IRS-Qualified Estate AppraisalsServing the Bay Area
Accurate, compliant property valuations for estate settlement, probate, and tax planning. Over 30 years of experience helping families navigate the appraisal process with care and precision.
Understanding the Process
What Are Estate Appraisals?
When a loved one passes away, their real property must be appraised to establish its fair market value. We understand this comes during one of life’s most difficult moments — and we approach every assignment with the sensitivity and professionalism your family deserves.
An estate appraisal is a professional, independent opinion of value prepared by a qualified appraiser. It creates a legally defensible record of what a property was worth at a specific point in time — most often the date of death of the property owner.
IRS Compliance
Federal tax law requires a qualified appraisal to establish the fair market value of real property in an estate. Without one, estate tax filings may be challenged or rejected.
Fair Market Value at Date of Death
An estate appraisal determines what a property was worth on the date the owner passed away — not today's value. This figure is critical for calculating estate taxes and establishing the cost basis for heirs.
Estate Settlement & Probate
Whether property passes through a will, trust, or probate court, an independent appraisal provides the impartial valuation that attorneys, executors, and the court rely on to settle the estate fairly.
Trust Administration & Tax Planning
Accurate appraisals support trust distributions, step-up in basis calculations, and long-term tax planning — helping families preserve wealth and avoid costly disputes with the IRS.
Not sure if you need an estate appraisal? We’re happy to help you understand your options.
Ask Us a QuestionYour Trusted Appraiser
Why Cadieux Consulting?
Brian Cadieux, SRA
Certified Residential Appraiser
With over 30 years in the appraisal profession, I bring a combination of technical expertise, local market knowledge, and genuine care for the families I serve. Estate appraisals require a level of diligence and sensitivity that goes beyond a standard valuation — and that’s exactly what I deliver on every assignment.
SRA Designation
An Appraisal Institute designation representing advanced competency and ethical practice in residential valuation.
IRS Qualified Appraiser
Meets all IRS requirements to produce Qualified Appraisals — the standard the IRS demands for estate and gift tax filings.
USPAP Compliant
Every appraisal meets the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — the nationally recognized standard for appraisal quality.
30+ Years of Experience
Three decades in the appraisal industry — with deep expertise in estate, probate, and trust-related valuations.
Bay Area Market Expert
Deep knowledge of Santa Clara and San Mateo County residential markets — neighborhoods, trends, and property types that out-of-area appraisers simply don't have.
Where We Serve
Service Area
We provide estate appraisal services throughout Santa Clara County and San Mateo County in California — covering the heart of the Bay Area and its surrounding communities.
Santa Clara County
Including San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and surrounding communities.
San Mateo County
Including Redwood City, San Mateo, Foster City, Burlingame, San Carlos, Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Daly City, South San Francisco, Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside, and surrounding communities.
Not sure if your property is in our service area? Contact us and we’ll let you know.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The property inspection itself typically takes one to two hours, depending on the size and complexity of the home. After the inspection, the completed appraisal report is usually delivered within one to two weeks. If you're working under a tight deadline — for a court date or tax filing, for example — let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate your timeline.
You'll receive a comprehensive written report that includes a detailed description of the property, an analysis of comparable sales, photographs, market data, and a well-supported opinion of fair market value. The report is prepared in compliance with USPAP standards and meets IRS requirements for estate and gift tax purposes. It's designed to withstand scrutiny from attorneys, the courts, and the IRS.
A date of death appraisal establishes the fair market value of a property as of the exact date the owner passed away. This is different from a current-value appraisal — it reflects what the property was worth at that specific point in time, using comparable sales and market conditions from that period. The IRS requires this valuation to calculate estate taxes and to establish the stepped-up cost basis for the heirs.
In most cases, yes. California probate courts generally require a professional appraisal to establish the value of real property in an estate. Even when probate isn't required — such as with a living trust — an appraisal is still strongly recommended for tax purposes and to protect all parties involved in the distribution of assets.
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is an informal estimate of value typically prepared by a real estate agent to help price a home for sale. It is not a legally recognized valuation and cannot be used for IRS filings, probate, or legal proceedings. A professional appraisal, on the other hand, is an independent, unbiased opinion of value prepared by a licensed and qualified appraiser following USPAP standards. For estate settlement, tax, and legal purposes, only a qualified appraisal will meet the requirements.
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Tell us about your appraisal needs and we’ll get back to you within one business day. There’s no obligation — just honest guidance.
Contact Information
Prefer to talk?
We understand estate matters can be time-sensitive. Call us directly and we’ll be happy to discuss your situation.
Call 408-423-9300