Date of Death Appraisals
Date of Death Appraisals
Independent, retrospective fair market values for heirs, executors, and trustees — prepared by State-Certified Appraisers.
✓ State-Certified Real Estate Appraisers
✓ 25+ Years Valuation Experience
✓ Transparent Upfront Pricing
What Is a Date of Death Appraisal?
A date of death appraisal is a retrospective real estate valuation: it estimates what a property was worth on the exact day its owner passed away, not what it is worth on today’s market.
Families, executors, and estate attorneys often require an appraisal months or even years after the date of passing. Developing an accurate retrospective value requires specialized historical research into market conditions, comparable sales recorded around that specific date, and property condition at that time.
Velox Valuations’ State-Certified Appraisers deliver independent, USPAP-compliant appraisal reports that provide the clear documentation your CPA, probate court, and heirs need to finalize estate matters with total confidence.
Why the Date of Death Value Matters
A certified retrospective valuation establishes the legal financial benchmark for your family’s inheritance.
Stepped-Up Tax Basis
When real estate is inherited, IRS guidelines generally allow heirs to reset the property’s tax basis to fair market value on the date of death, potentially saving significant tax liability.
Minimizing Capital Gains
When you eventually sell the home, capital gains are calculated from the stepped-up date of death value—not what the deceased purchased it for decades ago.
Probate Court Requirements
Probate courts and estate administrators require objective, documented appraisals from licensed professionals—not informal agent estimates—to settle estate assets.
Equitable Heir Distribution
When dividing family assets or when one beneficiary buys out others, an unbiased appraisal eliminates disputes and provides transparency everyone can agree on.
How the Velox Process Works
Ordering a retrospective appraisal with Velox Valuations is straightforward and transparent from start to finish.
Order Online in Minutes
Enter the property address, select Date of Death appraisal, and enter the date of passing. Review guaranteed upfront pricing with zero hidden fees.
Historical Research
Our State-Certified Appraiser accesses historical MLS data, deed records, and market trends as of the exact effective date of passing.
Property Inspection
We coordinate a thorough physical inspection or review existing documentation to accurately determine the property’s condition at the time of death.
Delivery of Certified Report
You receive a comprehensive, audit-ready USPAP appraisal report formatted for immediate delivery to your CPA, attorney, probate court, or the IRS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about retrospective date of death valuations.
How does an appraiser determine value from a date in the past?
Appraisers use historical MLS databases, recorded county property deeds, and real estate market sales that took place around the specific date of death. By reconstructing market conditions and comparable sales from that timeframe, the appraiser determines fair market value as of the required effective date.
Can I use a Realtor’s Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) instead?
No. The IRS and probate courts do not accept real estate agent CMAs or automated valuations (such as Zillow Zestimates) for estate tax or probate basis step-up. The IRS requires a “qualified appraisal” prepared by a state-licensed or state-certified appraiser who follows Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
What if the property’s condition has changed since the date of death?
This is common, especially if repairs, renovations, or deferred maintenance have occurred. During the appraisal process, the appraiser will consult with family members or executors and review photos from that time to determine the property’s true condition on the date of death.
What is an Alternate Valuation Date?
Under federal tax law, an executor may elect to value estate assets on an alternate valuation date—typically six months after the date of death. If your estate attorney or CPA advises using an alternate valuation date, Velox Valuations can provide appraisals for either date or both.
How long does a Date of Death appraisal take?
Most retrospective appraisals are completed within 3 to 5 business days following the property inspection. Because historical market research is more involved than standard appraisals, we ensure thorough verification before publishing the final report.
Get Clear, Independent Value — When It Matters Most
Ensure your family’s estate is supported by defensible, certified appraisals accepted by probate courts, CPAs, and the IRS.