Retrospective Real Estate Appraisals

When a past valuation date is needed

Retrospective appraisals are commonly used in estate and trust matters, divorce, litigation, and damage claims. The appropriate date and value definition depend on the intended use of the appraisal.

For legal or tax matters, the client and their attorney or tax professional should identify the required valuation date and reporting needs. We then develop the scope of work around that assignment.

Reconstructing the property and the market

Brian reviews available historical sales, archived listing information, market trends, public records, and other relevant sources. Prior photographs, plans, permits, appraisals, and information about improvements or damage can help establish the property’s condition on the effective date.

A present-day site visit may provide useful information, but it cannot by itself confirm every characteristic that existed in the past.

Clear treatment of assumptions

The report explains the sources used to reconstruct the property and market, the reasoning behind the comparable selection, and any limitations in the historical information. Assumptions are identified where the available evidence does not establish a relevant fact.

When more than one effective date is required, each value opinion is developed in the context of the market and property conditions applicable to that date.

Helpful documents

• Property address and parcel number
• Required effective date or dates and intended use
• Historical photographs, listings, and prior appraisal reports
• Records of renovations, damage, permits, or changes in use
• Contact information for the attorney, fiduciary, or tax professional involved