Estate Appraisals

 Settling an estate is an important and sometimes stressful job. As an executor you have been entrusted to carry out the wishes of the deceased as swiftly and exactly as possible. You can count on us to act quickly and with sensitivity to the feelings of everyone involved.

Stephen Rochkind, SRA (SRA-Appraisal Institute) is a State Certified Appraiser, Real Estate Property Owner and Appraisal Institute Member.

Please see my WitePaper on Ordering appraisals  

Attorneys and Accountants in the Washington DC area rely on our values when calculating real property values for estates, divorces, or other disputes requiring a value being placed on real property. We understand their needs and are used to dealing with all parties involved. We provide appraisal reports that meet the requirements of the courts and various agencies.

Settling an estate usually requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. Often, the date of death differs from the date the appraisal is requested. We are familiar with the procedures and requirements necessary to perform a retroactive appraisal with an effective date and Fair Market Value estimate matching the date of death. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

All too often, people do not fully appreciate the need to have a detailed real estate appraisal prepared in support of the numbers being used in documents filed with revenue authorities.

Opinions of value used in documents filed with the revenue authorities should be supported by a detailed report as to how the appraiser arrived at his conclusions. Such a report will certainly demonstrate to the authorities that the numbers used are well founded and substantiated.

Having a professional appraisal gives the executor solid facts and figures to work with in meeting IRS and state agency requirements. It assures peace of mind to everyone concerned because we are there to stand behind the appraisal if it is challenged.

Testimonials

“I have engaged Mr. Rochkind on several occasions as an expert to appraise real property in contested divorce litigation. He has always been prompt for appointments and has provided detailed reports in a timely manner. His reports have been praised not only by the client for whom I engaged his services, but also by my opposing counsel. I highly recommend Mr. Rochkind, and intend to employ him again in the future.” Steven Gaba, Esq. – Gaba Law Firm Sgaba@aol.com

“Stephen provided a very professional, thorough appraisal promptly and at a very fair price” Scott Gardner, Esq. - Law office of Scott Gardner Scottgardnerlaw@aol.com

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Lawyer Testimonials - pdf

Stephen Rochkind, SRA