Why an Appraisal

Estate Appraisal Services

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, the majority of Canadians do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues. Also, in most cases, a home or other real property makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a challenging and emotional time, and settling an estate after a death, or probate, often necessitates a property appraisal to establish Fair Market Value. At Top Class Appraisal, we understand the importance of this process and are here to provide compassionate support.

Why Estate Appraisals Are Essential

Estate appraisals serve as the foundation for equitable property distribution, particularly when real estate constitutes a significant portion of the estate. Here’s why they matter:

1. Fair Distribution

Appraisals ensure that assets are divided fairly among beneficiaries or parties involved.

2. Informed Decisions

Accurate valuations help make informed decisions regarding property retention, sale, or buyout.

3. Legal Compliance

Many jurisdictions require property appraisals during the estate settlement process.

Our Expertise in Estate Appraisals

Our certified appraisers specialize in estate appraisals and adhere to the highest ethical standards. We provide reliable and unbiased valuations that you can trust.

Purchase, Refinance, or Home Equity Loans

Are you considering a property-related financial decision? Our appraisal services can assist you in making informed choices.

Contact Us

Whether you’re an attorney, accountant, or an individual settling an estate, rely on our expertise for precise property valuations that meet legal requirements. Contact Top Class Appraisal to schedule an estate appraisal today.

Our Services

Purchase Of A Home

One of the most important issues involved in purchasing a property is developing an opinion of what it’s worth so that you can make an informed offer to purchase. A professional appraisal report performed by a qualified, and licensed appraiser can provide you with an objective, third party opinion of a property’s current Market Value. And for the small price of this service, you can give yourself “peace of mind” prior to making an offer to purchase that you’re offering a fair price for the property.

Refinance Or Get A Home Equity Loan

If you need to consolidate bills, have a college tuition to pay, or just want to tap into the equity of your home, you’ll need a new loan, which oftentimes requires a new appraisal of the property.

Divorce Settlement

A divorce can be a particularly traumatic experience for both parties and is often further complicated by the difficult decision of “Who gets the house?”. In most divorce cases, the Court won’t usually force the parties involved to “buyout” the other party’s interest but it may however order the sale of the home so each party gets an equal share of the equity. Regardless of the situation, it’s a good idea to order an appraisal so both parties are fully aware of what the true market value is.

If the parties want to sell the home, they’ll have a better idea of what price to set. And on the flipside, if a “buyout” is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they’ve gotten a fair assessment.

Tax Purposes

All too often, people do not fully appreciate the need to have a detailed real estate appraisal prepared in support of the numbers being used in documents filed with revenue authorities.

Opinions of value used in documents filed with the revenue authorities should be supported by a detailed report as to how the appraiser arrived at his conclusions. Such a report will certainly demonstrate to the authorities that the numbers used are well founded and substantiated.

Relocation

We understand the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive attributes of their property along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Home Improvements To Add Value

Selling A Home

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price.

Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. It’s easy for them to step in and give you the information to help you make your decision. Appraiser fees are based on efforts to complete the report and not a percentage of the sales price. So seeking a professional appraisal can often help homeowners make the best decisions on investing in their homes and setting a fair sales price.