Date of Death Commercial Appraisals
A date of death appraisal establishes the value of commercial real estate as of a specific past date—the date a decedent passed away. Executors, attorneys, and tax advisors rely on these retrospective valuations for estate settlement and tax filings.
A date of death appraisal is a retrospective appraisal—an opinion of value with an effective date in the past, specifically the decedent's date of death (or, where applicable, the alternate valuation date). The value conclusion reflects market conditions and property facts as of that date, not today. This is an appraisal assignment, and the definition of value and effective date are dictated by the estate's needs and any applicable tax requirements.
The deliverable is an appraisal report documenting the property and the market evidence that existed as of the date of death, with a supported value conclusion. Executors and advisors should confirm with their tax professional or attorney which valuation date and definition of value apply, since requirements can vary; we do not provide tax or legal advice and do not promise acceptance by the IRS or courts.
When Clients Need This Service
Executors and personal representatives need a date of death valuation when commercial real estate is part of an estate and a value as of the decedent's death is required for filing, settlement, or distribution. Attorneys and CPAs request it to support estate tax returns and to establish basis for heirs.
For example, when an owner of a small retail strip or industrial building passes away, the executor must establish the property's value as of the date of death to file the estate return and to allocate value among beneficiaries. Because the effective date is in the past, the appraisal reconstructs market conditions and comparable transactions that existed at that time—not current sales, which may reflect a very different market.
What the Analysis Considers
The factors relevant to this assignment vary with the property and the question being asked. Depending on the agreed scope, the analysis may consider:
- The effective date—the date of death, or the alternate valuation date if elected and applicable
- The applicable definition of value, confirmed with the estate's tax advisor or attorney
- Market conditions, comparable sales, and rental evidence that existed as of the date of death
- The property's condition, tenancy, and leases in effect at that past date
- Any partial interests or ownership structures reflected in the estate
- Reconstructed income and expense levels appropriate to the historical effective date
- Assignment limitations created by the passage of time and available records
Not every assignment applies all three valuation approaches. The approaches used depend on the property type, available data, and the assignment's intended use.
Documents & Information That May Help
Providing the following can streamline an assignment, but not every item is required to begin. We can discuss what is available during the initial call.
Date of death and any alternate valuation date elected
Property address and legal description
Leases and rent roll in effect at the date of death
If available
Historical operating statements around that date
Any prior appraisals, assessments, or title records
How the Engagement Works
Every engagement begins with a conversation so the scope, fee, and timing fit the property and the question you need answered. A typical engagement moves through these stages:
Initial discussion
We confirm the property, the decedent's date of death, and the value definition the estate needs.
Scope confirmation
We agree on the effective date, definition of value, report format, fee, and timing in writing.
Information collection
We gather leases, historical financials, and any records from the period surrounding the date of death.
Retrospective research
We research the market evidence—sales, rents, conditions—that existed as of the effective date.
Analysis & delivery
We conclude value as of the date of death and deliver the report, available for follow-up questions.
Scope, fees, and timing depend on the property type, assignment complexity, and the report format the client or intended user requires. We confirm these in writing before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this service.
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Tell us about your property and what you need the valuation to address. To help us respond quickly, please include the property address, property type, assignment purpose, the relevant valuation date, and your requested completion date.
Gold Rush Appraisal provides commercial real estate valuations across Texas. Call us directly or send the details through the form and we'll get back to you promptly.
214-761-6875