An inherited home can raise different value questions for a sale, a sibling buyout and estate documentation. An estate appraisal provides a documented residential value for the purpose and date your assignment requires, whether current value or retrospective value such as the date of death. Alpha Appraisal serves personal representatives, trustees, families and professional advisers throughout King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties.
A written report explains the property characteristics, relevant market evidence and reasoning behind the value as of the agreed date. This gives the family and its advisers a documented basis for the specified estate decision. Tell us whether you need historical estate value, current sale or buyout value, or both so the quote covers the right assignment.
A current appraisal addresses value as of the agreed current effective date. A date-of-death appraisal addresses value as of the specified historical date, reflecting the property and market relevant to that date. A family may need both when inherited property will be sold or one heir will buy out others. Confirm the purpose and date with the estate attorney or tax adviser before ordering.
IRS guidance generally ties the basis of inherited property to fair market value at the decedent’s death, subject to exceptions and applicable rules. A tax adviser should determine how those rules apply, whether an alternate valuation is relevant and which documentation is required. The appraisal supplies the defined value opinion; it does not determine your tax liability. IRS Publication 551, inherited property
Historical photographs, listing descriptions, permits, repair invoices, prior appraisals and other contemporaneous records can help establish the property’s earlier characteristics. A present-day inspection can be useful, but renovations or damage after the historical date must be considered separately. Tell the appraiser about uncertainty or missing records so the limitations can be addressed explicitly.
Describe the distribution decision, the property interest and the date the value must represent. A current distribution or buyout question may differ from the historical value needed for another estate purpose. The appraisal can document residential value within its agreed scope; the trustee and advisers determine distribution rights, tax treatment and payment terms.
Read the trustee’s guide to appraisals before distributing a home.
Send the address, parcel information if available, requested date, purpose, report users, deadline and access arrangements. Identify ADUs, multiple parcels, waterfront, acreage or unusual improvements. Provide records from around the valuation date and dates of later improvements. Avoid sending unrelated sensitive estate records through the initial quote form.
An appraisal can establish the agreed property value. Ownership percentages, debt, reimbursements and transfer terms determine how that figure is used in the buyout. A current buyout value may differ from the historical value used for another estate purpose. Agree on the assignment’s date and property interest before commissioning the report.
Request an estate or retrospective appraisal quote with the address, effective date, reason and deadline, or call 425-753-1971.
Retrospective home appraisal guide · Co-owner and sibling buyout guide · Request an estate appraisal quote
About the appraiser
Dustin LaBrasseur, Washington Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser, credential 1703357. Verify the credential in the national registry. Content updated October 16, 2026.