Attorney Services

Services and Fees for Probate and Estate Attorneys

Comprehensive service descriptions, methodology notes, and fee information for Colorado attorneys handling probate, estate administration, and estate planning matters.

Submit an Order New account? Contact Russell
Services Available

Valuation Products for Attorney Accounts

All appraisals are prepared under USPAP Standards 1 and 2 by Russell Harrist, Colorado Certified Residential Appraiser and Certified Probate Expert. Every report is handled personally, with no subcontracting and no handoffs.

Full Scope

Full Interior/Exterior Appraisal

A complete appraisal with both interior and exterior inspection. For date of death assignments, the effective date of value is anchored to the date of the decedent's death and the analysis is performed using retrospective methodology. All market data, comparable sales, and conditions are analyzed as of the effective date. An extraordinary assumption regarding property condition as of the effective date is included as a standard component of every interior date of death appraisal where inspection occurred after death.

When to use

  • Date of death and estate settlement requiring a defensible opinion of fair market value
  • Estate planning and inter-family transfers
  • Trust inventory and equitable distribution
  • Stepped-up basis documentation for heirs planning to sell
  • Any assignment requiring a court-ready USPAP-compliant opinion of value

What’s included

  • USPAP Standards 1 and 2: full appraisal
  • Complete interior and exterior inspection
  • Retrospective methodology anchored to effective date for date of death assignments
  • Extraordinary assumption regarding condition as of effective date
  • Electronic PDF within 48–72 hours of inspection
$550
Standard fee: qualifying properties
$100 for 24-hour rush delivery
$25 for mailed hard copy
Limited Scope

Exterior-Only Appraisal

A limited-scope appraisal based on an exterior-only inspection, prepared under USPAP Standards 1 and 2 with appropriate limiting conditions and extraordinary assumptions regarding interior condition. Interior condition is estimated using secondary data sources including prior appraisals, MLS records, public property records, and client-provided information. Contact Russell to confirm this scope is appropriate before ordering.

When to use

  • Interior access is unavailable due to tenancy, estate dispute, or property condition
  • Assignment scope specified by the client or intended use does not require interior inspection
  • A cost-effective alternative to a full appraisal is appropriate for the engagement

What’s included

  • USPAP Standards 1 and 2: limited-scope appraisal
  • Exterior inspection only
  • Limiting conditions and extraordinary assumptions for unobserved interior
  • Secondary data sources used to estimate interior condition as of effective date
  • Electronic PDF within 48–72 hours of inspection
$350
Standard fee: qualifying properties
$100 for 24-hour rush delivery
$25 for mailed hard copy
BPO

Broker Price Opinion

An appraisal-style market analysis with detailed comparable selection and market-supported adjustments. More rigorous and defensible than a standard drive-by BPO. Does not constitute a USPAP-compliant appraisal and is not appropriate for probate court filings or IRS estate tax reporting. Appropriate when a professional market analysis is needed without the requirement of full USPAP compliance.

When to use

  • Preliminary value estimate needed before committing to a full appraisal
  • The engagement does not require USPAP compliance or court submission
  • A cost-effective market analysis is appropriate for the intended use
  • Note: not appropriate for probate court filings or IRS estate tax reporting

What’s included

  • Full interior and exterior inspection (approximately one hour, similar to a full appraisal)
  • Appraisal-style comparable selection and market analysis
  • Market-supported adjustments with supporting rationale
  • Point estimate or range of value as appropriate
  • Electronic PDF within 48–72 hours of inspection
$225
Standard fee: qualifying properties
$100 for 24-hour rush delivery
$25 for mailed hard copy

IRS Qualified Appraisals: Always Quoted

When an assignment is confirmed to be feeding a federal estate tax filing (Form 706 or related), additional scope, certifications, and qualified appraiser documentation are required. IRS Qualified Appraisals are always quoted individually and require a conversation with Russell before an order is placed.

Fee Schedule

Standard Fees at a Glance

Standard fees apply to qualifying single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes within the five-county Denver metropolitan service area. Complex, large, high-value, and out-of-area properties are quoted individually.

ServiceFeeAdd-ons
Full Interior/Exterior Appraisal
$550
+$100 rush / +$25 hard copy
Exterior-Only / Limited Scope
$350
+$100 rush / +$25 hard copy
Broker Price Opinion
$225
+$100 rush / +$25 hard copy
IRS Qualified Appraisal
Contact for quote
Standard pricing applies to single-family homes and townhomes (approx. 3,500 sq ft above grade or less) and condominiums (2,000 sq ft above grade or less) on lots of one acre or less, within Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, and Jefferson counties.
Complex assignments, 2–4 family, rural, and high-value properties are quoted individually.
Standard delivery is electronic PDF. All turnaround times measured from completed inspection.
Account-based billing available with net-15 or net-30 terms for established attorney accounts.
Russell Harrist, Certified Probate Expert
Questions or Quotes

Call Russell Directly

For questions about scope, methodology, IRS Qualified Appraisals, or to establish a new firm account, call or email Russell before placing an order.

(983) 333-7777
Place an Order

Attorney Order Portal

Complete the order intake form on the Attorney Portal page to submit a new assignment. New to Great Estates? Contact Russell to set up your firm account first.

Submit an Order New Account Inquiry

Russell personally reviews every order before work begins. Confirmation and expected delivery date provided within one business day of submission.

Colorado Certified Residential Appraiser
Certified Probate Expert (CPE)
Colorado Licensed Real Estate Broker
25 Years of Experience
Member, Colorado Association of Real Estate Appraisers