Estate Appraisals In Manhattan

When settling an estate, you need defensible property valuations that satisfy the IRS, probate courts, and all beneficiaries.

Designations and Affiliations

Why Estates Need Professional Property Appraisals

Settling an estate is complicated enough without property valuation disputes. Yet inadequate appraisals cause exactly that, turning what should be straightforward distributions into prolonged conflicts that cost everyone time, money, and family harmony.

The IRS requires fair market value determinations for estate tax purposes. Not estimates. Not guesses. Not what the property sold for months after death. Fair market value as of the date of death, supported by credible methodology and market data. When estate tax returns include property values that cannot be defended, the IRS audits, penalties follow, and beneficiaries blame executors.

Probate courts expect professional appraisals that meet legal standards. Executors have fiduciary duties to all beneficiaries, which means obtaining objective valuations rather than relying on interested party opinions. When beneficiaries disagree about property values, amateur appraisals fuel disputes. Professional appraisals from licensed, independent appraisers resolve them.

Manhattan estates present unique challenges. A co-op on the Upper East Side requires different analysis than a townhouse in the West Village. Properties held for decades may have deferred maintenance affecting value. Some properties appreciate significantly during estate settlement, raising questions about valuation dates. Beneficiaries living out of state have no sense of Manhattan market values and question everything.

Block Appraisals provides Estate Appraisals In Manhattan that satisfy all stakeholders. We hold New York State Certified Residential licensing (License #45000045910) and follow USPAP standards rigorously. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice provide the framework IRS agents, probate courts, and estate attorneys expect. Our appraisals have been accepted in New York Supreme Court cases, demonstrating judicial confidence in our methodology.

Twenty years of Manhattan real estate experience means we understand the market nuances estate valuations demand. We know how to value properties at specific dates in the past, research comparable sales from the relevant time period, and document our analysis thoroughly enough to withstand IRS scrutiny. When your estate settlement depends on credible valuations, professional expertise matters.

Benefits: Why Professional Estate Appraisals Protect Everyone Involved

Amateur valuations create problems that professional appraisals prevent. The modest investment in proper estate appraisals saves thousands in avoided disputes, prevented IRS penalties, and preserved family relationships.

IRS Acceptance and Audit Protection
The Internal Revenue Service has specific requirements for estate appraisals. They must be performed by qualified appraisers, reflect fair market value as of the appropriate valuation date, include detailed methodology and market analysis, and follow recognized professional standards. Our appraisals meet all IRS requirements because we know exactly what estate tax auditors scrutinize. When the IRS reviews your estate tax return, our appraisals provide the documentation they expect.

Defensible Valuations That Withstand Challenge
Beneficiaries challenge estate valuations regularly, especially when property is distributed unevenly or when some heirs believe values are too low. Professional appraisals from licensed, independent appraisers eliminate most disputes before they start. When our reports show clear methodology, comprehensive comparable sales analysis, and objective conclusions, there is nothing for beneficiaries to argue about. The few who persist cannot credibly attack work that meets professional standards.

Fair Market Value on the Correct Date
Estate appraisals require valuation as of specific dates, typically date of death or the alternate valuation date six months later. This is retrospective analysis requiring research of market conditions at that specific time. We analyze comparable sales from the relevant period, consider market trends at that date, and document the property’s condition as it existed then. This precision matters for IRS compliance and equitable distribution among heirs.

Court Acceptance and Legal Recognition
Our appraisals have been accepted in New York Supreme Court cases through our established legal partnerships. Probate courts throughout Manhattan rely on properly credentialed appraisals when reviewing estate settlements. Judges know that USPAP compliant appraisals from licensed professionals meet evidentiary standards. That acceptance protects executors from liability and expedites estate administration.

Protection for Executors and Administrators
Executors face personal liability for mismanaging estate assets. Obtaining professional appraisals demonstrates you fulfilled your fiduciary duty to all beneficiaries. If anyone later questions the property values, you have objective documentation from an independent expert. That protection is invaluable when family relationships are already strained by grief and inheritance issues.

Equitable Distribution Among Beneficiaries
When estates include real property, fair distribution requires accurate valuations. If one heir receives the Manhattan apartment while others get cash, everyone needs confidence the values are correct. Professional appraisals ensure no beneficiary is shortchanged and no executor is accused of favoritism. The objectivity protects relationships and honors the decedent’s wishes.

Let Our Manhattan Property Appraiser Support Your Needs

Planning Purposes

Creating a plan for your estate is one the best ways to support your final wishes, even after you’ve passed. Our property appraisal services can help you determine the value of your home so that you can plan your estate appropriately.

