When a loved one passes away and their estate includes high-value real estate, obtaining a certified Date of Death Appraisal is a critical step in the settlement process. In an exclusive and architecturally diverse market like Hollywood Hills, accurate property valuation is essential for probate court filings, IRS estate tax reporting, trust administration, and fair distribution among heirs. Whether you're an executor, trustee, estate attorney, or family member, a professionally prepared retrospective appraisal ensures financial clarity and legal compliance.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we specialize in certified Date of Death Appraisals throughout Hollywood Hills. With over 5,000 appraisals completed since 2005, we are trusted by fiduciaries, CPAs, and attorneys for our market expertise and prompt, professional service.
A Date of Death Appraisal (also called a retrospective appraisal) determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the decedent passed away. This valuation is based on historical sales data and market conditions, not the current real estate market.
This appraisal is required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax filings
Trust and inheritance distribution
Step-up in basis and capital gains planning
Legal valuation during estate division
A certified report helps protect the estate from tax issues, delays, and legal challenges.
Hollywood Hills is one of Los Angeles' most sought-after and varied markets, with luxury homes, architectural masterpieces, celebrity estates, and hillside view properties. Neighborhoods like Laurel Canyon, Mount Olympus, Beachwood Canyon, Nichols Canyon, and Bird Streets all present unique value factors including:
Panoramic city and ocean views
Gated access and privacy
Lot elevation and buildable area
Architectural significance and renovations
Proximity to Sunset Strip or studios
A general appraiser unfamiliar with this terrain may misjudge value—leading to:
Probate delays or court rejection
IRS audit risk due to over- or under-valuation
Disputes between heirs and stakeholders
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we bring deep knowledge of Hollywood Hills micro-markets to every valuation, ensuring accurate and defendable results.
You may require a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or estate administrator
A trustee managing real estate assets
A CPA or estate attorney handling filings
A beneficiary seeking documentation for inheritance
A fiduciary ensuring compliance with legal requirements
Our appraisals are accepted by California probate courts, the IRS, and financial institutions.
We provide a structured and discreet appraisal process tailored to estate needs.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We confirm the date of death, review property details, and schedule an on-site or exterior-only inspection.
Step Two – Property inspection Our certified appraiser evaluates the home's condition, square footage, architectural details, upgrades, amenities, and lot positioning.
Step Three – Historical valuation We research comparable property sales and market activity from the date of death, applying adjustments specific to the Hollywood Hills market.
Step Four – Certified report delivery A court- and IRS-ready appraisal is delivered within five to seven business days. Rush service within 48 hours is available upon request.
Pacific Home Appraisers is a leading provider of certified residential appraisals in Los Angeles' luxury markets, including Hollywood Hills.
We offer:
Certified appraisals for probate, estate tax, and trust reporting
Extensive experience in high-value, hillside, and view properties
Timely delivery with rush options available
Defensible valuation based on market-supported data
Professional, confidential service tailored to sensitive estate matters
From classic canyon homes to contemporary hillside estates, we understand how to value the distinct characteristics of Hollywood Hills real estate.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Hollywood Hills? Yes. Probate courts and the IRS require a certified appraisal to establish fair market value as of the decedent’s passing.
Can you appraise the home if it has already sold? Yes. We provide retrospective appraisals based on historical market data, even if the property is no longer part of the estate.
Is an online estimate or tax assessment acceptable? No. Only a certified appraisal from a licensed appraiser meets legal and IRS requirements.
Do you work with estate attorneys and accountants? Yes. We frequently collaborate with legal and financial professionals to ensure timely and compliant reporting.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services in all parts of Hollywood Hills, including:
Laurel Canyon
Bird Streets
Mount Olympus
Beachwood Canyon
Nichols Canyon
Outpost Estates
Hollywood Dell
Sunset Plaza
Runyon Canyon Area
Whether the property is a historic architectural gem or a modern gated estate, we deliver valuation tailored to its unique location and attributes.
If you’re managing a probate or estate matter in Hollywood Hills, 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 help you move forward with clarity, professionalism, and valuation expertise—ensuring your estate is documented properly and handled with care.