When a loved one passes away, and real estate is part of their estate, a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes an essential part of the process. In a distinguished and high-value market like Brentwood, this type of retrospective appraisal ensures the estate is handled with precision, whether for probate court filings, IRS estate tax documentation, trust administration, or equitable asset distribution. If you’re an executor, estate attorney, trustee, or family member, this step ensures full legal compliance and accurate valuation.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide trusted, court-ready Date of Death Appraisals in Brentwood and throughout West Los Angeles. With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed since 2005, we are experienced in luxury markets and high-end residential neighborhoods, and our reports are consistently accepted by courts, the IRS, and financial professionals.
A Date of Death Appraisal, also known as a retrospective appraisal, determines the fair market value of a property based on market conditions at the time of the owner's death. This valuation is not based on current pricing but on historical data and comparable sales from that specific time period.
This appraisal is often required for:
Probate court submission
IRS estate tax filing
Trust and inheritance distribution
Step-up in basis and capital gains tax planning
Documentation for equitable division among heirs
A certified, professional appraisal reduces legal risk, ensures tax accuracy, and creates a solid foundation for estate resolution.
Brentwood is one of Los Angeles’ most desirable residential neighborhoods, home to a blend of historic estates, celebrity homes, modern architectural residences, and gated hillside compounds. Values in areas like Brentwood Park, Mandeville Canyon, Crestwood Hills, and Brentwood Glen are driven by factors including lot size, views, school districts, walkability, and architectural pedigree.
Using a non-local or inexperienced appraiser can lead to:
Undervalued or overvalued estate property
IRS audit exposure or probate court rejections
Disputes among heirs over inaccurate valuations
Delays in trust or estate distribution
Pacific Home Appraisers understands the Brentwood market’s nuances and delivers high-level accuracy and legal compliance in every report.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator managing a Brentwood estate
A trustee overseeing high-value real estate
A CPA or probate attorney filing estate or tax documentation
A beneficiary or family member ensuring accurate division of assets
A fiduciary seeking proper estate reporting
Our appraisals are accepted by probate courts, the IRS, and estate planning professionals throughout California.
We follow a streamlined and confidential process that meets legal standards and estate timelines.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We confirm the decedent’s date of death, gather key property details, and schedule a convenient on-site or exterior-only inspection.
Step Two – Property inspection Our licensed appraiser evaluates the property’s size, layout, upgrades, condition, and market-influencing characteristics.
Step Three – Historical data analysis Using historical comparable sales from the time of death, we perform market-based analysis and professional adjustments to arrive at the appropriate value.
Step Four – Certified report delivery You receive a complete, court- and IRS-ready appraisal within five to seven business days. Rush service within 48 hours is available on request.
For nearly two decades, Pacific Home Appraisers has been a leader in probate and trust valuation services across luxury neighborhoods like Brentwood.
We provide:
Certified reports for probate, IRS filings, and trust accounting
Deep familiarity with Brentwood’s architectural and market variations
Accurate, defendable valuation reports
Fast turnaround with expedited service available
Direct collaboration with attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries
We understand the need for discretion, professionalism, and unmatched market insight when handling estate matters involving Brentwood real estate.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Brentwood? Yes. Probate courts and the IRS require a certified appraisal to establish fair market value as of the decedent’s passing.
Can a retrospective appraisal be done after the home is sold? Yes. We use historical market data from the exact date of death, regardless of current ownership status.
Can I rely on an online estimate or a Realtor’s opinion? No. Only a certified appraisal by a licensed appraiser meets legal and IRS standards.
Do you work with estate attorneys and accountants? Absolutely. We routinely coordinate with estate attorneys, CPAs, and financial professionals to ensure timely, compliant documentation.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services for all areas of Brentwood, including:
Brentwood Park
Mandeville Canyon
Brentwood Glen
Crestwood Hills
Bundy Drive Corridor
Kenter Canyon
Sunset Boulevard Estates
Gated hillside and architectural homes
From traditional family estates to trophy properties and modern compounds, we tailor our appraisal services to each unique property and estate situation.
If you’re managing a probate or estate case in Brentwood, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for certified, timely, and accurate valuation services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us help you take the next step with confidence—backed by local expertise, professionalism, and certified valuation support.