Estate planning has become a major priority for families across Will County, Kendall County, and the surrounding areas of DuPage, Grundy, and Kane Counties. With shifting market conditions, rising property values, and increased legal requirements in 2026, accurate real estate valuations are more important than ever.
Schultz Appraisal Services LLC works closely with homeowners, attorneys, trustees, CPAs, estate planners, financial advisors, lenders, banks, credit unions, and families navigating estate transitions. Whether you’re preparing for probate, trust distribution, inheritance planning, or a date‑of‑death valuation, a professional appraisal ensures clarity, accuracy, and legal compliance.
This 2026 guide explains why estate appraisals matter — and how to prepare your property for the most accurate valuation.
1. Estate Appraisals Are Required for Legal & Financial Accuracy
In 2026, estate planning requires precise documentation. Courts, attorneys, and financial institutions rely on certified appraisals to determine:
• Fair market value at the time of death
• Asset distribution among heirs
• Tax obligations
• Trust funding
• Probate requirements
• Estate settlement timelines
Local examples:
Estate attorneys in Joliet, Naperville, Plainfield, Oswego, and Yorkville frequently request certified appraisals to support probate filings and trust administration.
An inaccurate valuation can lead to disputes, delays, or tax complications — which is why families and attorneys depend on professional, defensible appraisals.
2. Date‑of‑Death Appraisals Are More Important Than Ever
A date‑of‑death appraisal determines the property’s value on the exact date the owner passed away, not today’s value.
This is essential for:
• IRS reporting
• Step‑up basis calculations
• Probate filings
• Trust administration
• Estate tax planning
Local relevance:
Fluctuating values in Will County (Plainfield, Joliet, Shorewood) and Kendall County (Oswego, Yorkville, Montgomery) make accurate retrospective valuation critical in 2026.
3. Market Conditions in Will & Kendall Counties Affect Estate Values
The 2026 market in these counties is shaped by:
Strong demand for suburban homes
Plainfield, Joliet, Shorewood, Oswego, and Yorkville continue to attract buyers.
Limited inventory
Low supply increases the importance of accurate comparable sales.
Rising property values
Estate valuations must reflect true market conditions, not assumptions.
Increased lender and attorney scrutiny
Legal professionals require defensible, well‑supported reports.
Nearby areas influencing value:
• Will County: Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena
• Kendall County: Plano, Montgomery, Newark
• DuPage County: Naperville, Lisle, Woodridge
• Grundy County: Minooka, Morris
Estate appraisals must reflect these local market realities — and Schultz specializes in them.
4. What Appraisers Look for During an Estate Appraisal
Appraisers evaluate:
• Condition of the home
• Updates and renovations
• Functional layout
• Square footage
• Bedroom and bathroom count
• Basement finish
• Lot size and location
• Comparable sales
• Neighborhood trends
Local examples:
• Original‑condition homes in Joliet and Crest Hill
• Split‑levels in Bolingbrook and Romeoville
• Ranch homes in Shorewood and Plainfield
• Two‑stories in Oswego and Yorkville
Even if the home has not been updated recently, accurate documentation ensures a fair valuation.
5. How to Prepare the Property for an Estate Appraisal
Estate properties are often older, lived‑in, or in original condition — and that’s okay. Appraisers do not expect perfection.
Helpful steps:
• Ensure access to all rooms
• Remove clutter where possible
• Provide any available documentation
• Unlock garages, basements, and outbuildings
• Share any known updates or repairs
These steps help the appraiser complete a thorough and accurate inspection.
6. Documentation Helps Strengthen the Appraisal
Provide any available records, including:
• Renovation receipts
• Contractor invoices
• Permits
• Insurance documents
• Prior appraisals
• Property tax records
Local examples:
Homes in Naperville, Plainfield, and Oswego often have partial documentation that still helps support valuation.
Even partial documentation helps support the valuation.
7. Why Attorneys and Trustees Prefer Local Appraisers
Estate cases require appraisers who understand:
• Local market trends
• County‑specific requirements
• Probate court expectations
• IRS standards
• Trust administration timelines
Schultz Appraisal Services LLC is trusted by attorneys and estate professionals throughout:
• Will County
• Kendall County
• DuPage County
• Grundy County
• Kane County
Because of our accuracy, communication, and defensible reporting.
8. Estate Appraisals Help Prevent Family Disputes
Clear, professional valuations reduce conflict by providing:
• Neutral, third‑party analysis
• Transparent methodology
• Defensible market data
• Fair distribution of assets
In 2026, families rely on accurate appraisals to avoid disagreements and ensure a smooth estate process.
9. Work With an Appraiser Who Understands Estate Requirements
Schultz Appraisal Services LLC specializes in:
• Estate appraisals
• Date‑of‑death valuations
• Probate appraisals
• Trust valuations
• Retrospective appraisals
• Multi‑property estates
Local expertise includes:
• Will County: Plainfield, Joliet, Shorewood, Bolingbrook, Romeoville
• Kendall County: Oswego, Yorkville, Montgomery
• DuPage County: Naperville, Lisle, Woodridge
• Grundy County: Minooka, Morris
• Kane County: Aurora, North Aurora, Sugar Grove
Local expertise ensures your appraisal reflects:
• Accurate comps
• Market conditions
• Neighborhood trends
• Legal requirements
• 2026 valuation standards
Schedule Your Appraisal
Schultz Appraisal Services LLC
Serving Will, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy & Kane Counties
815‑482‑2012
