Estate & Trust Valuations

Putting the estate of a loved one in order can be an extremely stressful & sensitive undertaking. The executor of an estate is entrusted to carry out the wishes of the deceased as quickly as possible for the good of everyone involved. If Real Property is involved, an appraisal is almost always required to establish the Fair Market Value; if not for the dispersement of assets, according to the terms of the Will, then for Uncle Sam to collect his dues. In cases where the IRS is concerned, a detailed appraisal report is a must to avoid the overpayment of taxes or other issues in the future. You can count on us to act in an expedient manner with heightened focus on sensitivity to the feelings of everyone involved. Confidentiality is always insured according to USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) and the laws that oversee Certified Residential Appraisers.

Attorneys, Estate Executors, Federal Tax Authorities and other professionals involved in the process of settling an estate, a divorce, or other legal disputes rely on our Opinion of Value when calculating real property values where the value placed on real property is a calculated factor in the reconciliation of the dispersement of funds. We understand their needs and how to work with them. The completed appraisal report satisfies the requirements of Federal, State and Local Laws according to the Federal mandates set forth in USPAP, Fannie Mae, the AQB and other agencies. All this means is that our final appraisal report will hold water anywhere you may need to take it.

Where a Trust or a Will is concerned - there are many different types of documents and legal structures; all of which require proof of values and assets to be effective legal documents. Many people do not fully appreciate the need to have a detailed real estate appraisal prepared in support of the numbers being used in documents filed with attorneys revenue authorities until it's too late. An Opinion of Value used in documents filed with the revenue authorities should be supported by a detailed report as to how the appraiser arrived at his conclusions. Such a report will certainly demonstrate to the authorities that the numbers used are well founded and substantiated resulting in less red tape and challenges to dispersements from legal authorities and deed or trust beneficiaries.

A Certified Residential Appraiser gives the executor solid facts and figures to work with in meeting IRS and state agency requirements. It assures peace of mind to everyone concerned because we are there to stand behind the appraisal if it is challenged.