Written by Russell Harrist
Colorado Certified Residential Appraiser · Certified Probate Expert (CPE) · 25 Years of Experience
Published August 4, 2026
Ordering an estate appraisal doesn't require a lot of preparation. Here is exactly what is needed and what to expect at each step.
Most personal representatives are surprised by how little is needed to get started. The basic information required at time of order fits on a notecard. Russell will follow up if anything additional is needed for your specific assignment.
That’s everything needed to place an order. You do not need to gather documents, prior appraisals, or other records before ordering, though if you have them, they can be helpful.
After you place your order, you will be redirected to schedule your inspection. Russell will contact the access person you identified to coordinate the visit. That person does not need to be present for the entire inspection, just available to let Russell in and, if needed, answer a few basic questions about the property.
A full interior and exterior inspection typically takes one to two hours depending on the size and condition of the property.
Contact Russell before ordering if:
Most access situations can be accommodated with advance planning; it’s just better to discuss them before scheduling the inspection.
None of these are required to place an order or complete the appraisal. But if you have any of the following, letting Russell know at the time of order can be helpful:
These materials can provide useful context, but the appraisal will be completed regardless. Russell has access to the public records and archived market data needed for the analysis.
If the property has already been sold, a date of death appraisal can still be prepared using retrospective methodology, the same approach used for all date of death assignments. Russell uses archived market data and public records to reconstruct the value as of the effective date. Contact Russell before ordering if this is your situation.
If major renovations or repairs have been made since the date of death, the current condition of the property may differ from its condition at the effective date. Russell will include an extraordinary assumption in the report noting the estimated condition as of the effective date. If documentation of prior condition is available (photographs, contractor records), please share it.
If the property is vacant and utilities are off, or if it is secured in a way that limits interior access, let Russell know before scheduling. In some cases, an exterior-only scope may be appropriate.
The completed appraisal is a formal written report delivered as a PDF to the email address you provide at checkout. The report includes:
Reports are delivered within 48–72 hours of the completed inspection. Rush delivery within 24 hours is available for an additional $100. A mailed hard copy can be ordered for an additional $25 including shipping.
Order your estate appraisal online in about two minutes. After payment you will be directed to schedule your inspection. Questions first? Call or email Russell directly.