Estate Appraisals

Accurate, defensible valuations for inherited property, date of death, step-up in basis, trust administration, and estate planning needs. We handle the appraisal so the family and their attorneys can focus on everything else.

Call Mat directly at (714) 409-6123, or request an appraisal online.

Who Is This For

Estate appraisals serve a specific and often urgent need. If you're an attorney managing a filing, a CPA handling trust administration, or a family navigating an inherited property — this is the appraisal you need.

The report has to be accurate, properly documented, and defensible in court. Mat has been doing this work for 24 years. He knows what the courts expect and what the process requires.

Types of Estate Appraisals

Inherited Property Appraisal

For beneficiaries who've received a property and need to establish current market value — whether for sale, distribution among heirs, or tax basis purposes.

Cost Segregation Appraisal

For investment and rental properties, it identifies building components that qualify for accelerated depreciation, reducing taxable income. We provide the property valuation and component analysis that supports the cost segregation study — typically done in coordination with your CPA or tax advisor.

Date of Death Valuation

A retroactive appraisal establishing the market property value as of the decedent's date of death. Required for most estate tax filings, trust distributions, and court proceedings. The date is fixed, the appraisal has to get it right.

Trust Administration Appraisal

When a trust holds real property and a valuation is needed for distribution, refinancing, or settlement, Mat provides an independent, certified assessment that satisfies trustee and beneficiary requirements.

Step-Up in Basis Appraisal

When inheriting property, you can step up the cost basis to the fair market value at the date of the owner's death — significantly reducing capital gains taxes when the heir sells. A certified appraisal is required to establish and support that value for the tax filing.

Why It Matters Who Does This

Estate appraisals aren't routine. The value assigned affects tax obligations, heir distributions, and sometimes contested legal proceedings. The appraiser's credibility is part of the report.

Mat is a California State Certified Residential Appraiser (BREA License #AR029995). His reports are signed and stand behind a 24-year track record of accurate, defensible work in Orange County. When an attorney puts his name on a referral, they know who's delivering it.

Turnaround

Normal turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from the inspection date.

For time-sensitive filings, rush scheduling and rush reporting are available. Additional fees may apply — ask when you reach out.

Pricing

Residential appraisals: $600–$850 depending on property type and square footage.

Rush service and printed hard copy available as add-ons.

Commercial appraisals quoted on request.

Have questions about the process? See our FAQs here —>

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It comes down to the date. A date of death or step-up appraisal values the property as of the day the owner passed. An appraisal of an inherited property for a sale or a buyout among heirs values it as of today. Tell us the purpose and the date when you request the appraisal, and we set the effective date to match.

  • Trustees, executors, and heirs, along with the attorneys and CPAs who advise them. Mat works directly with the family or with their professional, whichever is handling the file.

  • The property address, the purpose of the appraisal, and the date of death if one applies. If the property has been sold, remodeled, or damaged since that date, tell us up front. Mat will let you know if he needs anything else.

  • "We needed an appraisal for my father's estate. A friend of ours recommended Just Appraisals. Mat came out the next day and sent us a detailed report the following day. I am very pleased with their professionalism during those hard times."

    —Cathy

  • "I recently used Just Appraisals Inc. to appraise my parents' home for estate planning purposes in Orange County, and I was thoroughly impressed with their professionalism and knowledge. What stood out to me the most was the appraiser's expertise and knowledge of the local housing market in Orange County."

    —Jesse Blackburn

  • "Excellent service, fast, friendly, professional private party appraisal. I'm a CPA. I service a lot of trusts and entities for tax. I have a need for really fast turnaround. Mat knew what I needed, and he was able to see me that day. I got an accurate appraisal in half the time of other appraisers I've used. My client was elated. I will definitely be using Mat in the future."

    —Sean, CPA

How To Get Started

Fill out the request form and we'll follow up with a confirmation and a quote.

REQUEST ESTATE APPRAISAL

Are You An Attorney or CPA?

There's a page built specifically for professionals who refer clients for appraisals.

→ See How We Work With Attorneys

Questions Before You Order?

Call us directly at 714-409-6123.

Normal turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from the inspection date. Rush service available at an extra cost.