When someone passes away, the personal representative, family, or estate attorney usually needs a retrospective, date-of-death appraisal — a valuation of the property as of the date the owner died, not today. This figure sets the property’s stepped-up basis for the estate and for the heirs, and it’s often required before probate can move forward or before the property is listed, distributed, or sold.
I’m a Florida State-Certified Residential Appraiser (Cert Res RD5666) who has worked exclusively in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties for over two decades, which matters here: a retrospective valuation depends on knowing what the local market actually looked like on that specific date, not just today’s current sales market data. I pull historical sales and market data from the date of death, and write a report built to hold up to scrutiny from the Internal Revenue Service, the probate court, or opposing counsel.
What’s typically included
- A retrospective (date-of-death) or current fair market value appraisal, depending on what your attorney or CPA needs
- Full USPAP-compliant report with photos, comparable sales, and a clear reconciliation narrative
- Documentation of any deferred maintenance, additions, or condition changes between the date of death and today, when relevant
- Direct coordination with the estate attorney, CPA, or personal representative
Who this is for: personal representatives and heirs settling an estate, probate attorneys who need a defensible valuation exhibit, and CPAs establishing stepped-up basis for tax purposes.
FAQ
How far back can a retrospective appraisal go?
Appraisers can develop a valuation as of almost any past date as long as there’s enough market data to support it — a date of death from several years ago is routine.
Does the appraisal need to reflect the home’s condition today, or when the owner died?
It reflects the property as it existed on the date of death. If the home has since been renovated, damaged, or altered, that gets noted separately.
Who orders this appraisal — the family or the attorney?
Either. Most come through the estate attorney or CPA, but a personal representative or family member can order one directly.
Request an Appraisal
Ready to get started, or have questions about which type of appraisal you need? Call 727-480-0003 or email Cforrey@tampabay.rr.com to request an appraisal. Serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
Forrey Appraisal Group 