Estate Appraisal Services

An Estate Appraisal needs:

• Well-supported, expert appraisal
• Document that meet the requirements of courts and various agencies in Arizona
• Ability to do a retrospective appraisal with an effective date and Market Value opinion matching the exact date of death
• Professional courtesy, confidentiality, and discretion

A comprehensive report showing the appraiser's opinion of value is necessary to support the methods the appraiser used to come to his conclusions. This sort of report will certainly demonstrate your claim that the values within the report are well-founded and accurate.

When Is an Estate Appraisal Needed?

• Probate process
• Date of death valuation
• Inheritance distribution
• Trust and estate planning
• IRS reporting / tax purposes

Types of Estate Appraisals

At Master Appraisal Services, we offer several types of estate appraisals to suit various needs. Here are the most common types:

1. Date of Death Estate Appraisal

A date of death estate appraisal assesses the property’s value as of the date of the owner’s passing, often required for probate and tax filings. We understand that in this time of loss, getting an appraisal is the furthest thought from your mind. You can count on Master Appraisal Services to act quickly and with much compassion to the feelings of everyone left behind.

An estate appraisal with a date of death valuation is important because:

1. An accurate property value is needed for estate/income taxes.
2. In order for heirs to receive a fair share of the properties worth, they need to know an accurate value.
3. If the deceased did not have a will, property will likely go through probate - and the courts will require a valuation of the real estate property.

This appraisal is crucial for establishing a fair value that aligns with legal and tax requirements, and is also commonly referred to as a Date of Death Appraisal, Historical Appraisal, or Retrospective Appraisal. Our team uses historical data to deliver an accurate, certified valuation that meets all necessary standards for estate settlement.

2. Retrospective Estate Appraisal

A retrospective estate appraisal is similar to a date of death appraisal but can be customized to determine the property’s value as of any date in the past. This type of appraisal is often needed for legal purposes, such as revisiting past estate distributions or settling disputes.

Our retrospective appraisals provide a reliable historical valuation using data and market conditions from the specific period in question.

3. Estate Trust Appraisal

Appraisal are needed for several different trusts. They are often required when the trust is first set up, as of the date of death of the owner of the trust (retrospective), and some trusts will only require a current market value appraisal to ensure the executor of the trust liquidates the property for full value.

Our estate trust appraisals provide you with the clarity and foresight needed for effective asset management and distribution planning.

4. Estate Donation Appraisal

When a property is donated to a qualified charity or other organization the IRS recognizes for charitable donations you can often get a tax deduction for the fair market value of the property you are donating. However the IRS will not just take your word for what the fair market value is. You will need to get an appraisal from a qualified appraiser.

Why Choose an Estate Appraisal?

Compliance with Legal and Tax Requirements


Estate appraisals are often required by probate courts, tax authorities, and legal professionals to ensure accurate valuations and fair distribution of assets. To satisfy the IRS and Arizona state agencies, it’s necessary to support the property value determination with appropriate documentation. Our appraisals are prepared with the highest standards of accuracy and transparency, meeting all requirements for estate management.

Clarity for Heirs and Executors

An estate appraisal provides heirs and executors with a clear understanding of the property’s worth, minimizing disputes and facilitating smooth asset distribution. Our comprehensive reports ensure that all parties involved in the estate process have a reliable basis for making informed decisions.

Financial Planning for the Future

An accurate estate appraisal helps in planning future financial steps, whether for tax preparation, retirement planning, or long-term asset management. Knowing the value of property assets is essential for developing effective strategies for wealth transfer and estate organization.

Our Estate Appraisal Process

At Master Appraisal Services, we make the estate appraisal process straightforward, with a focus on professionalism, accuracy, and compassion.

1. Initial Consultation

We begin with a consultation to understand your needs and answer any questions. This step helps us gather relevant information, including documents and property details, to tailor the appraisal to your specific requirements.

2. Detailed Property Inspection

Our certified appraisers conduct a thorough inspection of the property, evaluating its condition, location, and unique features. This assessment, combined with market data, ensures a fair and accurate valuation.

3. Comprehensive Report with Supporting Data

After completing the inspection and analysis, we provide a detailed report that includes our findings, comparable market data, and the final appraised value. This report is clear, comprehensive, and meets all legal and tax standards, making it suitable for probate, tax filings, and estate planning.

Court-Ready & IRS-Compliant: Our reports are detailed, well-documented, and prepared to meet probate court and IRS requirements.

Meet Your Appraiser - Steve Leavitt

Steve Leavitt, owner of Master Appraisal Services, has over 25 years of experience appraising residential properties across Maricopa County. He is FHA-approved and frequently handles complex, luxury, and legal appraisal assignments referred by other professionals.

• ✔ Licensed Arizona Real Estate Appraiser
• ✔ FHA Approved Appraiser
• ✔ 25+ Years Local Experience
• ✔ Probate & Legal Appraisal Experience