Estate Appraisals In San Antonio

andrewp673
Jan 30, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Feb 7

Understanding Estate Appraisals: Why They Matter and When You Need One

Whether you are setting up a trust, inheriting property from a deceased loved one, or navigating the probate process, making the right financial decisions can feel overwhelming. One of the most important steps in managing an estate is understanding the true value of the property involved. Without an accurate valuation, it’s difficult to make informed decisions regarding taxes, selling, or distributing assets among beneficiaries.

At Maverick Appraisals, we provide professional estate appraisal services to give you peace of mind and ensure you have the information you need to move forward with confidence. Our team of certified appraisers specializes in delivering accurate, unbiased property valuations tailored to your unique situation.

When Would an Estate Appraisal Be Useful?

1. Estate Tax Appraisal

Unfortunately, when a loved one passes away, estate taxes may be levied on the value of their estate. This tax is typically based on the fair market value of the estate at the time of the individual’s passing.

If you are a beneficiary or executor, obtaining an estate tax appraisal is essential to ensure you are reporting the correct property value to the IRS. A professional estate appraisal helps prevent tax disputes, ensures compliance with federal and state tax laws, and provides clarity during an already difficult time.

2. Pre-Listing Estate Appraisal

If you inherit a property and decide to sell it, determining an appropriate listing price is crucial. Many beneficiaries choose to sell the home themselves rather than working with an agent to save money. However, without a professional appraisal, there’s a risk of undervaluing or overpricing the property.

A market value appraisal provides an accurate, fair assessment of the home's worth, ensuring you maximize your sale price while attracting serious buyers. Having an appraisal also offers potential buyers confidence in the price, making the selling process smoother and more efficient.

3. Estate Trust Appraisal

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows a third party (trustee) to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary or beneficiaries. Trusts are often used in estate planning to manage and distribute property in a structured manner.

“A trust is a fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party, or trustee, to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary or beneficiaries. Trusts can be arranged in many ways and can specify exactly how and when the assets pass to the beneficiaries. Since trusts usually avoid probate, your beneficiaries may gain access to these assets more quickly than they might to assets that are transferred using a will.” - Fidelity

Since real estate often makes up a significant portion of a trust’s assets, it’s essential to obtain a market value appraisal when a trust is being established or when changes occur, such as the passing of the trustor.

At Maverick Appraisals, we can provide current value or retrospective appraisals to ensure proper documentation of your property’s worth.

4. Probate Estate Appraisal

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. As part of this process, the executor is often required to file an Inventory and Appraisal document, listing all of the estate’s assets and their values.

Since real estate is typically the most valuable asset in an estate, obtaining a professional appraisal is critical for meeting court requirements. Maverick Appraisals ensures that you receive a fair market valuation of the property, helping you stay legally compliant while ensuring the fair distribution of assets.

Why Choose Maverick Appraisals?

✅ Certified and Experienced – Our appraisers have extensive knowledge of the San Antonio real estate market.
✅ Accurate and Unbiased – We provide objective, market-based valuations you can trust.
✅ Timely Reports – We deliver appraisals quickly so you can move forward with confidence.
✅ Personalized Service – We understand estate matters can be complex, and we’re here to guide you through the process.