Clear, defensible values when your family needs them most.
Settling an estate is hard enough. We give executors, heirs and attorneys a trusted number, with care and professionalism.
Why Country First
- Date-of-death valuesReports prepared for probate, estate settlement and tax basis needs.
- Patient, respectful serviceWe coordinate access with executors and family on your timeline.
- Built for attorneys and CPAsClear, well-documented reports that professionals and courts can rely on.
What a defensible estate appraisal includes
- A clearly stated effective dateWe appraise as of the date of death you specify. If an alternate valuation date may apply, we can value both dates so your attorney or CPA has what they need.
- Condition as of that dateIf the home was changed, repaired or allowed to deteriorate after the effective date, we research it and disclose how it affects the value.
- Named intended usersThe engagement letter identifies the executor, trustee, attorney or CPA the report is written for, and what it will be used for.
- Documented market evidenceComparable sales, adjustments and reasoning are written out so heirs, attorneys and courts can follow how the value was reached.
Estate and probate appraisal questions
Do we need an appraisal to settle an estate?
Often, yes. A documented value helps with the inventory, appraisement and list of claims, with dividing property fairly among heirs, with buyouts between heirs, and with tax basis. Texas executors generally file the inventory within 90 days of qualifying, and your attorney will tell you whether a professional appraisal is needed.
Can you appraise a home as of a past date of death?
Yes. Retrospective appraisals are routine for us. We value the property as it was on that date, using market data from that period, and the effective date is stated at the top of the report.
Why does a date-of-death value matter for taxes?
For many inherited assets the heir's tax basis is generally the fair market value at death, which can reduce taxable gain on a later sale. A documented appraisal supports the figure your CPA reports. We provide the value, and your tax professional decides how it is applied.
What if the home is vacant, occupied or far from the heirs?
We coordinate access with the executor, a family member or a property manager, and we work around the people living there. Heirs out of state can handle everything by phone and email.
What if the heirs disagree about what the home is worth?
An independent appraisal gives everyone the same neutral reference point. It is commonly used to set a buyout price or to divide the estate without guessing.
How long does an estate appraisal take, and when do we pay?
We confirm the delivery date in your engagement letter. Payment is required before the inspection date, and we email the invoice and engagement letter after you order.
See also: appraisals for attorneys and CPAs, divorce appraisals and how our appraisal process works.
How it works
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Get an Instant Fee QuoteOrder an AppraisalPayment is required before your inspection date. An invoice is sent after you order.