Estate planning can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re preparing your own affairs or managing the estate of a loved one, there are countless legal and financial details to address. Beyond wills and trusts, one of the most important elements is knowing the true value of real estate.
In St. Charles County, Missouri, homes and property often represent the largest portion of a family’s wealth. For this reason, courts, attorneys, accountants, and the IRS frequently require a certified residential appraisal to properly settle estates, file tax documents, or guide probate.
That’s where 24 Hour Appraisal Group, led by Jacob Geringer, comes in. With more than 25 years of real estate and appraisal experience, Jacob provides accurate, defensible appraisals that help families move forward with confidence.
An estate appraisal determines the Fair Market Value (FMV) of a property as of a specific date. This isn’t just a “ballpark estimate” — it’s a certified document recognized by attorneys, courts, and the IRS.
The most common types of estate appraisals include:
Date-of-Death Appraisals (DOD): Used for IRS estate tax filings to determine property value at the time of death.
Step-Up in Basis Valuations: Helps heirs minimize capital gains taxes when selling inherited property.
Probate Appraisals: Required by probate courts to ensure fair property distribution among heirs.
Estate appraisals aren’t just for families. They are commonly used by:
Attorneys, for court filings and probate cases
CPAs and accountants, for estate and tax reporting
Trustees and executors, for distributing assets fairly
Financial planners, to help clients understand estate value for planning purposes
A family in O’Fallon needed to settle their father’s estate. The siblings each had different ideas of the home’s worth, with online “estimates” ranging from $250,000 to $315,000. The IRS required a date-of-death appraisal, so they turned to Jacob.
His certified report established the property’s fair market value at $289,000. With this defensible number, their attorney was able to finalize probate quickly, saving the family from disputes and costly tax mistakes.
Unlike a standard home appraisal for a mortgage, an estate appraisal must meet specific legal and tax requirements. Reports are often more detailed, and they may need to be retrospective (looking back at a past date).
Jacob ensures that every report is:
IRS-compliant for estate tax purposes
Court-ready and accepted by probate judges and attorneys
Thorough and accurate, based on real market data
When it comes to something as sensitive as estate planning, experience and credibility matter.
Certified Residential Appraiser (Missouri)
FHA-Approved and IRS-compliant reports
Trusted by probate attorneys in St. Charles County
25+ years of experience with estate valuation
Fast turnaround times (often 24–72 hours)
Jacob’s rare combination of experience as both an appraiser and broker gives him a deeper understanding of value than most professionals in the field. Families, attorneys, and financial planners trust his reports for their accuracy, timeliness, and professional presentation.
Q: Can I just use Zillow or an online estimate instead? No. Online valuations are rough estimates and cannot be used for IRS or court purposes. A certified appraisal is required.
Q: How long does an estate appraisal take? Most appraisals are completed within 24–72 hours after inspection.
Q: Who pays for the appraisal? Usually, the estate covers the cost, but payment arrangements can vary depending on attorney guidance.
Q: Are estate appraisals different from refinancing appraisals? Yes. Estate appraisals often require retrospective values or additional reporting formats designed for legal compliance.
Estate planning isn’t just about the future—it’s about making sure your loved ones are protected and your assets are handled fairly. A certified estate appraisal gives you the clarity and documentation you need to move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re an executor, attorney, or family member, Jacob Geringer and 24 Hour Appraisal Group are here to provide professional, accurate, and timely estate appraisals in St. Charles County.
Need an estate appraisal? Call Jacob today at (314) 570-6794 or request one online.
Jacob Geringer is a Certified Residential Appraiser, FHA-Approved Appraiser, Licensed Broker, and Real Estate Investor with more than 25 years of experience in the St. Louis metro market. As President of 24 Hour Appraisal Group and Broker of MarketPoint Realty, Jacob helps families, attorneys, and financial planners make confident real estate decisions backed by certified valuations.