What does an estate and probate appraiser do?

An estate and probate appraiser determines the fair market value of real property as of the date of death. The appraisal is used for probate filings, estate tax reporting, stepped-up basis calculation, and potential court or IRS review. The report must comply with USPAP standards and be legally defensible.

What is a date of death appraisal?

A date of death appraisal establishes the fair market value of real estate as of the decedent’s death. It reconstructs historical market conditions and comparable sales at that time. This valuation determines the stepped-up tax basis and protects executors from disputes or IRS challenges.

Can I use a Realtor CMA instead of a probate appraisal?

No. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent is not USPAP-compliant and is not considered a legally defensible valuation for probate or IRS purposes. Probate requires an independent, state-certified appraisal prepared for estate use.

Why should I hire an independent estate appraiser in Atlanta?

An independent estate appraiser has no commission interest in the sale of the property and provides objective, court-ready documentation. In Atlanta’s changing real estate market, an independent appraisal protects executors, heirs, CPAs, and probate attorneys from valuation disputes.

How long does a probate appraisal take?

Most probate appraisals in the Atlanta area are completed within 5 to 10 business days after inspection, depending on complexity and historical market research required. Expedited services may be available when court or tax deadlines are approaching.

Atlanta Executors: Read This Before You File Probate Value in 2026…

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Feb 28

Written By R.E.I Valuations .

If you’re signing an estate inventory in Georgia, that number becomes the record your CPA relies on, your attorney defends, and your heirs may question. In today’s shifting Atlanta market, a weak date-of-death valuation doesn’t hurt immediately — it surfaces at sale, audit, or dispute. Secure an independent probate appraisal before your decision becomes permanent.

What an Estate Appraiser Does — And Whether You Actually Need One

If you’re a probate heir, executor, CPA, or probate attorney in Georgia, you’re facing a decision that carries legal, financial, and family consequences.

You’re not just ordering a valuation.

You’re protecting an estate.

You’re protecting yourself.

And in many cases — you’re protecting your professional reputation.

This guide will clarify:

What an estate and probate appraiser actually does
Whether an appraisal is required for probate in Georgia
When you need a date of death appraisal
How to choose the right independent appraiser in Atlanta
And how to avoid the valuation mistakes that create IRS exposure, court disputes, and family conflict

What Does an Estate & Probate Appraiser Do?

An estate and probate appraiser provides a court-defensible opinion of value for real property as of a specific date — typically the date of death.

But that’s the surface answer.

Here’s what that really means in practice: