What does an estate appraiser do in probate?

An estate appraiser provides an independent, defensible valuation of real property for probate. In Georgia probate cases, this often includes determining fair market value as of the date of death. The appraisal must withstand court review, potential IRS scrutiny, and protect the executor from disputes among heirs.

What is a date of death appraisal?

A date of death appraisal determines the fair market value of real property as of the decedent’s date of death. This valuation is critical in probate cases, estate tax filings, and calculating capital gains basis for future sales. The analysis must reflect historical market conditions, not current values.

Why is a probate appraisal important for executors?

Executors have fiduciary responsibility to distribute estate assets accurately and fairly. An independent probate appraisal provides documented evidence of value, reducing the risk of heir disputes, tax miscalculations, or allegations of improper administration.

How is a probate appraisal different from a real estate agent’s opinion?

A real estate agent’s opinion (BPO or CMA) is designed to estimate listing price for sale. A probate appraisal is a formal valuation prepared by a licensed appraiser using recognized methodologies, supported comparable sales, and documentation suitable for court or IRS review.

How long does an estate appraisal take in Atlanta?

Timeframes vary based on property complexity and historical valuation requirements. In most Atlanta probate cases, an estate appraisal can be completed within one to two weeks. Complex estates, historical valuations, or litigation support may require additional analysis time.

What happens if the estate property is valued incorrectly?

An inaccurate probate valuation can distort asset distribution, create tax exposure, or trigger disputes among heirs. In contested cases, a weak appraisal may be challenged in court. A defensible, independent valuation protects both the estate and the executor.

How do I find an independent probate appraiser near me in Atlanta?

When searching for an estate or probate appraiser near you in Atlanta, look for a licensed appraiser experienced in date-of-death valuations, probate proceedings, and IRS documentation standards. Independence from brokerage interests and experience with court-ready reports are essential.

date of death valuation — Tax assessments

In Atlanta probate cases, the estate valuation sets the financial foundation for everything that follows. Yet many executors rely on informal numbers that cannot survive court review or tax examination. The result? Delays, disputes, and avoidable risk. A defensible probate appraisal protects more than property — it protects you.

What Most Executors Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late

If you’re an executor or probate heir in Georgia, you are about to make a financial decision that can either protect the estate… or quietly damage it.

Most families assume a “quick valuation” is enough.

It isn’t.

In probate, the wrong appraisal doesn’t just affect paperwork.
It affects:

And here’s the part nobody says clearly:

Not all estate appraisals are created equal.

What Does an Estate Appraiser Actually Do in Probate?

An estate and probate appraiser provides an independent, defensible valuation of real property as of a specific date — often the date of death.

But that simple sentence hides complexity.

A true probate valuation must:

This is not the same as a Zillow estimate.
This is not a broker opinion letter.
This is not a quick desktop valuation.

This is documentation that may sit in a court file for years.

Is an Appraisal Required for Probate in Georgia?

Technically? Not always.

Practically? Often, yes.

In Georgia probate, an accurate valuation is essential when:

Executors who try to “save money” with informal valuations often end up paying far more later — in tax consequences, legal delays, or intra-family conflict.