“Date of Death” Evaluations

In some cases, the court or IRS may require a “date of death” evaluation to determine the value of a specific property at the time the original owner passed away. With the help of our appraisals, you can get an accurate evaluation of their property regardless of how long they’ve been deceased.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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AC Mathiot

Scott was very responsive and provided an informative, professional and fair value within an efficient and convenient timeframe. Thank you !

Gabe Leibowitz

Scott's the best appraiser I've worked with. He's incredibly knowledgeable, super thorough and really responsive. I've used him multiple times now on important projects and he's been a dream partner. I can't recommend him highly enough!

Jack Mondello

Scotts’ experience and professional demeanor was evident through the entire appraisal process. His responsiveness and attention to detail made me realize that choosing Block Appraisals was the right decision. I highly recommend them.

Jessica Christo

We had an excellent experience with our appraisal completed by Scott. The report was extremely thorough, detailed, and clearly well-researched. Every aspect of our unit was carefully evaluated and accurately documented. Communication throughout the process was professional, timely, and transparent. We truly appreciated Scott’s attention to detail and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a reliable and accurate appraisal.

CAVA

After working with multiple appraisers, I can confidently say this experience truly stood out. Scott was extremely professional and meticulous, taking the necessary time to thoroughly research the market and select accurate, truly comparable properties. The final report was detailed, well-supported, and clearly reflected real effort and expertise. It was refreshing to work with someone who approached the appraisal with such care and attention to detail. I highly recommend Scott’s services.

Anthony Esposito

I had a great experience working with Scott for my property appraisal. He was professional, thorough, and incredibly knowledgeable about the local Staten Island market. He took the time to explain his process, answer my questions, and provide clear reasoning behind the valuation. The report was detailed, well-supported, and delivered quickly.

It’s clear he takes pride in his work and cares about accuracy and transparency. I’d definitely recommend Scott and Block Appraisals to anyone looking for a reliable, honest, and straightforward appraiser.

Highly recommended.

doris gardner

I had a fantastic experience with Fred during the appraisal of my home.they were incredibly professional punctual and communicated the entire process

Daniela Sabel

I highly recommend working with Block Appraisals. My husband and I worked directly with Scott and his associate to get a residential building appraised. He is super detail oriented, great with communication and was very patient with all our questions.

Jayron Nesbit

The appraisers evaluated our two-bedroom in Astoria efficiently and professionally. They understood the local market dynamics and recent development in the area. Got the report back in five business days which met our timeline perfectly.

Stephen Daly

Needed an estate appraisal for tax purposes after my father passed. Scott was professional during a difficult time and provided documentation that satisfied the IRS requirements. Their expertise with estate valuations made the process much smoother.

Nikk Simpson

Reliable service from experienced appraisers . Would recommend Block Appraisals

Neil

I contacted scott to get my parents house appraised to sell the property.He advised me to get a date of death appraisal as my parents has passed away.He completed the appraisal on time and kept in touch with me through the process.I would recommend him to anyone who needs his services.

Hungkyu Chun

Scott was very responsive and professional. I like his competence and attitude. I will work with him again and introduced him to my client.

Jenny Magbanua

Scott helped us get two appraisals done with attention to detail and patience as we are new to this experience. Thank you! We highly recommend Scott and his team!

Samina Roy

My mortgage broker recommended Block Appraisals for a private appraisal for a date of death, and they did a solid job. Scheduled quickly, showed up on time, and sent the report back in a timely manner. Would use again.

Show - In - Tube

Had to get an estate appraisal done for my aunt's property in Queens. Scott completed everything within the timeline our lawyer needed, and the valuation was well-documented. Helped us settle things without any complications.

Brian Dotson

Overall great experience with professionals. Solid appraisers and fair pricing.

john waga

It was easier to understand and was able to finish my task in a timely fashion

Sophia Batson

Solid appraisers, fair pricing

Dellquan Roy

Hired them to appraise my small commercial space in Brooklyn. Professional service from start to finish. The appraisers were familiar with the area and the valuation made sense.

The Team Difference

Estate appraisals demand more than basic real estate knowledge. They require understanding of tax law implications, probate court requirements, retrospective valuation techniques, and the ability to defend opinions under scrutiny. Twenty years of Manhattan experience gives us that expertise.

Court Acceptance and Legal Recognition
Our appraisals have been accepted in New York Supreme Court cases, demonstrating judicial confidence in our methodology. We work regularly with estate attorneys throughout Manhattan who rely on our valuations for probate proceedings, tax returns, and beneficiary distributions. When attorneys and judges trust your work, you know you are meeting professional standards that matter.

Licensed Professional Credentials
New York State Certified Residential licensing means we meet strict requirements for education, experience, and ethical conduct. Our license number, 45000045910, reflects current Certified Residential status with Certified General upgrade coming within six months. This licensing is crucial for estate work because the IRS and probate courts expect appraisers to hold proper state credentials.

