What a 24-hour desktop appraisal is used for
Twelve purposes Brian Ward has prepared desktop appraisals for, from date-of-death valuations to property bonds. Pick yours for the deadlines that usually drive it and what to send.
Date of Death & Step-Up in Basis
Retrospective value on the date of death to support the heirs' new tax basis.
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Trust & Estate Administration
Certified values for trustees and executors: accountings, distributions and trust sales.
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Divorce & Family Law
Current or date-of-separation values for buyouts, mediation and settlement talks.
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Family Transfers & Co-Owner Buyouts
A fair, documented price when a home changes hands inside the family.
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Gift Tax (Form 709)
Fair market value of gifted real estate on the date of transfer, for the gift-tax return.
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Prop 19 Parent-Child Transfers
Market value on the transfer date, to see how much of the old tax base survives.
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Property Tax Appeals
Independent market value evidence for Prop 8 reviews and assessment appeals.
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Bankruptcy
Home values for Chapter 7 and 13 schedules, exemptions and plan math.
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Pre-Listing Pricing
An independent value before you set the list price.
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Pre-Purchase Value Check
An independent price check while your contingency period is still open.
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Immigration Sponsors (Form I-864)
Home equity documented for an I-864 Affidavit of Support.
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Bail & Property Bonds
Current value to document equity for a property bond or bail collateral.
24-hour details →Prepared for every purpose on this site. Brian Ward has prepared desktop appraisals for every purpose listed on this site. Some situations still call for an inspection-based appraisal, so check with your attorney or tax advisor before you order to be sure a desktop report fits your matter.
Don't see your situation? Choose “Other” on the order form and describe it. You'll get an answer before anything is billed.
Valuation dates and who usually reads the report
| Purpose | Typical valuation date | Usually relied on by |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death & Step-Up in Basis | Date of death (or the alternate date) | Heirs, CPA, escrow |
| Trust & Estate Administration | Date of death and/or current | Trustee, executor, attorney |
| Divorce & Family Law | Current and/or date of separation | Spouses, attorneys, mediator |
| Family Transfers & Co-Owner Buyouts | Current or transfer date | Family members, attorney |
| Gift Tax (Form 709) | Date of the gift | CPA preparing Form 709 |
| Prop 19 Parent-Child Transfers | Transfer date | Family, county assessor |
| Property Tax Appeals | January 1 lien date or event date | Assessment appeals board |
| Bankruptcy | Petition date or current | Debtor's attorney, trustee |
| Pre-Listing Pricing | Current | Seller, trustee, agent |
| Pre-Purchase Value Check | Current | Buyer |
| Immigration Sponsors (Form I-864) | Current | USCIS or the National Visa Center |
| Bail & Property Bonds | Current | Court or bail agent |
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