Retrospective, USPAP-compliant valuations of farmland, orchards, vineyards and ranches as of a decedent’s date of death — for executors, trustees, heirs and the attorneys and CPAs who advise them.
Values as of the Date of Death
When agricultural property passes through an estate or trust, its value on the date of death matters. It sets the new cost basis for heirs, supports the estate tax return, and gives trustees and executors a defensible number for dividing or selling the property. We prepare these as retrospective appraisals: the effective date is the date of death, even when the report is written months or years later.
When You Need One
- Stepped-up basis (IRC §1014): establishes heirs’ new cost basis, which affects capital gains when the property is later sold.
- Estate tax returns (Form 706): supports the reported value of real property, including an alternate valuation date when one is elected.
- Trust administration: values for trustees funding sub-trusts, making distributions, or buying out beneficiaries.
- Probate and estate settlement: a supportable value for the court, the executor and the beneficiaries.
- Dividing inherited land: a neutral value when siblings or partners split, sell or buy each other out.
Property We Appraise
- Nut crops: almonds, pistachios, walnuts
- Citrus, stone fruit, olives and vineyards
- Open land, row crops, rangeland and pasture
- Dairies, livestock and poultry facilities
- Packing houses and agri-commercial property
How It Works
- Call us. We confirm the date of death, the property, the intended use of the report and who will rely on it.
- Quote and engagement. You get a fee and timeline for your property before any work starts.
- Inspection. We visit the property and document plantings, water, improvements and condition, then account for any changes since the date of death.
- Market research. We analyze comparable sales from around the date of death, not today’s market.
- Report. You receive a USPAP-compliant written appraisal ready for your attorney, CPA or trustee.
- Review. We walk you and your advisors through the findings and answer questions.
What to Have Ready
- Date of death (and alternate valuation date, if your CPA is using one)
- Property address or APN(s)
- Trust, will or deed showing how the property was held
- Contact information for the estate’s attorney or CPA
- Any leases, crop records or water information you have — helpful, not required
Valley Natives Who Know Valley Agriculture
28+ years in agricultural real estate. Born and raised in the valley, Matt knows crops and properties from farms to agri-industrial uses.
39+ years in agricultural real estate. A valley native and a professor at Fresno State University.
From a valley citrus farming family, with an Ag Business degree and a career built in agricultural real estate.
Need a Date-of-Death Appraisal?
Call for a quote. We’ll confirm what you need, give you a fee and timeline, and answer your attorney’s or CPA’s questions.