San Mateo County
Death occurred more than twenty years ago
When the effective date is more than twenty years back — including work into the 1980s — and extraordinary assumptions and deep research are often required.
On the San Mateo County peninsula and coastside, historical valuation work has to respect both the effective date and location-specific evidence — Burlingame, San Mateo, Foster City, Hillsborough, or Half Moon Bay are not interchangeable backdrops. Death occurred more than twenty years ago is one of the timing and documentation situations that regularly shows up in estate work here.
More than twenty years ago — including dates into the 1980s — is deep retrospective territory. James has completed that kind of historical residential work; many appraisers will not. Expect more extraordinary assumptions when condition and improvement history cannot be fully proven.
For this San Mateo County situation, bring whatever archival evidence exists — old photos, listings, tax records, family letters — and be prepared for extraordinary assumptions where condition cannot be proven.
Assignments more than twenty years back — including dates into the 1980s — are among the hardest residential retrospectives. James has completed that deep historical work; he does not know many appraisers willing to take forty-year lookbacks. These files typically require more extraordinary assumptions about condition, improvements, and missing records, and the engagement letter should say so plainly.
James provides independent residential appraisal for appropriate retrospective and current assignments. He does not provide legal, tax, title, or estate-administration advice; effective dates and intended use should be confirmed with the attorney, CPA, and other Core 4 professionals.