Estate & probate
The house needs a fair, documented value for the estate. I prepare clear reports for families, executors, and attorneys in Maryland and DC.
Maryland-certified Appraiser · since 1992
John E. Marcinik · Estate appraisals
You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone.
Losing a parent is enough. The paperwork, the phone calls, the things the government suddenly needs from you— none of that is what you want to be doing right now.
I’m John. A real person—not a company, not a portal. If you need the house appraised for the estate, I’ll take care of that piece so you can cross one thing off the list.
No pressure. Just tell me where you are in the process.
This is the last thing you want to be doing.
Most people who reach out aren’t looking for an appraiser—they’re looking for relief. Maybe you live out of town. Maybe siblings are involved. Maybe an attorney said you need a value on the house and you’re already underwater with forms.
You don’t need a sales pitch. You need someone steady, courteous, and experienced— who will handle the appraisal and not leave you guessing.
That’s what I do. John E. Marcinik · JEM Appraisals · Deale, Maryland.
What it feels like to work with me
- You talk to me—not a department One call. One person. From the first question to the finished report.
- I’ll explain it simply What I need from you, what happens next, and when you’ll have it. No jargon wall.
- I know this is a tender time I’ve helped many families through estate appraisals. I move carefully and respectfully.
- Maryland-certified since 1992 35+ years in Maryland and DC. You can trust the work will hold up for the estate.
Something worth knowing
A careful appraisal can protect your family’s money, too.
When a home passes through an estate, the appraisal helps set a new cost basis. That number matters later—especially if the house is sold. Get it wrong, or skip it, and families sometimes pay far more in taxes than they needed to.
I’ve seen a few hundred dollars spent on an appraisal protect a family from roughly $10,000 they would have paid unnecessarily. It’s not something to rush past— and it’s not something you have to untangle alone.
How I can help
Residential appraisals for estate and probate needs—not commercial.
Value as of a past date
Often required for estate work. Your attorney may call it a retrospective or date-of-value appraisal—I know what they mean.
Also when needed
Conventional residential, waterfront, VA & FHA, and court-related valuations—when that’s part of your situation.
What it usually costs
Most appraisals fall between $450 and $750, depending on the property— often around $525. Waterfront and more complex homes run higher. I’ll tell you upfront what yours will be. No surprises.
Maryland & Washington, DC
I’m based in Deale, on the Chesapeake. I work across Anne Arundel County and the greater Maryland area, and in DC. Many families I help don’t live nearby—that’s okay. We can start with a phone call.
Whenever you’re ready.
You don’t have to have every detail figured out. Call or email—tell me what you’ve been asked to do, and I’ll tell you honestly whether I can help, and how.
John E. Marcinik · JEM Appraisals · Maryland-certified since 1992