Updated August 17, 2026. Educational information only; not legal, tax, lending, engineering or accounting advice.
Confirm intended use with advisors
The client should identify the planning purpose, intended users, effective date and ownership interest before the appraisal begins.
The appraiser should not infer tax treatment, legal structure or filing requirements. Counsel and tax professionals establish those needs.
Clarify ownership and parcel structure
Provide deeds, trust documents relevant to the property description, surveys, leases and information about multiple parcels, life estates or shared interests.
The appraiser does not interpret legal instruments but needs sufficient direction to understand the interest being valued.
Document property characteristics
Supply plans, improvements, permits, income information and details about acreage, waterfront, accessory units and outbuildings.
For partial or retrospective interests, additional assumptions or analysis may be required. Identify complexity before fee and timing are established.
Coordinate dates and reporting
A gift date, transfer date, date of death or planning date can change the applicable market evidence. Confirm the effective date in writing.
Discuss report detail and delivery with the professionals who will rely on it, while preserving the appraiser's independence.
Maintain a defensible record
Retain the final report, engagement information and documents supporting property facts. Later questions are easier to answer when the original record is complete.
A value opinion is not perpetual. New dates, property changes and different uses can require a new assignment.
Assignment planning checklist
- Confirm planning purpose
- Identify client and intended users
- Confirm effective date
- Identify property interest
- Provide deeds and surveys
- Provide relevant ownership direction
- Document improvements
- Disclose complex parcels
- Coordinate report delivery
- Retain complete record
Frequently asked questions
Does the appraiser give tax advice?
No. Tax consequences belong with qualified tax advisors.
Can a date-of-death appraisal be used?
Yes when that is the defined intended use and date, subject to adequate evidence.
Can a partial interest be appraised?
Potentially, but it requires a specifically defined property interest and expanded analysis.
How long is the appraisal valid?
It is an opinion as of its effective date, not a guarantee for future dates.
Send the address, intended use, effective date and material property characteristics before scheduling.
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