Getting a property valuation for Probate

K_potts

We need to get my late fathers property valued for completion of the probate application.  An estate agent out of our area advised us to get 3 valuations and go with an average.  She said to not mention probate to avoid any charges being made by the agent and just ask for standard house sale valuation.  When I spoke to IHT helpline they also said 3 valuations and to ensure that they are realistic or hmrc would want to send their own valuer which could take months.
considering this I will just ask for 3 valuations and do some right move research too maybe print off similar properties in the area for comparison.  I figure we will be selling the property in a few months anyway so will be requiring estate agent services then.  Is this correct/ethical?

getmore4less

Will the estate be subject to IHT?  either under nil rate bands or spouse exemptions
if an easy to value property from existing sales data(real sold prices)  as well as the current crop of for sale and SSTC dats then you may be OK with a DIY and  back up of 3 EA  .

Some will say always get a RICS valuation, some EA can do those and may not charge if they think they will get the business.

If IHT is due then this may be the better option.

If the property is empty then prepare the property for sale before applying for the grant as you only get 6 months council tax exemption once you have the grant. 

K_potts

It should be under iht threshold as there is also mums nrb and rnrb to transfer in 

getmore4less

HMRC don't go chasing valuation when there is no tax  they have better things to do
They may show an interest if it was kept and there was a future CGT liability as an easy way to redude that is a high end valuation on the estate return, they can go back and adjust that when the time comes but if you are planning to sell and won't be close to the NRB exemptions a sensible number will probably do.