Sample report · Page 1 of 7Download PDF
We created Step-Up Appraisals for the ease of grieving friends and families. Answer a few questions about the home, pay one flat price, and we take it from there. No phone tag, no surprises. For single-family homes and condos; 2–4 units, land, and commercial properties just need a quick email or call.
Why "desktop"? Everything about the home is confirmed virtually, from the comfort of your desktop and ours. Nobody has to schedule a home visit during an already hard time.
The whole order takes about five minutes.
The address, the date of passing, and a few quick details. Your best guess is fine; we verify with public records.
Checkout is handled by Stripe. Your order is placed once payment goes through.
I review everything personally, confirm details by email, and deliver your signed appraisal report as a PDF.
When someone passes, the homes they leave to heirs usually get a step-up in basis: the tax basis resets to the home's market value on the date of death. A credible date of death appraisal documents that value, which matters when the home is later sold or the estate or trust is settled.
We've done this for thousands of families. Ben's Appraisal is a third-generation appraisal firm trusted in Southern California for over 50 years, and every report is prepared and signed by a California Certified Residential Appraiser to meet IRS requirements for a qualified appraisal.
2–4 units, land, commercial, 5+ units, or something else? Just email info@bensappraisal.com or call (661) 402-1010 and I'll price it and help however I can.
Flip through a real report, with personal details removed.
It's called a desktop appraisal because the property is confirmed virtually, from the comfort of your desktop and ours. You share what you know through the form, I research the records and sales, and nobody needs to open the house or schedule a visit during a hard time. It's the fastest, simplest option, and it's what most families choose.
Start my appraisal →I'm happy to go by the property. Email info@bensappraisal.com with the address and I'll send pricing and details.
It's a retrospective appraisal: it estimates what the home was worth on the specific date the owner passed, rather than today. It's often used to establish the step-up in basis for heirs and for estate or trust administration.
Generally, inherited property gets a tax basis equal to its value on the date of death. A well-supported value can affect capital gains when the home is sold. Your CPA or estate attorney can tell you exactly how it applies to you.
The property information is confirmed virtually, from the comfort of your desktop and the appraiser's desktop. No one has to schedule a home visit, which is a big relief for most families during a hard time. If you'd rather I see the home in person, just email us.
Reports are prepared by a California Certified Residential Appraiser to meet IRS requirements for a qualified appraisal, including the effective date, property description, and the appraiser's qualifications and signature. We can't guarantee any IRS outcome or provide tax advice.
Desktop reports are delivered within 7 days of your order. If you have a deadline, add it in the notes and I'll tell you right away if it works.
The property address, the date of death, and your best guess at a few details (bedrooms, baths, condition, any updates). Photos are welcome but not required.
An executor, trustee, administrator, heir or family member, or the estate's attorney or CPA can order. Just tell us your role in the form.
The $450 desktop order covers single-family homes and condos. For 2–4 units, land, commercial, 5+ units, or anything else, a quick email to info@bensappraisal.com or a call to (661) 402-1010 lets me price it and help your family the right way.
Street, city, and ZIP.
Suggestions © OpenStreetMap contributors via Photon. Don't see it? Just type the full address.
I'm sorry for your loss. This sets the date we value the home.
As of the date of death. Your best guess is fine.
Half baths count as .5 (toilet and sink, no shower or tub).
Secure checkout by Stripe. Your order is placed once payment goes through. Reports are prepared to meet IRS qualified appraisal requirements; this is not tax or legal advice.