Proper estate planning for commercial real estate requires accurate, well-documented valuations that align with IRS requirements and support long-term wealth transfer strategies. Our estate planning appraisal services provide independent opinions of value for gift tax returns, estate tax planning, trust funding, and strategic gifting of commercial property interests.
Need an estate or gift tax appraisal?
Tell us the property and the purpose. You get a written scope and fee estimate within 24 hours — not a sales call.
We work with estate planning teams to determine the appropriate standard of value, effective date, and scope of work required for IRS compliance. Our appraisals support gift tax returns (IRS Form 709), establish basis for future transactions, and document fair market value for entities holding commercial real estate.
Because the IRS scrutinizes related-party transfers and estate valuations carefully, we provide well-researched, clearly documented reports that anticipate potential audit questions and present defensible value conclusions grounded in market data.
Not ready for a full appraisal yet?
Send us the address and we will return a free, submarket-specific underwriting review — so you can decide whether one is warranted.
These are the states where Eric holds Certified General and signs personally. Every other market we cover runs through a locally licensed appraiser with the same MAI review.
Not all of it is essential, and a missing item is rarely a blocker — but the more of this we have at the start, the faster and firmer the engagement.
Fair market value under Treas. Reg. §20.2031-1(b) governs: a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither compelled, both with reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. That is a specific legal standard, not a general sense of what a property is worth, and the report has to demonstrate it was applied.
For income-producing commercial property the income approach usually leads, with sales comparison as support. Where the transfer is of an interest in an entity rather than the real estate itself, the real estate value is one input into a separate business-interest analysis — we will tell you plainly which of those you need.
Reports prepared for gift or estate tax purposes are written to be read by a reviewer who is looking for reasons to disagree. That shapes how much support goes into every adjustment.
No estimate ranges that turn into a surprise. You get a fixed fee in writing before any work starts.
The fee depends on property type, tenant count, how much market data exists, and your deadline — every assignment is scoped and quoted at a fixed fee before any work begins. An appraisal for IRS filing or for testimony is a different scope than one for a routine refinance. More on how appraisals are priced →
I have been working with Eric and Gravitas Valuation for some time now, and I find his work to be trustworthy and credible. As a residential appraiser, I feel very comfortable with referring my clients who need commercial appraisals to them.
I've had the pleasure of working with Eric at Gravitas on several commercial real estate appraisal projects over the years. He consistently demonstrates a high level of diligence and attention to detail, delivers on time, and makes the entire process smooth and efficient.
They were very professional, responsive and respectful of my timelines. Eric was incredibly nice to talk to on the phone and set me at ease when I had any questions or concerns.
Four fields. We reply with a written scope and fee estimate within one business day. Every report is signed or reviewed by an MAI-designated certified general appraiser.
Prefer to talk it through? (248) 251-5331
