Estate Planning & Date of Death
Settling an estate is one of those things that most people know little about until they actually go through the experience. So we hope to offer you a bit of insight below into the process of estate settlement as it pertains to real estate appraisals.
"When an estate has a transfer of ownership due to death or inheritance, it is very common for a real estate appraisal to be needed for tax purposes. "
When do you need an appraisal?
Often times during the settlement process either an attorney or accountant will order a real estate appraisal or have a family member or executor select a real estate appraiser for the job at hand.
It has been our experience that estate appraisals are commonly ordered between 2-6 months after the death of a loved one or inheritance of a property. Occasionally a real estate appraisal is ordered almost immediately whereas other times the time period may be as long as a year or more depending on the circumstances at hand.
Retrospective Appraisals
Retrospective appraisals are fairly common in estate settlement situations. These involve appraising a home based on a ‘prior date’ which is typically the owner’s date of death, hence the reason why estate appraisals are often referred to as ‘date of death’ appraisals.
In addition to needing a retrospective or date of death appraisal during the settlement process, often times the ordering party will also request a ‘current value’ appraisal in order to determine current market value for purposes of sale or settlement between heirs.
Regardless of your needs or the elapsed time, our team of certified real estate appraisers at Premier Appraisal Services of Tallahassee understands the complexities involved in assessing the value of a property under these difficult circumstances and we will provide you with the best possible experience.
Remember, every estate situation is different and the type of appraised value required all depends on the particular needs of the estate. This is not something you need to worry about as a good attorney or accountant can easily help direct you toward the type of value needed for the estate. Additionally, we are happy to speak with your attorney or accountant to clarify exactly what is required for your situation.
Give us a call today with any questions you might have and also check out our Testimonial page to see what others are saying about Premier Appraisal Services of Tallahassee.
An estate planning appraisal is essential to determine the fair market value of real estate assets, aiding in proper wealth distribution, tax planning, and ensuring that heirs receive an accurate representation of their inheritance.
A date of death appraisal should be conducted as close to the individual’s passing as possible. It provides a snapshot of the property’s value on the date of death, assisting in probate, inheritance, and tax-related matters.
- The date of death appraisal involves considering market conditions, comparable sales, and other relevant factors as of the deceased person’s date of death. This retrospective valuation provides an accurate snapshot of the property’s worth.
Yes, an accurate estate planning appraisal can be a valuable tool for minimizing estate taxes. By understanding the true value of the real estate assets, individuals can make informed decisions about tax planning strategies, exemptions, and potential deductions.