Estate Settlement Appraisals

Our Estate Settlement Appraisal Services

Settling an estate is a process that often involves difficult decisions and detailed financial considerations. At Wulf Appraisal Corp, we provide estate settlement appraisal services to help executors, trustees, and attorneys value real estate assets accurately and in compliance with IRS requirements. Our appraisals are thorough, impartial, and tailored to meet the specific needs of estate planning, probate, or trust administration.

Why an Estate Appraisal Is Essential

In estate settlement, real estate is often one of the most significant assets, and determining its fair market value is critical for a variety of reasons:

IRS Requirements: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires a professional appraisal to establish the fair market value of real estate for estate tax purposes. The valuation must reflect the property’s value as of the date of death or an alternate valuation date (if elected).
Equitable Distribution: For estates with multiple beneficiaries, an accurate appraisal ensures that property is divided fairly and equitably.
Legal Compliance: An impartial and professionally prepared appraisal is often required for probate proceedings, helping to avoid disputes and satisfy court requirements.

What’s Included in an Estate Appraisal?

Our estate settlement appraisals are comprehensive and designed to meet the unique needs of each situation. They include:

Date of Death Valuation: The property’s fair market value as of the date of death, or an alternate date if requested, in accordance with IRS requirements.
Detailed Report: A clear, defensible report that includes analysis of the property’s location, condition, market trends, and comparable sales.
Court-Ready Documentation: Appraisals that meet legal standards for use in probate court or trust administration.

Whether you’re an executor, trustee, or attorney, we ensure that the appraisal provides the clarity and detail you need to proceed confidently.

How We Work with Executors, Trustees, and Attorneys

Estate settlements often involve multiple stakeholders and unique complexities. We’re here to make the appraisal process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Executors and Trustees: We’ll guide you through the appraisal process, explaining the steps we take to determine the property’s value. Our goal is to provide you with an accurate and defensible valuation that supports your responsibilities in settling the estate.
Attorneys: We provide detailed reports that meet IRS standards and are ready for use in legal proceedings. If litigation arises, we’re available to provide expert testimony and litigation support to help resolve disputes.

We also understand that estates can involve sensitive timelines. Let us know your timeline and we’ll work with you, so you can meet your deadline.

Local Expertise You Can Rely On

Fresno County and the Central Valley have a diverse real estate market, from urban neighborhoods to rural properties. As a Certified Residential appraiser (License No. 3009462) with years of experience in the region, I understand the unique factors that influence property values here. Whether the estate involves a single-family home in Fresno, a rural property near Sanger, or a multi-acre estate in Clovis, we bring local expertise and a commitment to accuracy to every appraisal.