Estate Appraisals for Probate & Estate Settlement
Settling an estate can involve important decisions about real property. West Valley Appraisal Services provides independent residential real estate appraisals for executors, personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, attorneys and CPAs who need a reliable opinion of a property's market value.
We provide estate appraisal services throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, the West Valley and Maricopa County.
When Is an Estate Appraisal Needed?
An estate appraisal may be needed for probate, estate settlement, trusts, inheritance matters, distribution of assets among heirs, tax planning or other legal and financial purposes. The appropriate effective date depends on the needs of the estate and the purpose of the appraisal.
When a historical value is required, a retrospective appraisal can develop an opinion of market value as of a prior date rather than the date the appraisal is completed.
Appraisals for Executors, Trustees, Attorneys and CPAs
Estate matters often require an appraisal that can be understood and relied upon by multiple parties. We research the property, relevant public records, comparable sales and market conditions applicable to the assignment and prepare an independent appraisal report supported by market evidence.
Our appraisal services are available to homeowners, executors, personal representatives, trustees, attorneys, accountants and other professionals involved in estate administration and settlement.
Estate Appraisals and Retrospective Valuations
In some estate assignments, the value needed is the property's value as of the date of death. This is different from an appraisal with a current effective date because the appraiser must research market conditions and comparable sales that were relevant as of the historical effective date.
If you need a historical valuation for an estate, visit our Date of Death Appraisals page for more information about retrospective property valuations.
What to Expect
We begin by identifying the property, intended use of the appraisal and required effective date. We then research relevant property records and market data, analyze appropriate comparable sales and market conditions, and develop an independent opinion of value.
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 Help With an Estate Appraisal?
If you need a real estate appraisal for probate, estate settlement, a trust, inheritance matter or other estate-related purpose, West Valley Appraisal Services can help.
Call West Valley Appraisal Services at (602) 717‑8450 to discuss the property and your appraisal needs, or request a personalized fee quote online.
For Attorneys, CPAs, Executors, and Personal Representatives
Estate and probate residential appraisals for settlement support across Phoenix and Maricopa County, including Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and other West Valley communities. If your matter requires value as of a past date of death, use our Date of Death Valuations service; if you need a current or settlement-oriented estate appraisal, start here. We do not provide legal or tax advice — your attorney or CPA directs how the report is used.
We will outline timing when scoping the assignment. Complex estates, limited access, or multiple properties may affect the schedule. Ask when you call whether multiple residential properties in one estate can be scheduled together.
Information commonly needed
- Property address(es) in the estate
- Whether effective date is current or retrospective (if retrospective, see Date of Death Valuations)
- Authorized engaging party (executor, personal representative, attorney)
- Probate or settlement context at a high level (no need for full pleadings)
- Access and occupancy status
- Any counsel instructions on intended users
Request an Estate Appraisal
Need value as of a past date of death? See Date of Death Valuations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an estate appraisal or a date of death appraisal?
Choose date of death / retrospective when the value must be as of a past effective date (often the date of death). Choose an estate or probate appraisal when you need a current or settlement-oriented residential value for estate administration. Many estates use both concepts at different steps. West Valley Appraisal Services keeps separate pages for Estate Appraisals and Date of Death Valuations and will help you pick the right scope when you call (602) 717‑8450 or submit Request an Appraisal.
Will the appraisal work for probate court or attorney needs?
We prepare residential appraisal reports for estate settlement and probate support used by executors, trustees, attorneys, and CPAs in Phoenix and Maricopa County. Whether a specific report format meets a court's or attorney's requirement is determined by your counsel — we do not give legal advice. Share any instructions from your attorney when you order so the scope can align. Beneficiaries may inquire, but the person authorized to engage the appraiser should place the order. Call (602) 717‑8450 or Request an Appraisal.
Request an appraisal
Start online in a few minutes, or call or text (602) 717-8450 to discuss your appraisal.