Estate planning is about more than drafting wills and naming beneficiaries—it’s about protecting your family’s future. For many households in St. Charles County, real estate is the largest asset in the estate. Ensuring that property is valued correctly is critical for tax purposes, fair distribution, and avoiding disputes.
That’s where estate planning appraisals come in. At 24 Hour Appraisal Group, led by certified residential appraiser Jacob Geringer, we provide accurate, court-recognized valuations that give families and attorneys the clarity they need to plan with confidence.
An estate planning appraisal is a professional valuation of real estate, typically conducted before or during the creation of an estate plan. Unlike probate appraisals, which are required after someone passes away, estate planning appraisals are completed in advance to:
Establish the property’s current fair market value
Help families make informed decisions about inheritance
Prepare for future tax obligations
Prevent conflicts among heirs
If a family home or investment property will be divided among heirs, a certified appraisal provides an objective baseline value everyone can agree on.
Appraisals ensure the estate plan is built on accurate numbers for potential estate or gift tax reporting. This protects families from costly mistakes.
Heirs often have different ideas about what a property is “worth.” A professional appraisal offers a neutral, expert opinion that reduces conflict.
With a defensible valuation, families can create estate plans with confidence—knowing their decisions are fair, transparent, and legally supported.
At 24 Hour Appraisal Group, we handle a range of estate-related valuations in St. Charles and St. Louis Counties:
Estate Planning Appraisals – For proactive family planning
Gift Tax Appraisals – When gifting property to heirs during your lifetime
Date-of-Death Appraisals – Required after a passing (probate situations)
Retrospective Appraisals – Valuations tied to a specific historical date
Led by Jacob Geringer, Certified Residential Appraiser, our team brings:
Local expertise in St. Charles, O’Fallon, St. Peters, and St. Louis
Fast turnaround times (often within 24–48 hours)
Court-ready reports trusted by attorneys, CPAs, and judges
Dual insight – Jacob is also a licensed real estate broker, adding market knowledge beyond the appraisal
Do I need an appraisal if I’m not selling the property? Yes. Even if you plan to keep the home in the family, an appraisal ensures accurate planning and fair distribution.
How is this different from a probate appraisal? Probate appraisals happen after someone passes away. Estate planning appraisals happen beforehand to prevent issues later.
Can I use a Realtor’s CMA instead of an appraisal? No. Courts, attorneys, and the IRS require certified appraisals, not comparative market analyses.
How quickly can I get an estate planning appraisal? Most reports from 24 Hour Appraisal Group are delivered within 24–48 hours.
Don’t leave your estate planning to guesswork. With a professional appraisal from 24 Hour Appraisal Group, you’ll protect your family, avoid disputes, and create a plan that stands the test of time.
Request an Estate Planning Appraisal Today or call (314) 570-6794 to speak with Jacob Geringer, Certified Residential Appraiser.