It is an independent opinion of value for a specific residential property and an identified effective date. Alpha Appraisal’s scope is residential real estate. It does not include jewelry, artwork, vehicles, business interests, investments, personal belongings, debts, or the value of an entire estate.
No single article can determine that for every estate. The personal representative, attorney, accountant, taxing authority, court, or other intended user may specify whether a report is needed and which value definition and date apply. The appraisal supports a stated use; it does not distribute assets, decide an heir’s share, or provide legal or tax advice.
A date-of-death assignment is a retrospective home appraisal with an effective date in the past. The inspection may occur later, so the appraiser separates observed current conditions from credible evidence of the property’s condition on the effective date. IRS Publication 551 explains that inherited-property basis often depends on fair market value at death, subject to the taxpayer’s circumstances and any applicable election; confirm tax treatment with a qualified adviser.
The analysis should match the subject’s property type, location, condition, and the market as of the effective date. County identity alone is not a valuation method. See Alpha’s Snohomish County residential appraisal guide for service-area context, and provide records that help establish property condition as of the relevant date.
Provide the property address; property type; client and intended users; intended use; required effective date; owner or decedent name if needed for report identification; access contact; known repairs or updates; available prior listings, permits, plans, or photographs; and the requested delivery date. The appraiser will confirm the appropriate scope before acceptance.
Review Alpha’s estate appraisal service and then use the contact form, email dustin.labrasseur@gmail.com, or call 425-753-1971. Alpha provides the residential valuation report; legal and tax decisions remain with the estate’s advisers and authorized decision-makers.
Related residential appraisal pages: scope and company information; service details; county service guide; and request a quote.
Revised October 8, 2026.