Estate valuation · Central Oregon

Estate & Date-of-Death Appraisals

When a property is part of an estate, a clear understanding of its value can help you navigate the decisions ahead. ProWest Appraising provides independent real estate valuations for estate planning and settlement throughout Bend and Central Oregon.

With 18 years of appraisal experience, Brian Bennett brings careful research, local perspective, and straightforward communication to a process that can feel unfamiliar.

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House keys and a family photograph beside an estate planning folder

What is an estate appraisal?

An estate appraisal is a professional opinion of a property's value prepared for an estate-related purpose. It may support planning, settlement, or decisions about an inherited home.

The appropriate valuation date depends on why the appraisal is needed. Some assignments address current value; others look back to a specific date in the past.

What is a date-of-death appraisal?

A date-of-death appraisal develops an opinion of value as of the date a property owner passed away. It is usually a retrospective appraisal, completed after that date using relevant historical market and property information.

The date of the property visit and the date of the report can be later than the date being valued.

The right value, for the right date.

A home's value today may differ from its value when someone passed away. For a retrospective assignment, we research the market as of the effective date and consider the property's condition and features at that time, including changes made afterward.

Your attorney or accountant can confirm which valuation date and reporting needs apply to your situation. We clarify the intended use, intended users, property interest, and scope of work before beginning the assignment.

What to expect

1. Discuss the assignment

Share the property address, reason for the appraisal, requested valuation date, and any deadlines. We'll review the details and provide a fee and estimated timeline.

2. Review the property and market

We arrange property access as needed, gather available records, and analyze comparable sales and relevant market conditions for the effective date.

3. Receive a supported report

The report explains the property, research, analysis, and conclusions. We're available to discuss the report and answer questions about the appraisal.

Helpful information to gather

  • Property address and your role in the estate
  • Requested effective date and purpose of the appraisal
  • Attorney or accountant's reporting instructions, if available
  • Photos, prior appraisals, or records showing the property's earlier condition
  • Dates and details of renovations or other significant changes
  • Property access details and relevant deadlines

Local experience. A thoughtful approach.

Central Oregon properties vary widely, from established neighborhoods to homes on acreage. Location, condition, views, outbuildings, and comparable sales can all matter in developing a supported opinion of value.

We approach each estate assignment with care, discretion, and respect for the people involved. Serving Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.

Let's take the next step.

You don't need to have every detail figured out before reaching out. Tell us about the property and what you need, and we'll help you get started.

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