Date of Death Appraisals & Retrospective Property Valuations
When a loved one passes away, determining the value of their real estate as of the date of death may be necessary for estate settlement, tax and stepped-up basis purposes, probate, trusts, or other legal and financial matters. West Valley Appraisal Services provides professional retrospective real estate appraisals that develop an opinion of a property's market value as of a specific historical date.
Serving homeowners, executors, trustees, attorneys and CPAs throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, the West Valley and Maricopa County.
Who Needs a Date of Death Appraisal?
Date of death appraisals are commonly requested by executors, personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, attorneys and CPAs when a reliable opinion of a property's value is needed as of a prior date. The effective date of the appraisal is typically the date of death rather than the date the appraisal is completed.
These retrospective valuations may be used in connection with estate administration, probate, trusts, tax and stepped-up basis matters, distribution of assets among heirs, or other legal and financial needs.
Why a Retrospective Appraisal Requires Experience
A date of death appraisal is different from an appraisal with a current effective date. The appraiser must research market conditions, comparable sales and other information that was relevant as of the historical effective date. Depending on how far back the date of death occurred, this may require researching older market data and determining which information would have been available and relevant at that time.
West Valley Appraisal Services provides independent appraisal reports prepared with the confidentiality, professionalism and supporting market analysis expected for estate, tax and legal purposes.
What to Expect
A date of death appraisal begins with identifying the property and the required historical effective date. We research the property, relevant public records and market data, and analyze comparable sales and market conditions applicable to that date.
Because every estate and property is different, we can discuss the assignment with you, your attorney, CPA, executor or trustee to help determine the appropriate appraisal scope and effective date.
Need a Date of Death Appraisal?
If you need a retrospective real estate appraisal for an estate, trust, probate, tax matter or stepped-up basis, West Valley Appraisal Services can help. We provide independent residential appraisal services throughout the West Valley and Maricopa County.
Call West Valley Appraisal Services at (602) 717‑8450 to discuss your appraisal needs.
Request a personalized fee quote for your property and appraisal needs.
Looking for appraisal services for other estate-related purposes? Visit our Estate Appraisals page.
For Estate Attorneys, CPAs, Executors, and Trustees
West Valley Appraisal Services prepares date of death and retrospective residential appraisals for estate settlement support in Phoenix and Maricopa County, including the West Valley. Assignments are scoped to an agreed past effective date and intended use — not a lender mortgage order.
Timing depends on property complexity, access, and the historical information available for the effective date. When you request an appraisal, we will confirm scope and timing for your matter before work begins.
Information commonly needed
- Property address and owner/estate contact
- Effective date (date of death or other retrospective date)
- Intended use / user (attorney, CPA, executor, trustee)
- Any known condition, remodel, or sale history around the effective date
- Access instructions and gate codes if applicable
- Attorney or CPA engagement letter or instructions, if they want specific report users named
Request a Date of Death Appraisal
Frequently asked questions
What is a date of death appraisal?
A date of death appraisal (also called a retrospective appraisal) estimates the market value of a residential property as of a past effective date — typically the date of death — rather than today's market. Executors, trustees, estate attorneys, CPAs, and heirs often need this for estate settlement, probate support, or basis discussions. We are not tax or legal advisors; your attorney or CPA decides how the report is used.
Can you value a home as of a past date if it has since sold or been remodeled?
Retrospective assignments are built around the effective date and the market and property condition information available for that date. Later sales, remodels, or condition changes are treated carefully so they do not improperly redefine the past-date opinion. Share what you know about the property history when you request an appraisal so the scope of work can be set correctly. Call (602) 717‑8450 or use Request an Appraisal on this page.
Do attorneys and CPAs order date of death appraisals directly?
Yes. Family-law and estate attorneys, CPAs, executors, and trustees commonly order date of death and retrospective appraisals on behalf of an estate or client. Homeowners and heirs may also start the request. Use Request an Appraisal on this page or call (602) 717‑8450. If you need a current estate or probate valuation without a past effective date, see our Estate Appraisals page and we will help you choose the right path.
How is this different from a current estate appraisal?
A date of death appraisal is different from an appraisal with a current effective date. The appraiser must research market conditions, comparable sales and other information that was relevant as of the historical effective date. For estate appraisals with a current effective date, see Estate Appraisals.
Request an appraisal
Start online in a few minutes, or call or text (602) 717-8450 to discuss your appraisal.