guess your home’s value. And you don’t have to settle for a national company that outsources your assignment.

Let’s talk about your situation — and we’ll tell you exactly what type of appraisal makes sense.

Call or text us directly, or

Submit your request at www.rei-valuations.com/home-appraisal-request

We respond fast, work locally, and treat every client with care.
Octobor 26 8:00pm

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How to Find the Best Certified Appraiser Near You in Atlanta or Cobb County

If you’ve recently searched Google for phrases like:

— you’re not alone. Every day, Georgia homeowners and property professionals are looking for reliable, local appraisal services they can trust. Whether you’re settling an estate, appealing property taxes, preparing for a divorce, or planning to sell your home, hiring the right appraiser is a critical step.

At REI Valuations, these exact search terms are how many of our clients find us on Google — through our verified Google Business Profile or our growing website.

This article will help you understand:

How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Georgia?

Appraisal fees vary depending on:

  • Property size and complexity

  • Assignment type (divorce, estate, tax appeal, etc.)

  • Turnaround time

  • Geographic location (Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, etc.)

Typical residential appraisal fees in the Atlanta area range from $375 to $600. We provide flat-rate quotes upfront — with no surprises.

Why Local Expertise Matters

If you’re located in Cobb County, Atlanta, or anywhere in the metro area, working with a local appraiser ensures:

  • Accurate comps from your neighborhood

  • Understanding of local zoning, school districts, and tax zones

  • Familiarity with market cycles in your specific county or zip code

We serve all major counties in Metro Atlanta, including:

Fulton • Cobb • Gwinnett • DeKalb • Clayton • Paulding • Henry • Douglas • Cherokee

What Makes an Appraiser “Top Rated” on Google?

Many people search terms like:

  • “Top appraisers in Atlanta”

  • “Best home appraiser near me”

  • “Trusted valuation company Georgia”

Here’s what to look for in a top-rated firm:

  • Verified Google Business Profile with reviews

  • Clear communication and fast turnaround

  • Neutrality (especially in divorce or estate cases)

  • Reports that comply with USPAP

  • Experience with non-lending assignments like probate, pre-listing, or tax appeal

How Appraisers Help the Real Estate Industry (and You)

Appraisers are more than number crunchers — we’re objective third parties who bring:

Whether you’re listing a home, splitting assets, or planning a gift of property, having a certified appraiser ensures your decisions are based on real, supportable market data.

What Are REI Valuations’ Business Hours?

We offer flexible scheduling across the Atlanta metro:

Business Hours:

Monday–Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM

Saturday: 9AM — 5 PM

Sunday: 12 — 5 PM

Turnaround times are typically 3–5 business days depending on the assignment.

Final Tips Before Hiring an Appraiser

  • Ask if they’re certified (not just licensed)

  • Make sure they have experience in your assignment type (e.g., estate vs tax appeal)

  • Don’t price-shop too hard — quality and credibility matter

  • Read their Google reviews and verify they’re local

  • Ask for a sample report if needed

Ready to Get Started?

If you found us by searching:

  • “Appraisers near me”

  • “Certified appraisal company Cobb County”

  • “Real estate appraiser in Atlanta, GA”

  • “Valuation company REI”

— you’re already in the right place.

Request your certified appraisal quote now — or give us a call today.

We serve clients across Metro Atlanta with professionalism, speed, and local expertise.


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