Estate Appraisals 101: What You Need to Know When Inheriting a Home in Montgomery County, TX

When someone passes away and leaves behind a home, emotions run high—and paperwork tends to pile up just as fast. Whether you're keeping the house, selling it, or dealing with multiple heirs (who may or may not be getting along), one thing's almost always required: an estate appraisal . So let’s break it down in plain English: what is an estate appraisal , when do you need one, and why is it so important here in Montgomery County? 📅 What Is a Date-of-Death Appraisal? An estate appraisal—often called a “date-of-death appraisal”—is a professional valuation of a property as of the day the owner passed away. This is the value used for: Probate court IRS reporting (if needed) Inheritance planning Trusts and estate settlements And no, it’s not the same as the market value today. Even if you're getting the appraisal six months later, the value needs to reflect what the home was worth on the exact date your loved one passed. 🧾 Why You Can’t Just Use Tax Rec...