Real Life Case Study Estate Appraisals · The Real Estate Value Edge

Real Life Case Study Estate Appraisals

Any questions:

🏡 Case Study: Bringing Estate Clarity to the Smith Family

Background

When Jane Smith contacted Realtor Karen Thompson, she was overwhelmed. Her mother had just moved into assisted living, and Jane was tasked with selling the family home to meet Medicaid requirements.

The care facility required that the property be sold for “at least fair market value.” The last tax assessment listed the home at nearly $100,000 — but with a non‑functional kitchen, damaged windows, and damaged mechanical systems, Jane was confident it was not worth anything near $100,000.

Unsure what to do, Karen advised her: “You really need to have an appraisal completed. That will give everyone the truth in writing.”

Challenge

The home had been vacant for over a year, suffered significant deferred maintenance, and clearly would not meet lender standards for traditional financing. Jane needed a credible valuation under Medicaid’s Fair Market Value definition, yet she also had to protect the family from accusations of “selling too low.”

Solution — The Estate Clarity Appraisal ReportThe selected appraiser conducted a full‑scope observation and document review using the Estate Clarity methodology, which translates condition data into market reality.

Condition Audit: Identified roughly $40,000 in immediate repairs required to restore average marketability.

Market Positioning: Determined the property would only appeal to cash investors or flippers given the extent of repairs and financing limitations.

Investor Adjustment Modeling: Accounted for holding, resale, and profit margins typical in local investment purchases.Definition Alignment: Applied Medicaid’s Fair Market Value language directly in the report so the outcome aligned with regulatory standards.

ResultsSupported Value: Approximately $40,000, fully documented and reconciled.Sale Outcome: House sold at the appraised price of $40,000. The Realtor used their experience and knowledge to guide Jane, making the right recommendations at each step of the process. With a certified report and professional guidance, everyone — the family, the Realtor, and the care facility — is now protected.

Peace of Mind: Jane’s family satisfied the facility’s requirements and closed the estate confidently, backed by objective evidence.

Key Takeaway

The Estate Clarity Appraisal Report transforms complex situations into defensible decisions.When estate administrators face contradictory numbers—tax assessments, family opinions, or facility constraints—clarity, not guesswork, protects everyone involved.

“An appraisal isn’t just about price; it’s about proof.”

Don’t leave value to chance. Trusted experience and data‑backed analysis for clarity with confidence.

0 comments