Estate Appraisal
Written property valuations for estate settlement, probate, and estate planning purposes.
What is an estate appraisal?
When a property owner passes away, the fair market value of their real estate may need to be documented for probate, estate settlement, or estate planning purposes. An estate appraisal provides a written opinion of value as of a specified effective date.
In many cases a retrospective appraisal is required — an appraisal with an effective date in the past, such as the date of death. Qualified designated appraisers can prepare retrospective appraisals supported by historical market data.
Appraisal reports are prepared by qualified designated appraisers in accordance with applicable professional standards.
Who this service is for
- Estate executors and trustees
- Estate lawyers and notaries
- Beneficiaries requiring documentation of property values
- Individuals engaged in estate planning
- Accountants and tax professionals with estate matters
Current value vs. date-of-death value
Not every estate appraisal is valued as of today. Depending on the purpose, the appraisal may need to reflect a current value or a retrospective, date-of-death value.
Current value
What the property is worth as of the appraisal date. Relevant when the property is being actively listed or sold as part of settling the estate.
Date-of-death (retrospective) value
What the property was worth on the date the owner passed away. This is typically the date required for probate filings and terminal tax returns, and requires the appraiser to research comparable sales data from that specific period.
When to order an estate appraisal
There is no fixed deadline, but ordering the appraisal early in the estate process helps ensure comparable sales data close to the date of death is still readily available, and supports timely probate and tax filings.
Executors, lawyers, and accountants working through probate benefit from having a documented, defensible value early, before decisions about the property need to be made.
How it works
Contact us
Reach out by phone or email to discuss your appraisal needs.
Property inspection
The appraiser conducts an on-site inspection. For retrospective appraisals, the effective date is established beforehand.
Written report
You receive a written appraisal report prepared by a qualified designated appraiser.
Request an estate appraisal
Contact us to discuss your appraisal needs across Oakville and surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
What is a date-of-death appraisal?
A date-of-death appraisal is a retrospective valuation that establishes a property's fair market value as of the date the owner passed away. This value is commonly required for probate filings, terminal tax returns, and dividing the estate fairly among beneficiaries.
Who orders an estate appraisal?
Estate appraisals are typically ordered by the executor or trustee responsible for settling the estate, often on the advice of an estate lawyer or accountant. Beneficiaries may also request documentation of property value as part of the estate process.
How soon after a death should an estate appraisal be ordered?
There is no fixed deadline, but ordering the appraisal early in the estate process helps ensure comparable sales data close to the date of death is still readily available, and supports timely probate and tax filings.
Is a current value or a retrospective value used for an estate appraisal?
Most estate appraisals use a retrospective value as of the date of death, since that is the date typically required for probate and terminal tax return purposes. In some cases, such as an active listing, a current value may also be relevant.
Other appraisal services
Areas we serve
We provide this service across Oakville and surrounding communities.
Oakville, ON L6J 7L7