Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Home Appraisal and Estate Planning

Portland Real Estate Appraising - Bernhardt Appraisal
Congratulations on deciding to get your estate planning taken care of. This is one of the most responsible things that you can do as an adult. As you know, you want to make sure that everything in your estate is valued properly. It’s not enough to say, “Well, I paid $250,000 for my home twelve years ago, and I guess the price went up, so I’ll put it at $300,000.” You could be right, or you could be wrong. Think of it as the same as a gold necklace. You paid $750 for it a few years ago, and you’ve heard that the price of gold has gone up, so you’ll call it an even $1,000. Again, you could be right, or you could be wrong. Should the IRS come calling, you want to be right. A professional appraisal will provide you with backup and support in case of an audit.

First, to put your mind and wallet at ease, the costs of appraisals are deductible expenses on estate tax returns and sometimes in estate planning, as well. Secondly, often the appraiser can assist your attorney in actually structuring your estate plan so that it will maximize your tax benefits by providing a strictly “value” point of view.

The appraisal that we do for you has another long-term benefit, as well. It will provide a benchmark for the value of your real estate so that subsequent appraisals will illustrate the movement in value.

What Exactly Is an Estate Plan?

Good question! Each estate plan is as unique as the individual who creates the plan. Your plan is a collection of legal documents drafted and executed with the guidance of a qualified estate planning attorney. The foundation of any estate plan is a Last Will and Testament which will provide instructions for the distribution of your assets upon your death; however, an estate plan can do much more than simply provide for the division of your assets when you die. Your plan may also include trusts, advanced directives relating to healthcare, and financial powers of attorney just to name a few additional options. Your personal legacy can also be incorporated into your estate plan through incentives to children and grandchildren that encourage them to strive for personal growth and academic achievement. It can be as boiler-plate or creative as you would like it to be.

An appraisal is an important document to have. Here are a few of the reasons you might want or need one.
  • Estate Planning
  • Sale to a relative
  • Sale to a non-relative
  • Dividing your estate among your heirs/beneficiaries
  • Prior to listing your house for sale
  • Partial interest, typically for income property
  • Gifts and gift trusts
  • Federal or state tax returns
  • Determining the basis for capital gains tax

Aside from you, the people who will want this appraisal are attorneys, accountants and enrolled agents, trustees, executors and administrators. Have one done, get the copies made, and you’re ready for all requests.

Bernhardt Appraisal will simplify the appraisal process for you. Our number one concern is getting the job done right, and making it as easy for you as possible. To read more about estate planning, please just click here Estate Planning.

Please visit our website to see how important a professional real estate appraisal will be for you, now and in the future. Call Nathan anytime at 503.349.3765 to get started and to get all of your questions answered. We look forward to talking with you and putting your mind at rest.


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#estateplanning

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Recently built Eugene apartments sell for $43.1 million



Recently built Eugene apartments sell for $43.1 million:

The Riverwalk Apartments, one of Eugene’s newest and most expensive apartment complexes, has sold for $43.1 million, according to a Portland commercial real estate broker. HFO Investment Real Estate on Tuesday said it sold the 272-apartment complex at Goodpasture Island Road and Alexander Loop to a Danville, Calif. firm — Green Leaf Riverwalk.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Portland, Oregon Homeowner Gives House to Appraiser, Free







Portland, Oregon Homeowner Gives House to Appraiser, Free and Clear, as Thanks for a Great Home Appraisal!

January 28, 2014

Portland, OR

Nathan Bernhardt, of Bernhardt Appraisal, in Portland, OR, received a big New Year’s surprise, this week in the form of a free house. In early January, Mr. Gary Geben had hired Mr. Bernhardt to perform an appraisal to determine market value, for a potential listing of the home, in Southwest Portland.  According to Mr. Geben, Mr. Bernhardt finished the appraisal in 48 hours, as promised, and did a fantastic job comparing the home to similar houses, and explained himself very competently. Mr. Geben also added that Mr. Bernhardt showed up on time, was dressed professionally, had a great attitude, was familiar with the area, and asked very pertinent questions.

“It had to be done”, added Mr. Geben, “Nathan Bernhardt nailed that appraisal analysis, and I wanted to give him a gift worthy of his efforts!”

What did Mr. Bernhardt think about his new property? “It was the right thing to do.”, said Bernhardt. “You cannot overlook an appraisal analysis, like the one I performed for Mr. Geben.” He added, “I think this will likely be a new trend as appreciation for residential real estate appraisers is at an all-time high!”

The neighbor, Jan Jones, was also considering donating her home to Mr. Bernhardt for taking such great care of the Geben family, and the ideals of the appraisal profession. “We strongly believe in rewarding great work”, said Ms. Jones.

Nathan Bernhardt has over 20 years of appraisal experience, bolstered by his home investing experiences (nearly 40 homes), and residential / commercial mortgage industry experience.

All characters, names and incidents in this write up are entirely fictitious… but not entirely improbable given the incredible attentiveness and impeccable professionalism Nathan Bernhardt infuses into every real estate appraisal he provides.



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Saturday, January 18, 2014

Bernhardt Appraisal Services


Bernhardt Real Estate - Nathan Bernhardt


Bernhardt Divorce Appraisal - Nathan Bernhardt
Nathan Bernhardt
503.349.3765
Home appraisal and divorce
Home appraisals, for any use, usually cause a bit of discomfort and distress, with the homeowner hoping for a favorable outcome, unsure of who is going to actually perform the appraisal, and uncertainty about how unfinished projects and minor repairs will affect the value. Appraisals for divorce can be even more nerve-wracking, as the parties to the divorce’s lives are being torn apart, and their assets are exposed to scrutiny, swinging in the wind, with strangers determining the outcome.

Bernhardt Real Estate - Nathan BernhardtBernhardt Appraisal is aware of the divorce stressors, and tries to mitigate the pain for both sides through mature interactions, and mindful procedures. Divorce is a serious decision. Emotions are high, and people’s futures are at stake. Our appraisals are transparently and credibly prepared, according to the guidelines of the appraisal profession, known as USPAP. Nathan Bernhardt, the owner and appraiser at Bernhardt Appraisal, personally guarantees quality appraisal process and review on every divorce appraisal performed.
We work with homeowners and attorneys directly, in order to communicate effectively, and shorten the process of appraisal completion. The efficiencies utilized at Bernhardt Appraisal, including smart, inexpensive, mobile-technologies and low-overhead mandates (mostly related to staff and location), allow us to offer appraisals at a lower cost than our competitors.  We will provide a superior analysis, at a lower price.


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