Estate Planning Appraisal Checklist: What Arizona Attorneys Need Before Ordering
Ordering a probate or estate tax appraisal should be straightforward. Use this checklist to streamline every appraisal order and avoid delays.
Why This Checklist Matters
A complete appraisal order includes property identification, valuation date, intended use, client contact info, and access details.
Without this information, appraisers can't locate the correct property, determine the right appraisal methodology, or deliver a report that meets IRS or probate court requirements.
Result: Back-and-forth emails, delayed reports, missed court deadlines, and frustrated beneficiaries.
The Complete Estate Planning Appraisal Checklist
Property Information
- Full street address (including unit/apartment number if applicable)
- City, state, ZIP code
- County (Maricopa, Pinal, etc.)
- Tax parcel number (APN) (optional but helpful for verification)
- Legal description (from deed or title report — helpful for complex properties)
Valuation Date
The valuation date is the single most important piece of information for estate appraisals.
- Date of death (most common for probate and estate tax)
- 9-month alternative valuation date (IRS Form 706 option if estate value declined)
- Trust distribution date (for ongoing trust administration)
- Date of beneficiary buyout (if siblings are purchasing each other out)
Intended Use
What is the appraisal for? This determines the report format and compliance requirements.
- Probate court filing (Arizona Superior Court, Title 14)
- IRS Form 706 (Estate Tax Return)
- Trust administration / beneficiary distribution
- Step-up in basis calculation (for capital gains tax planning)
- Estate equalization (balancing distributions among heirs)
Client Contact Information
- Personal representative / executor name
- Trustee name (if applicable)
- Attorney firm name
- Attorney email
- Attorney phone
- Billing contact (if different from attorney)
Property Access
Even for desktop appraisals (no interior inspection), the appraiser needs to know the property's status.
- Occupied or vacant?
- If occupied: Tenant contact info (for full appraisals requiring interior access)
- If vacant: Lockbox code, key location, or property manager contact
- Condition notes: Any known deferred maintenance, recent renovations, or damage?
Common Mistakes That Delay Appraisals
1. Missing or Incorrect Property Address
"123 Main St, Phoenix AZ" isn't enough if it's a condo or multi-unit property. Include the unit number and complex name.
2. Unclear Valuation Date
"As soon as possible" isn't a valuation date. The appraiser needs an exact date (month/day/year) to pull the correct comparable sales.
3. No Intended Use Specified
An appraisal for "probate court" has different compliance requirements than one for "IRS estate tax." If the appraiser doesn't know the intended use, they can't deliver the right report format.
4. No Access Information
For full appraisals requiring interior access, the appraiser needs tenant or property manager contact info upfront — not 3 days later after multiple follow-up emails.
Desktop vs. Full Appraisal: Which Do You Need?
Most estate planning appraisals can be completed as desktop appraisals (no interior inspection). Desktop appraisals are faster (24 hours vs. 7-10 days) and cheaper ($175 vs. $400-600).
Desktop appraisals are acceptable for:
- Probate court filings (Arizona Title 14)
- IRS Form 706 (Estate Tax Return)
- Trust administration
- Step-up in basis calculations
- Beneficiary distributions
Full appraisals are required when:
- Property has major deferred maintenance or damage
- Interior renovations are extensive and not visible from exterior/MLS photos
- IRS or court specifically requests interior inspection (rare)
Turnaround & Delivery
Desktop appraisals: 24 hours (next business day, often same day before noon)
Full appraisals: 3-5 business days (depends on inspection scheduling)
Delivery format: PDF via email (signed digital report with appraiser license number)
Order an Estate Planning Appraisal
Use this checklist to streamline your next appraisal order. 24-hour delivery on desktop appraisals.
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