Date-of-Death home appraiser for estates and heirs

Executors, trustees, heirs, probate and estate attorneys, CPAs and banks.

Flat fee per appraisal, often higher than a standard mortgage appraisal because of the retrospective work. Work comes mostly from attorney and trustee referrals, with some direct from families.

• Analytical comfort with property data and comparable sales
• Clear, defensible report writing
• Patience and tact with families in difficult times

• State licensing or certification is required for most real estate appraisals, and the path takes time, so check your state board
• Errors and omissions insurance is usually expected or required
• Follow USPAP and your state's rules, and avoid any interest in the outcome of the estate
• Income is slower to start because of the training period

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your training path, state requirements and insurance. Treat this as a rough guide and check your state board for current requirements.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many appraisals you complete. The estimate assumes about 20 or more hours a week, and income is slower to start because of the training period.

Check your state board, since licensing or certification is required for most real estate appraisals and the path takes time. Also check errors and omissions insurance, follow USPAP and state rules, and avoid any interest in the estate's outcome.