Managing a loved one’s estate often involves appraising real property to ensure legal compliance and fair distribution. In a world-famous, high-demand neighborhood like Hollywood, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is critical for probate court filings, IRS estate tax reporting, trust administration, and inheritance planning. Whether you're an executor, estate attorney, trustee, or family member, a retrospective appraisal provides financial clarity and protects the estate from legal or tax complications.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide accurate, court-approved Date of Death Appraisals for properties throughout Hollywood. With over 5,000 completed appraisals since 2005, we are trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and families for delivering valuation reports that are reliable, timely, and compliant with state and federal guidelines.
A Date of Death Appraisal—also known as a retrospective appraisal—determines the fair market value of a property as of the day the owner passed away. It is based on historical market conditions and comparable property sales from that date, not today’s values.
This appraisal is required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax filings
Trust administration and dissolution
Capital gains tax (step-up in basis)
Inheritance and estate planning
Certified appraisals help reduce disputes, avoid costly errors, and ensure every legal and financial requirement is met.
The Hollywood real estate market is diverse and nuanced, ranging from luxury hillside estates in the Hollywood Hills to historic Spanish duplexes in Sunset Square, mid-century bungalows near Franklin Village, and high-rise condos off Vine Street. Factors such as views, lot size, architecture, zoning, and proximity to studios or Sunset Boulevard heavily influence market value.
A generic or out-of-area appraisal could result in:
Over- or under-valuation
Probate delays or rejections
IRS scrutiny or audit exposure
Disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
Pacific Home Appraisers brings localized knowledge, historic context, and valuation precision to every Hollywood property we appraise.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator of a will or estate
A trustee managing real estate within a trust
A probate attorney or CPA handling estate filings
A beneficiary involved in inheritance distribution
A fiduciary ensuring legal compliance with state and federal law
A real estate professional assisting clients with inherited properties
Our reports are formatted to meet court and IRS standards and are accepted by financial institutions and legal professionals statewide.
We follow a simple, professional, and confidential process to support your estate needs:
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We confirm the date of death, review property details, and schedule the inspection.
Step Two – Property inspection We evaluate the home’s size, condition, upgrades, lot specifics, location, and architectural features. Exterior-only inspections are available if necessary.
Step Three – Historical market analysis We research comparable sales from the time of death, analyze local market trends, and apply valuation methods consistent with USPAP and court guidelines.
Step Four – Delivery of certified report Your certified, court-ready report is delivered within five to seven business days. Rush delivery within 48 hours is available upon request.
With two decades of experience and more than 5,000 appraisals completed, Pacific Home Appraisers is a leading provider of estate valuation services in Hollywood and across Los Angeles.
We offer:
Certified appraisals accepted by courts, CPAs, and the IRS
Expertise in Hollywood’s residential and income property markets
Fast delivery and rush options available
Accurate, defensible reports backed by local market knowledge
Professional, respectful communication with all parties involved
We handle every assignment with care and precision to support smooth and timely estate resolution.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Hollywood? Yes. A certified appraisal is typically required by probate courts to determine the fair market value of the property at the time of the owner's death.
Can the appraisal be completed if the property was already sold? Yes. Retrospective appraisals use historical data and can be completed regardless of current ownership.
Can I use a Zillow estimate or property tax assessment instead? No. Only a certified appraisal by a licensed appraiser is accepted for probate and IRS filings.
Do you work with attorneys and accountants? Yes. We regularly coordinate with estate attorneys, fiduciaries, and CPAs to ensure timely and compliant documentation.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout Hollywood, including:
Hollywood Hills
Beachwood Canyon
Sunset Square
Franklin Village
Hollywood Dell
Outpost Estates
Melrose Hill
Hollywood Studio District
Vine Corridor
Bronson Canyon
From hillside homes with city views to income-producing duplexes, we tailor every report to the property’s location, features, and estate requirements.
If you’re handling an estate or probate matter in Hollywood, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to provide certified, accurate, and timely appraisal services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us support you with clarity, professionalism, and local expertise—ensuring your estate appraisal meets every legal and financial standard.