Understanding Date of Death, IRS, Probate, and Divorce Appraisals in 2025.
Whether you’re navigating estate planning, finalizing a divorce, or settling a loved one’s estate, a real estate appraisal often becomes a critical step in the legal and financial process. In 2025, the demand for credible, court-ready appraisals continues to grow — especially in matters involving the IRS, probate court, and domestic legal proceedings.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of legal-oriented appraisals:
Probate and estate appraisals for inheritance or trust distribution
How the process works, what to expect, and how much they typically cost
What Is a Date of Death Appraisal?
A Date of Death appraisal estimates the fair market value of real estate as of the exact date a property owner passed away. This valuation is used for:
This is a retrospective appraisal — meaning it values the property as it existed in the past, not today. The effective date may be months or even years prior to the actual appraisal inspection.
Common scenarios where DOD appraisals are needed:
What Is an IRS Estate or Probate Appraisal?
An IRS estate appraisal must meet strict standards of independence, accuracy, and credibility. It should be conducted by a state-licensed or certified real estate appraiser and developed in compliance with USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice).
Probate and estate appraisals help:
Determine how much each heir is entitled to
Establish fair market value for estate inventories
Resolve disputes over inherited property
Report to probate court or estate attorneys
The IRS and probate courts require a well-documented, supportable opinion of value, typically using the Sales Comparison Approach, and, in some cases, the Cost Approach if improvements are relatively new or unique.
A divorce appraisal is used to equitably divide real property during a separation or divorce. In 2025, courts and attorneys rely heavily on neutral, third-party valuations to avoid disputes and delays.
Key features of a divorce appraisal:
May be retrospective (date of separation) or current market value
Must remain impartial and unbiased
Often reviewed by attorneys or presented in court
Can involve expert witness testimony if contested
Divorcing couples typically need one of the following:
A joint appraisal (agreed upon by both parties)
Two competing appraisals (one from each side)
A court-appointed appraisal as a tie-breaker
How Much Do These Appraisals Cost in 2025?
In 2025, specialized legal-oriented appraisals are more complex than standard lender reports — and priced accordingly. At REI Valuations & Advisory, our typical pricing for non-lending residential assignments is:
All of our valuations are USPAP-compliant, court-defensible, and tailored for attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and homeowners navigating sensitive legal matters.
We keep the process simple, professional, and fully documented:
Initial Consultation
We’ll discuss your needs, deadline, and whether the appraisal is for IRS, probate, divorce, or another legal purpose.Property Inspection
A physical walkthrough of the home, including photos, measurements, and condition notes.Data Research & Valuation Development
We analyze recent comparable sales, market trends, land value, and depreciation if applicable. If the valuation is retrospective, we analyze data as of the effective date requested.Report Delivery
You receive a PDF copy of the full appraisal report, formatted to meet your intended use. We can also provide multiple copies or submit directly to your attorney or CPA if needed.Follow-Up Support
We remain available to explain findings, assist with legal review, or provide expert witness support if the matter goes to court.
Whether you’re settling an estate, resolving a divorce, or filing with the IRS, an inaccurate or biased valuation can lead to thousands in overpaid taxes, delayed court proceedings, or costly disputes.
A credible, impartial appraisal protects all parties — and stands up under scrutiny.
Need Help with a Legal-Oriented Appraisal in Georgia?
We specialize in non-lending, court-related appraisals across the Atlanta metro area and surrounding counties — including:
Whether you’re an executor, family member, attorney, or CPA, we’re here to provide reliable, court-defensible appraisal services you can trust.
October 12, 2025 5:00PM
2025 Guide to Home & Land Appraisals in Metro Atlanta: What You Need to Know
If you’re a homeowner, attorney, investor, or executor in the Atlanta metro area, understanding how home and land appraisals work in 2025 can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re going through a divorce, settling an estate, appealing property taxes, or simply planning a sale, a professional appraisal is your key to clarity and confidence. Here’s everything you need to know about how appraisals work, how much they cost, why the price varies, and what to expect from the process.
A home appraisal is an independent, third-party opinion of value, based on detailed analysis of the property, comparable sales, and local market trends. In the greater Atlanta area, this includes counties like Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Douglas, and beyond. A typical appraisal includes a property inspection, market research, adjustments for features and condition, and a written report that states the appraiser’s final opinion of value.
The process typically looks like this: (1) the client initiates the request and receives a letter of engagement, (2) the appraiser conducts background research, (3) an on-site inspection is performed (including photos, measurements, and notes), (4) comparable sales are analyzed and adjusted, (5) the report is written and delivered, and (6) follow-up questions, if any, are addressed.
Why appraisal costs vary in Atlanta
Appraisal fees in metro Atlanta can vary significantly based on several factors. While most standard residential appraisals range from $400 to $750, more complex assignments may fall outside that range.
