Retrospective date-of-death valuations
Date-of-death appraisals are commonly needed when settling an estate, preparing tax documentation, or establishing a stepped-up basis. ProValue provides USPAP-compliant retrospective valuations with clear support for the effective date of value.
The inspection may occur after the date of death, but the analysis is tied to the historical effective date. Comparable sales, market conditions, and value support are developed around that date rather than current market conditions alone.
What the report includes
- Market value opinion as of the requested historical date
- Comparable sales research appropriate to that effective date
- Neighborhood and market commentary
- Photos, maps, and supporting documentation
- Clear identification of the intended use, intended users, and effective date
Why a documented appraisal matters
County assessments and informal estimates are not the same as a USPAP-compliant opinion of market value. A well-supported date-of-death appraisal can help executors, attorneys, accountants, and heirs document the value used for estate settlement, inheritance-tax-related planning, probate, or future basis support.
Before ordering
Confirm the required valuation date, property address, intended users, and any attorney or CPA instructions. If the property changed condition after the date of death, note those changes so they can be addressed appropriately in the scope of work.
What is a date-of-death appraisal?
A date-of-death appraisal is a retrospective appraisal with an effective date matching the property owner's date of death. The report develops market value as of that historical date.
Can the inspection happen after the date of death?
Yes. The inspection can occur later, but the analysis is based on market evidence and property facts relevant to the retrospective effective date.
Can I use the county assessment instead?
A county assessment is not the same as market value. For estate, probate, tax, or legal purposes, a USPAP-compliant appraisal provides a more defensible value opinion.
Ian works with homeowners, executors, attorneys, and accountants throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware.