When a Colorado property owner passes away, the value on that date matters for probate, taxes, and the heirs. Great Estates provides USPAP-compliant date of death appraisals, completed personally by a Colorado Certified Residential Appraiser.
Russell Harrist reviews the assignment, inspects the property, completes the analysis, and delivers the report.
A date of death appraisal is a professional opinion of what real estate was worth on the day its owner died. It is not what the home is worth today, and it is not what it eventually sells for. The effective date is fixed at the date of death, and the appraiser analyzes market evidence from that time.
Because the report is retrospective, it can be ordered shortly after a death or long afterward, including after the property has been sold. See how a date of death appraisal can be done years after the fact.
Personal representatives must report estate assets. A defensible value of the real estate supports the inventory.
The value on the date of death generally sets the heirs' new cost basis and supports federal estate tax reporting when required.
When one heir keeps the home or heirs disagree, an independent value helps settle the question.
Most orders come from a personal representative settling a Colorado estate, a successor trustee administering a family trust, or the attorney or CPA advising them. If you are not sure which role applies to you, this article explains the difference.
Great Estates serves Denver, Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Jefferson counties, including Parker, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Littleton, Lakewood, and communities throughout the Denver metropolitan area. See the full coverage area →
Inspection of the inside and outside, with a USPAP-compliant written report accepted by Colorado probate courts and the IRS.
When the interior cannot be inspected, such as a tenant-occupied or unsafe property. Confirm with your attorney that this scope is acceptable.
For estates that must file Form 706 or have unusual properties. Contact Russell for an individual quote.
Reports are delivered as an electronic PDF within 48 to 72 hours of the inspection. Standard rates apply to most residential properties in the Denver metro area. See full service details and order online →
Not sure what you need? A free automated estimate (AVM) can give a rough starting point, but it cannot be used for probate filings or IRS reporting. Request a free estimate →
Wondering what to gather first? Read what to have ready before your appraisal and what is included in the report.
If heirs plan to sell, the date of death value becomes their stepped-up cost basis, which can reduce capital gains tax significantly. Larger estates may also consider the alternative valuation date. For the difference between this report and a current-value appraisal, see Date of Death Appraisal vs. Estate Appraisal. If one heir plans to keep the property and pay the others, see how a buyout price is set.
Great Estates provides real estate valuation services and does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional regarding your specific responsibilities.
A date of death appraisal is a USPAP-compliant opinion of what a property was worth on the day the owner died. It is used for probate inventories, federal estate tax reporting when required, and to establish the heirs' stepped-up cost basis.
Yes. A retrospective appraisal uses market evidence from the date of death, even if the report is ordered months or years afterward. Records such as photos, repair invoices, and listing history help establish the property's condition on that date.
A full interior and exterior date of death appraisal from Great Estates is $550. When interior access is not possible, an exterior-only appraisal is $350. Properties outside standard parameters, and IRS qualified appraisals, are quoted individually.
The electronic PDF report is delivered within 48 to 72 hours of the inspection.
Great Estates serves Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, Elbert and Jefferson counties and communities throughout the Denver metropolitan area.
No. A broker price opinion (BPO) or automated valuation (AVM) is not a substitute for a date of death appraisal when a probate court filing or IRS reporting is involved. Ask your attorney or tax professional if you are unsure.
Order online in minutes, or call Russell at (983) 333-7777 to talk through your situation first.