USPAP Compliance for IRS Requirements
Every estate appraisal follows Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice without exception. USPAP compliance is not just good practice, it is what the IRS requires for estate tax purposes. Our reports meet these standards fully, which means they satisfy IRS documentation requirements automatically. When estate tax auditors review your return, they see appraisals prepared according to nationally recognized standards.

FHA Approval and Institutional Recognition
Federal Housing Administration approval demonstrates our work meets federal standards. Major banks and lending institutions throughout Manhattan accept our appraisals because they know we deliver quality work consistently. That same rigor applies to estate valuations. The standards that satisfy federal agencies also satisfy the IRS and probate courts.

Professional Association Memberships
Our Practicing Affiliate status with the Appraisal Institute and CSA-R designation from the Columbia Society of Real Estate Appraisers represent ongoing professional development. These memberships require continuing education, which keeps us current on valuation methodology, tax law changes, and best practices for estate work. Professional development matters when estate settlements depend on your expertise.

Manhattan Market Knowledge
Two decades of appraising Manhattan real estate means we understand the market inside out. We have tracked neighborhood trends through multiple cycles, analyzed thousands of property transactions, and developed the deep knowledge retrospective valuations require. When estate appraisals need comparable sales from three years ago, we know where to find them and how to analyze them properly.

Responsive Service for Estate Timelines
Estate settlements operate on deadlines. Federal estate tax returns are due nine months after death. State returns have their own deadlines. Probate courts set hearing dates. Beneficiaries want distributions. We understand these pressures and work efficiently to deliver appraisals when you need them. Most executors and attorneys appreciate appraisers who communicate clearly and meet commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Appraisals

What is the difference between date of death and alternate valuation date?

The date of death valuation reflects fair market value on the day the decedent passed away. The alternate valuation date, exactly six months later, is an option executors can elect if it results in lower estate tax liability. Estates can choose either date, but once elected, the alternate valuation date must be used for all estate assets. We provide appraisals for either date or both if you need to compare values before making the election.

Estate appraisals require retrospective analysis, valuing property as of a specific past date rather than current conditions. We research comparable sales from the relevant time period, consider market trends at that date, and document the property’s condition as it existed then. Estate appraisals also follow stricter documentation standards because they must satisfy IRS requirements and may face audit scrutiny. The methodology is more detailed and the reports more comprehensive than typical transaction appraisals.

What credentials should estate appraisers have?

The IRS expects appraisers to hold proper state licensing, which is mandatory in New York. Look for Certified Residential or Certified General credentials, not just licensed or trainee levels. USPAP compliance is essential for IRS acceptance. Professional association memberships demonstrate commitment to standards. Experience with estate work matters because retrospective valuations require specialized knowledge. Always verify the appraiser understands IRS requirements and has experience with estate tax appraisals specifically.

Can beneficiaries challenge estate appraisals?

Beneficiaries can always question values, but professional appraisals from properly credentialed, independent appraisers rarely face successful challenges. Our reports include detailed methodology, comprehensive market analysis, and clear documentation of how we reached our conclusions. When appraisals meet professional standards and show objective independence, there is little basis for dispute. Most challenges come from estates that used inadequate valuations or had conflicted appraisers with connections to interested parties.

Ten Common Estate Settlement Situations Requiring Professional Appraisals

You are the executor of a Manhattan estate and need date of death valuations for IRS Form 706 estate tax returns
You are a beneficiary who questions whether the property valuation is fair and accurate
You are settling an estate where siblings disagree about the property’s value for distribution purposes
You need both date of death and alternate valuation date appraisals to minimize estate taxes
You inherited property years ago and now need documentation of the stepped up basis for capital gains calculations
You are an estate attorney preparing tax returns and need IRS compliant appraisals from licensed professionals
You are dividing estate property among multiple beneficiaries and need objective values everyone can trust
You face an IRS estate tax audit and need defensible appraisals to support your filed values
You are dealing with a complex estate involving multiple Manhattan properties requiring consistent methodology
You need retrospective appraisals because the estate was settled without proper valuations initially

Get Professional Estate Appraisals In Manhattan for Your Settlement

Do not risk estate complications with inadequate property valuations. Do not leave executors vulnerable to liability or beneficiaries questioning fairness. Contact Block Appraisals today for Estate Appraisals In Manhattan that meet professional standards the IRS, probate courts, and all stakeholders respect.

Moving Forward: Your Next Step in Estate Settlement

Contact Block Appraisals today to discuss your estate valuation needs. Whether you are an executor preparing tax returns, a beneficiary seeking independent verification, or an estate attorney needing appraisals for multiple properties, we provide the expertise Manhattan estates require.