Retrospective Appraisals: Valuing an Orange County Home as of a Past Date

A Value for a Date That Already Passed

A retrospective appraisal estimates a home's market value as of a specific date in the past, called the effective date. The appraiser inspects the home today but relies on sales and market conditions from around that earlier date.

It is the same idea behind a date of death appraisal, but the past date can be anything an attorney, CPA or court needs.

When People Need One

Retrospective values come up more often than most homeowners expect. Your attorney or CPA should confirm the date and purpose before the appraisal is ordered.

• Date of death values for inherited homes and step-up in basis
• Trust funding or a later trust administration
• Date of separation values in a divorce
• Gift tax questions about a transferred home
• Disputes over a past sale or buyout price

How the Appraiser Looks Back

The appraiser selects comparable sales that closed near the effective date, not today's sales. Sales after that date are generally used only to confirm the market trend.

If the home changed since then, through a remodel, damage or new landscaping, the report should describe the home as it was on the effective date.

Records That Help

Old photos, listing records, permits and receipts help show how the house looked back then. Share what you have, and note what changed and when.

Local Experience Across Decades

Mallinson Home Appraisers has appraised Orange County homes since 1979, so we have seen these neighborhoods through many market cycles. Call our Dana Point office at 949.241.0310 to discuss a retrospective appraisal.