Estate & probate
Cost basis and date-of-value appraisals for heirs, executors, and attorneys settling an estate in Maryland or DC.
Maryland-certified Appraiser · since 1992
Estate & probate · Maryland & DC
How spending about $500 on an appraisal could save you $10,000.
When you inherit a home, the appraisal sets a new cost basis. Get that number wrong—or skip it—and you can owe thousands more in taxes when the property sells. Don’t let the State decide what the house is worth.
And get it done soon. Waiting can cost you.
You’re dealing with a lot. I’m here to take this piece off your plate.
Most people who call me are families in the middle of probate or estate proceedings— often not local, staring at a mountain of paperwork, just wanting someone trustworthy to handle the appraisal.
I’m John—a Maryland-certified appraiser. When you call, you get me. I’ll listen, explain what you need in plain language, and get you a clear, defensible report. I’m not here to sell you anything extra— I’m here to problem-solve.
Here’s the trouble
Skip a real appraisal, and you can pay for it later.
Say the home was bought decades ago for a fraction of today’s value. Without a proper appraisal, the cost basis may not reflect what the property was actually worth when it passed to the heirs. Sell later, and you may pay taxes on a bigger gain than you should have.
I’ve seen families spend a few hundred on an appraisal and avoid thousands in unnecessary taxes. One family nearly paid about $10,000 they didn’t need to—because they waited and almost skipped the appraisal altogether.
Why people call me
- Maryland-certified Appraiser State certified since 1992. 35+ years in Maryland and DC—estate, retrospective, and residential.
- You talk to John No online order form. No call center. Quick, friendly, professional—start to finish.
- Estate & retrospective specialty Date-of-value appraisals for probate and estate proceedings. Built for attorneys and families.
- VA & FHA appraiser Also available when veterans, lenders, or agents need a residential appraisal done right.
What I do
Residential real estate appraisals—not commercial.
Retrospective
Value as of a past date—common in estate work. (Your attorney may ask for a date-of-value or past valuation date; I know what they mean.)
Conventional residential
Homes and waterfront properties when you need a solid, independent opinion of value.
VA & FHA
Appraisals for VA and FHA lending when that’s what your situation requires.
Litigation support
Expert witness and reports when the number has to hold up in court.
What it usually costs
Most residential and estate appraisals run in the $450–$750 range— waterfront and complex assignments toward the higher end. Average is often around $525. The fee depends on the complexity of the assignment. Call me and I’ll give you a straight answer for your property.
Where I work
Based in Deale. Serving Anne Arundel County, greater Maryland, and Washington, DC. Many clients live out of town—I’m used to that.
Better call John
Tell me what’s going on. We’ll figure out if you need an appraisal, what it’ll take, and how soon I can help. No pressure—just a conversation.
Prefer to pay in person? I can have a QR code ready—cash and checks aren’t everyone’s favorite.