Question 1

What is a date of death appraisal and who needs one?

Accepted Answer

A date of death appraisal is a retrospective appraisal that establishes a property's market value as of the day the owner died. Executors, trustees, heirs and CPAs use it for probate, estate tax filings, and to set the stepped-up cost basis that determines capital gains when the property is later sold.

Question 2

How is an appraisal different from a real estate agent's CMA?

Accepted Answer

An appraisal is an independent, USPAP-compliant opinion of value prepared by a state-licensed appraiser with no financial interest in a sale. A comparative market analysis is a pricing tool prepared by an agent who is usually seeking the listing. Courts, the IRS and assessment appeals boards accept appraisals; they generally do not accept CMAs.

Question 3

Do you appraise outside San Francisco and Marin County?

Accepted Answer

No. Jones Appraisal works only in San Francisco County and Marin County, California. That geographic focus is what makes our comparable-sales analysis reliable.

Question 4

Can you appraise a property as of a past date?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Retrospective appraisals are a core part of our practice. Date of death valuations and property tax appeal lien-date valuations both require a past effective date.

Question 5

What does a residential appraisal cost and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Fees and turnaround times depend on the property type, its complexity and the intended use of the report. Contact Jones Appraisal at (415) 637-0887 or parker@jonesappraisal.com for a quote on your specific property; we respond within 24 hours and usually much sooner.

Question 6

Will the appraisal hold up in court or with the IRS?

Accepted Answer

Our reports are prepared in conformance with USPAP and written for legal and tax scrutiny. Probate, family court and county assessment appeals are routine intended uses of our work.

Question 7

Who performs the appraisal?

Accepted Answer

Parker Jones, a Certified Residential Appraiser, personally handles the property inspection and prepares the report.