Estate and Date of Death Appraisals in Sacramento

Settling an estate can leave you with an important question: what was the home worth on the date your loved one passed away? Bolton Appraisal Services provides estate and date of death appraisals in Sacramento for executors, trustees, heirs, attorneys, and families.

Jeff Bolton is a California Certified Residential Appraiser (License AR040978) with approximately 20 years of appraisal experience. You work directly with Jeff to discuss the property, the valuation date, and the report you need.

Need a quote? Call 916-803-8153 or request an estate appraisal quote. Have the property address and requested valuation date available.

What is a date of death appraisal?

A date of death appraisal is a retrospective appraisal that develops an opinion of a property’s market value as of the date of death. The report may be prepared months or years later, but the analysis considers the property and market conditions relevant to that earlier date.

Estate assignments may also require a current value or another effective date. Before the work begins, we establish the valuation date, intended use, intended users, and scope of the assignment. Share any instructions from your attorney or tax professional so the report addresses the valuation they need.

How we research a home’s historical value

A retrospective appraisal involves more than applying today’s prices to an earlier year. We research comparable sales and market conditions related to the effective date and evaluate the home’s characteristics and condition at that time. Depending on availability, useful evidence may include historical MLS listings, property records, photographs, inspection reports, and information about repairs or remodeling.

If the property has changed since the valuation date, we distinguish later improvements or damage from its earlier condition. Any assumptions or limitations needed for the assignment are explained in the report.

What the appraisal process involves

1. Discuss your needs. Provide the address, requested valuation date, appraisal purpose, and any professional instructions. We confirm the scope, fee, and expected delivery time.
2. Gather property information. We arrange an inspection when appropriate to the assignment and review available records about the home’s earlier condition.
3. Research and analyze. We evaluate relevant market evidence and develop a supported opinion of value.
4. Deliver your report. You receive a written appraisal prepared in accordance with USPAP for the agreed intended use and users.

What to have ready when you contact us

• The property address and property type.
• The date of death or other requested valuation date.
• The purpose of the appraisal and any instructions from your attorney or tax professional.
• Available historical photos, listings, inspection reports, or property records.
• Details about significant remodeling, additions, damage, or repairs, including when they occurred.
• Whether the property is accessible for an inspection or has already been sold.

You do not need every document before contacting us. Tell us what is available, and we can discuss whether there is sufficient information to complete the assignment.

Frequently asked questions

Can you appraise a home years after the date of death?

Yes, a retrospective appraisal can often be completed years later. Feasibility depends on the property and the availability of reliable historical market and condition information. Contact us with the address and date so we can review your situation.

What if I do not have old interior photographs?

Missing photos do not automatically prevent an appraisal. Historical listings, inspection reports, records of improvements, and other credible information may help establish the property’s earlier condition. We review the available evidence and explain any necessary assumptions rather than assume today’s condition also existed in the past.

What if the home was remodeled or sold afterward?

A later remodel or sale does not automatically prevent a retrospective appraisal. Let us know what changed and when. A later sale may provide useful evidence, but its price is not automatically the home’s value on the earlier date.

Does every estate need an appraisal?

Not necessarily. Your attorney or tax professional can advise whether a valuation is needed and identify the appropriate date and documentation. Our role is to provide the real property value opinion for the agreed assignment.

How much does an estate appraisal cost, and how long does it take?

The fee and delivery time depend on the property, valuation date, available records, and assignment complexity. Review our appraisal fee schedule and Sacramento appraisal cost information, or contact us for a quote and current availability.

Estate appraisals in Sacramento and surrounding communities

Based in Fair Oaks, Bolton Appraisal Services assists clients in Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, and surrounding communities. View our appraisal service areas or contact us to confirm coverage for your property.

Request your estate appraisal

Call 916-803-8153 or request an appraisal quote. Provide the address, valuation date, and purpose so Jeff can discuss the next steps with you. For a property valuation related to a divorce, visit our Sacramento divorce appraisal page.