A real estate appraisal is usually required by a bank or lender to make sure that the value of a property is at least as much as the value of the loan. Appraisals are usually based on a sales comparison approach--comparing the subject property to similar properties nearby--or by a cost approach, wereby the appraiser determines how much it would cost to replace a structure if it were damaged or destroyed. When questions arise as to the value of the property at a specific date in the past, however, a retroactive or historical appraisal will need to be obtained.
Step 1
Determine the purpose of your retroactive appraisal. For instance, the IRS may require an appraisal to determine the value of a real estate asset as of the date of death or date of marriage dissolution of an owner. You may also need to obtain a retroactive appraisal to determine a decline in value if you sell a property at a loss in order to determine a loss for tax purposes.
Step 2
Contact a licensed real estate appraiser for your state (each state has its own qualifying and licensing requirements). See Resources below to locate an appraiser.
Step 3
Explain to the real estate appraiser the purpose of your retroactive appraisal, and provide access to the subject property if possible. Also provide whatever documentation you hold (deeds, inspection reports, photographs) as to the condition of the property on the date in question. The appraiser will examine the subject property, your documentation, and historic real estate and construction data for the date in question.
Step 4
Review the retrospective appraisal with the real estate appraiser. Make sure all comparable sales fall before historic date of the appraisal, since subsequent changes in market value of comps can ruin the accuracy of your retrospective appraisal.
Warnings
- Under FHA and HUD rules, a current appraisal is valid for six months for a property under contract and cannot be modified or amended. Under the rules, a new appraisal is required for each transaction requiring an appraisal. See References below.
Tips
- Look for an appraiser who has been in business for a long time. She is likely to be familiar with the market in your area for the date for which you are obtaining an appraisal and will have insights about accurate property values at that time.
References
Resources
Tips
- Look for an appraiser who has been in business for a long time. She is likely to be familiar with the market in your area for the date for which you are obtaining an appraisal and will have insights about accurate property values at that time.
Warnings
- Under FHA and HUD rules, a current appraisal is valid for six months for a property under contract and cannot be modified or amended. Under the rules, a new appraisal is required for each transaction requiring an appraisal. See References below.
Writer Bio
David Pepper is a Los Angeles-based writer, teacher and filmmaker. He has been writing since 1990. His publication credits include articles for the "Los Angeles" and "New York Times," fiction for journals like "Ends Meet" and "Zyzzyva," and a computer book for Prentice Hall. Pepper holds a Master of Arts in English literature from the University of Pittsburgh.