Estate Settlement Appraisals

Explore Our Estate Settlement Appraisal Services in Santa Barbara County, CA

Settling an estate can be a complex and emotional process, whether you’re handling a loved one’s passing, executing a trust, or navigating probate court. One of the most critical steps is determining the fair market value of real estate assets. At Theodore Harmand Appraisals, we offer estate appraisals designed to simplify the process for estate executors, attorneys, and beneficiaries. With over 20 years of experience working with estate executors, attorneys, accountants, and families, we provide impartial, IRS-compliant appraisals that stand up to legal scrutiny and help you streamline the process.

What Is an Estate Settlement Appraisal?

An estate settlement appraisal establishes the fair market value of a property as of a specific date—typically the date of passing of the deceased. This valuation is required for:

  • Probate Proceedings – Ensuring accurate property valuation for legal estate settlement.

  • Trust Administration – Assisting trustees in fairly distributing assets among beneficiaries.

  • Heir & Beneficiary Disputes – Providing an impartial valuation to avoid conflicts.

  • Estate Tax Filings (IRS Form 706) – Meeting federal and California tax requirements.

  • Dividing Property Among Heirs – Ensuring a fair division based on an accurate valuation.

  • Selling Inherited Property – Determining a fair asking price before selling an estate property.

Since estate settlements often involve court filings and IRS reporting, it’s beneficial to work with an experienced appraiser who can give you a defensible, well-documented valuation.

Why Santa Barbara’s Market Requires Experience

There are such a wide range of residential properties in our county, and estate properties in here can often present unique valuation challenges. Here are just a few examples:

  • Diverse Property Types – From historic estates in San Roque and Eucalyptus Hill to vineyard properties in Los Olivos and Ballard, estate homes often have unique attributes that affect valuation.

  • Fluctuating Market Conditions – The value of estate properties can be impacted by economic shifts, buyer demand, and luxury market trends—especially in areas like Toro Canyon and Mission Ridge.

  • Zoning & Land Use Laws – Many estate properties in Hope Ranch, the Santa Ynez Valley, and Tepusquet Canyon fall under agricultural, coastal, or historic preservation regulations, which influence their market value.

Our Estate Appraisal Process

We follow a detailed, IRS-compliant approach to determine estate property values:

  1. Property Inspection – We conduct an on-site evaluation of your property, assessing size, condition, location, and any unique features.

  2. Retrospective Appraisal (if required) – If the valuation needs to reflect a past date (such as a date of passing), we research historical market data to determine the appropriate fair market value.

  3. Comparable Market Analysis – We analyze recent sales of similar properties in the same neighborhood to ensure an accurate assessment.

  4. Local Market & Economic Review – We evaluate factors like market trends, zoning restrictions, and property-specific considerations unique to Santa Barbara County.

  5. Final IRS-Compliant Appraisal Report – We provide a detailed, legally defensible report for use in probate court, trust administration, or estate planning.

Contact Us Today

If you're handling an estate in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, Goleta, or anywhere in Santa Barbara County, contact us. We’re here to help.