When a loved one passes away, one of the first steps in managing their estate is to determine the fair market value of their real property. In a rural yet steadily growing community like Fillmore, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate court proceedings, IRS estate tax reporting, trust administration, and equitable property distribution among heirs. Whether you’re an executor, trustee, attorney, or family member, this type of retrospective appraisal ensures your estate documentation is both legally compliant and financially accurate.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we offer timely, detailed, and court-ready Date of Death Appraisals throughout Fillmore and Ventura County. With over 5,000 appraisal assignments completed since 2005, we are a trusted resource for legal and financial professionals, as well as families navigating the estate process.
A Date of Death Appraisal, also called a retrospective appraisal, is a certified valuation of a property based on market conditions on the exact date the decedent passed away. This appraisal uses historical data and comparable property sales from that time—not today’s market.
This appraisal is typically required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax submissions
Trust dissolution or estate administration
Capital gains step-up in basis calculations
Fair and legal distribution of real property among heirs
A certified appraisal helps prevent legal complications, ensures accuracy for tax purposes, and provides a clear financial picture of the estate’s assets.
Fillmore features a mix of rural homes, ranch-style properties, agricultural land, suburban developments, and older homes in historic downtown. Property values can be influenced by acreage, zoning, proximity to farmlands, and views of the Topatopa Mountains.
Appraisers without knowledge of Fillmore’s micro-markets and land-use variations may miscalculate value, which can lead to:
Delays in probate approval
IRS audits or rejected estate filings
Disagreements among heirs or trustees
Improper estate tax reporting
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we understand the local factors that influence valuation in Fillmore and provide reports that reflect accurate historical market data.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator of an estate
A trustee managing rural or residential property
A probate attorney or CPA filing estate tax documents
A family member seeking accurate valuation for inheritance
A fiduciary ensuring legal compliance in property division
Our appraisals are fully certified and accepted by California probate courts, the IRS, and financial institutions.
We provide a clear, respectful, and efficient process designed to align with estate timelines.
Step One – Initial consultation We confirm the required date of death, gather property details, and schedule a timely inspection.
Step Two – Property inspection We assess the home or land, documenting condition, amenities, upgrades, lot characteristics, and unique features. Exterior-only inspections are available when access is limited.
Step Three – Historical market analysis We research and analyze comparable property sales from the time of death, adjusting for relevant features and market dynamics in Fillmore.
Step Four – Certified report delivery You receive a legally compliant, court- and IRS-ready report within five to seven business days. Rush service within 48 hours is available upon request.
Since 2005, Pacific Home Appraisers has been a go-to provider for accurate and defensible valuations throughout Ventura County, including Fillmore.
We offer:
Certified reports for probate, trust, and IRS estate filings
In-depth knowledge of Fillmore’s rural and residential property markets
Fast turnaround with 48-hour rush delivery available
Clear communication with attorneys, fiduciaries, and family members
Appraisal expertise trusted by legal and financial professionals
Whether the estate includes a farmhouse, suburban home, or vacant land, we ensure every report is tailored to the property’s features and value at the time of passing.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Fillmore? Yes. Probate courts require a certified appraisal to document the property’s fair market value as of the decedent’s date of death.
Can I request an appraisal after the home has been sold? Yes. We can complete a retrospective appraisal using historical data, regardless of the current ownership status.
Is a Zillow estimate or tax assessment enough? No. Only a certified appraisal from a licensed appraiser is acceptable for probate or IRS estate tax filings.
Do you work with estate attorneys and CPAs? Absolutely. We frequently collaborate with legal and financial professionals to meet court deadlines and compliance standards.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout the city of Fillmore and surrounding Ventura County communities, including:
Downtown Fillmore
El Dorado Estates
East Fillmore rural homes
Pole Creek neighborhoods
Rancho Sespe vicinity
South Mountain Road properties
Agricultural and multi-acre parcels
From modest family homes to larger rural estates, we provide accurate valuations that reflect the property’s value at the appropriate time.
If you are managing a probate or estate matter in Fillmore, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to deliver certified, accurate, and timely appraisal services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us guide you through this important step with professionalism, clarity, and trusted local expertise—ensuring your estate appraisal meets every legal and financial requirement.