Estate & probate
Cost basis and date-of-value appraisals for heirs, executors, and attorneys settling an estate in Maryland or DC.
Maryland-certified Appraiser
Estate & probate · Maryland & DC
Spending $500
on an appraisal might
save you $10,000
When you inherit a home, it’s still valued at the original purchase price. Get an appraisal—or the State will decide for you. An inaccurate property value could mean owing thousands more in taxes when you sell.
Get it done. Every day you wait could end up costing you.
Why do I need an appraisal?
Let’s say your parents bought decades ago for a fraction of today’s value. You don’t want that old price stuck as the cost basis—you want today’s value. Sell without an appraisal, and you might owe thousands more in taxes.
I’ve seen families spend just $500 for an appraisal that saves them thousands in unnecessary taxes.
Is it too late?
Not always. I specialize in retrospective appraisals, where we appraise the property according to a past date—exactly what many estate/probate cases need.
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.
Feeling overwhelmed with a mountain of paperwork? Let me help.
Most people who call are going through a difficult time—with a mountain of paperwork, and unsure who to trust. Call me and I will listen. Then I’ll guide you through what you need to do next.
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.
- Expert witness I’ve been called on multiple occasions as an expert witness real estate appraiser.
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.
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.