Burien Estate and Date-of-Death Home Appraisals
What does a Burien estate appraisal establish?
A residential appraisal develops an independent value opinion for an identified property or real estate interest as of an agreed effective date. It can support estate administration, an inherited-home sale or a family buyout. Alpha Appraisal does not value businesses, commercial buildings, personal possessions, debts or every asset and liability in an estate.
Is date-of-death value different from current value?
Yes. A date-of-death appraisal is a retrospective assignment addressing the specified date of death. Other retrospective assignments can use a different earlier date. A current appraisal for a proposed sale or buyout answers a separate question. Confirm the date, intended use and intended users with the personal representative and relevant legal or tax adviser before ordering.
What records help establish historical condition?
Provide dated photographs, prior listings, repair invoices, permits and other available records showing the property's characteristics at the effective date. Identify improvements, damage or changes in use that occurred later. A current inspection alone does not establish earlier condition, and today's market evidence does not automatically represent the market on the requested historical date.
Which Burien property details should you disclose?
Send the parcel number and describe additions, an ADU, finished lower-level space, multiple parcels and known site issues. The City of Burien Permit Center provides permit information and an activity map, but the appraiser still must identify the relevant property and verify available records. Burien's Shoreline Master Program applies to designated areas along Puget Sound and Lake Burien; the city name alone does not establish shoreline jurisdiction for a particular parcel.
What decisions remain outside the appraisal?
The value opinion does not determine beneficiaries, ownership rights, inheritance shares, tax liability or whether probate is required. It also does not guarantee court acceptance, a sale price or a family agreement. A whole-property value is not automatically the value of a partial interest. Address legal, tax and allocation questions with the appropriate adviser.
What should you include with a quote request?
Send the address, property type, estate or buyout purpose, effective date, intended users, deadline and access contact. Mention historical-record gaps, additions, shoreline or site issues, condominium rights and multiple parcels. Residential appraisals start at $695; final fees and availability depend on the property and agreed scope. Alpha Appraisal serves King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties.
Call 425-753-1971 or email dustin.labrasseur@gmail.com.
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