Estate appraisals
in Baltimore.

START WITH THE DATE

The house today may be different
from the house you need valued.

A date-of-death appraisal looks back to the home's value on that date. If the family has since repaired the roof, cleared the basement or renovated the kitchen, today's condition tells only part of the story.

Old photographs, listing details, inspection reports and invoices can help document what the home was like then. Share what you have, including what changed and when.

One Baltimore address. Its own set of details.

Two rowhouses on the same block can differ in layout, condition, finished space and parking. An online estimate cannot document those details or explain a value as of a past date.

For an older home in Federal Hill or Fell's Point, tell us about additions, alterations and the lower level. The appraisal considers the property and relevant comparable sales, rather than relying on a neighbourhood average.

Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate jurisdictions. If you have the home's Maryland property record, include it with the address. Your attorney can confirm which Register of Wills office applies to the estate.

What to have ready

You can start with the address. These details help us discuss the assignment:

• The purpose and date: estate settlement, a family transfer or another use, plus the date the value should reflect.
• Who will use the report: you, your attorney, accountant, trustee or another intended user.
• The home's earlier condition: records or photographs, especially if work has been done since the relevant date.
• Access and timing: who can arrange entry and when you need the report.

From the first call to the report

Before relying on the report, review the address, effective date and intended use. Raise any questions about the property details or assumptions.

Working through estate paperwork?

For inventory questions, see probate appraisals. For an inherited home's tax-basis question, see IRS step-up appraisals. Your attorney or tax adviser should confirm the requirements for your situation; an appraisal does not promise a tax outcome or acceptance by a particular recipient.