Here are some of the key factors that drive cost variation in Atlanta home appraisals:
Property size and complexity: Larger homes with more square footage, multiple floors, or outbuildings take more time to measure, inspect, and adjust for. Complex layouts or unique features (like basements, additions, or accessory dwelling units) also add to the workload.
Location and accessibility: If the property is in a remote or rural area, or in a gated community with limited access, travel time and coordination can increase the overall cost. Properties with difficult terrain or no paved access may also require extra effort.
Type of report and level of detail: A full narrative appraisal for legal or litigation purposes requires more explanation, support, and documentation than a restricted-use report or basic summary form. The more detailed and comprehensive the report, the higher the fee.
Legal or expert witness involvement: If the appraiser may be asked to testify in court, sit for a deposition, or defend the appraisal under cross-examination, the assignment typically includes expert witness fees, preparation time, and added liability considerations.
Additional services: Services like property measurement sketches, floor plans, consultations, multiple value scenarios, or site revisits may incur additional fees depending on the assignment.
Divorce is one of the most common reasons people request an appraisal in metro Atlanta. When real estate is part of marital assets, a clear, impartial valuation helps attorneys and spouses make informed decisions—whether it’s for buyouts, asset division, or court proceedings.
Divorce appraisals are often retrospective, meaning they value the property as of the date of separation or filing—not today. This requires historical data, old sales, and market trend analysis, which increases the complexity and cost. In many cases, both parties may agree to use one neutral appraiser, or each side may retain their own.
If litigation is involved, the appraiser may need to testify as an expert witness. This includes preparing exhibits, attending depositions, or explaining the valuation methodology under oath. Not all appraisers offer this level of service, so it’s important to work with one experienced in family law and court-ready reporting.
Unlike residential homes, land requires a different appraisal approach. There are no bedrooms or bathrooms—just raw acreage, zoning codes, utility access, topography, and development potential. Whether you’re buying a vacant lot, subdividing land, or investing in future development, land valuation hinges on factors like:
Estate, probate, and IRS-related appraisals
If you’re handling the estate of a loved one, you may be required to obtain a “date of death” appraisal for estate tax, probate court, or financial planning. These retrospective valuations are based on the market value as of the decedent’s date of passing, not the current market.
IRS Form 706 and Form 709 often require credible appraisal documentation to support real property valuations used in estate tax or gift tax calculations. These appraisals must follow USPAP standards and include specific disclosures and certifications.
Probate attorneys often rely on our appraisals to settle real estate values for asset distribution, trust funding, or court filings. We also provide services to estate planners who want to establish stepped-up basis or document gift transfers among family members.
Expert witness and litigation support
In cases where valuation is contested—such as divorce, partnership disputes, tax appeals, or condemnation—the appraiser may need to serve as an expert witness. This involves more than just writing a report. It includes preparing for deposition, answering discovery, producing supplemental exhibits, and testifying in court if needed.
Expert witness assignments carry a higher fee structure due to the added risk, time, and liability. When real estate values are under legal dispute, credibility and professionalism matter more than ever. We support both attorneys and private parties in navigating these high-stakes scenarios with clear, defensible valuations.
Home measurement and floor plan services
In addition to full appraisals, we offer standalone home measurement and floor plan services for agents, homeowners, and investors who need accurate square footage or marketing materials. Whether you’re verifying a home’s GLA (Gross Living Area), preparing for MLS listing, or disputing a tax assessment, having a professional measurement sketch ensures you’re not underreporting or overstating a property’s size.
All measurements are conducted using ANSI-compliant methods, and sketches are delivered in both digital and PDF format. This service is especially useful when tax records are outdated or inconsistent with actual property dimensions.
What to expect when ordering an appraisal
Here’s what clients can typically expect when working with us in 2025:
Transparent pricing based on urgency, complexity, location, and assignment type
A formal letter of engagement outlining scope, cost, and timeline
On-site inspection with photos and measurements
Delivery of a USPAP-compliant report via email or secure portal
Optional add-ons like floor plans, surveys, or expert testimony prep
Responsive support if clarification or revisions are needed
Most reports are completed within 5–7 business days, but urgent cases or litigation timelines can be expedited when necessary.
Get clarity with confidence
If you’re facing a major life event—divorce, estate settlement, tax filing, litigation, or selling your home—don’t guess on value. A professional appraisal offers certainty, peace of mind, and a credible foundation for decision-making.
We proudly serve the entire Atlanta metro area, including Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Douglas, and surrounding counties. Whether you need a single-family appraisal, land valuation, expert witness report, or property measurement, we’re here to help.
Reach out today for a free consultation or to request a quote.
Phone: 4046923878
October 2025