Inherited a Property? The Wrong Date of Death Value Could Create Problems Later
You inherited a property. Now someone is asking: “What was it worth when the owner died?”
That sounds simple—until you realize today's value may not be the value you need.
For heirs and families navigating probate, estate administration, or potential tax reporting, establishing the correct historical fair market value can become an important part of settling an estate. Waiting too long, relying on an online estimate, or using a value that isn't adequately supported could leave you scrambling for documentation when an attorney, CPA, or tax authority asks how the value was determined.
If you're searching “Do I need a Date of Death appraisal?” “Date of Death appraisal near me,” “IRS qualified appraiser near me,” or “Who does a Date of Death appraisal?”, you're probably trying to answer the same question:
What do I need to do now to protect myself and properly document the property's value?
Start with these five steps.
1. Confirm Whether You Need a Date of Death Appraisal
Start by speaking with your estate attorney, CPA, or tax professional about the valuation requirements for your situation.
A retrospective appraisal may be needed to establish the property's historical fair market value for estate administration, probate, tax reporting, or determining the basis of inherited real estate.
2. Identify the Correct Date of Value
The effective date is critical.
If the property owner passed away in 2023 but you're ordering the appraisal in 2026, the appraiser researches the market as it existed around the 2023 Date of Death.
That means analyzing historical sales and market conditions rather than simply estimating today's value.
3. Gather Historical Property Information
Try to document what the property was like as of the Date of Death.
Photos, previous listings, repair records, renovation invoices, leases, surveys, tax records, and other historical information can help the appraiser understand the property's condition at that time.
4. Hire an Appraiser With the Right Competency
If you're searching for a Date of Death appraisal near me or an IRS qualified appraiser near me, look beyond the credential alone.
The appraiser should have experience with the property type, local market, retrospective valuation, and intended use of the appraisal.
For properties throughout Atlanta and the surrounding Metro Atlanta market, local market knowledge can be particularly important when researching historical values.
5. Don't Wait Until You Need the Appraisal
Historical valuations can become more difficult as time passes.
Market data changes, properties are renovated, records disappear, and reconstructing the property's previous condition can become more challenging.
If you've inherited real estate and expect to need a valuation, consider addressing the appraisal early in the probate or estate process.
Need a Date of Death Appraisal in Metro Atlanta?
R.E.I. Valuations & Advisory provides Date of Death and retrospective real estate appraisal services for heirs, executors, property owners, attorneys, and estate professionals throughout Metro Atlanta.
Bonus: Your initial consultation includes a complimentary review of the property, Date of Death, intended use, and available property information before the appraisal begins.
Because retrospective appraisals require additional historical market research, a limited number of these assignments can be accepted at a time. If you're currently navigating probate or settling an estate, consider getting the valuation process started before approaching filing, sale, or distribution deadlines.
Call: 404-692-3878
Email:REIvaluations@gmail.com
R.E.I. Valuations & Advisory provides real estate valuation services, not legal or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional regarding the requirements applicable to your estate.
August 23rd 2026 9:08pm
