Appraisal Services
Retrospective Appraisals: Value as of a Past Date
A retrospective appraisal answers the question, "What was this property worth on that date?" The effective date might be a date of death, the date a trust was funded, the day before a casualty loss, or a date tied to a tax filing.
Developing a credible retrospective value means working from the data that existed as of the effective date — the sales that had closed, the listings that were active, and the direction the market was moving at that time. Charleston's market has shifted meaningfully year to year, so the discipline of staying within the correct time frame is what separates a supportable retrospective value from a guess.
Who commonly needs this
- Executors and estate attorneys (see also estate and date-of-death appraisals)
- CPAs resolving basis, gift or other tax questions
- Property owners documenting value before a fire, flood or other loss
- Trustees valuing property as of a trust event
- Owners responding to an IRS or state revenue inquiry
When an appraisal helps
- A tax filing requires value as of a specific past date
- An insurance claim needs pre-loss value established
- Basis must be reconstructed for a property acquired years ago
- A legal or financial matter turns on what a property was worth at a past moment
Charleston-area experience
Retrospective work depends on deep local data. We maintain access to historical MLS records across the tri-county area and have appraised through the market cycles those records reflect — which means we can reconstruct neighborhood conditions in Summerville, Mount Pleasant or downtown Charleston as of dates well in the past.
Frequently asked questions
How far back can a retrospective appraisal go?
Quite far, provided reliable data exists for the effective date. Assignments going back five, ten or more years are feasible in most Charleston-area markets.
The house has changed since the effective date. Is that a problem?
No — it's common. The appraisal values the property as it existed on the effective date, and we reconstruct that condition from records and your documentation.
Related services
Estate & Date-of-Death Appraisals
Retrospective and current-value reporting for estate settlement, probate and inheritance planning, prepared to the standards attorneys and the IRS expect.
Pre-Listing Appraisals
An independent opinion of market value before you list, so pricing decisions rest on data rather than guesswork.
Private Sale & Cash-Purchase Appraisals
Independent value for off-market transactions — sales between family members, neighbors or investors, and cash purchases with no lender involved.
Need an Independent Opinion of Value?
Tell us about the property and the intended use of the appraisal. We will review the assignment and contact you with availability, pricing and next steps.