Managing a loved one’s estate involves critical legal and financial decisions—especially when real property is part of the inheritance. In a vast and complex market like Los Angeles, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate filings, IRS estate tax documentation, trust administration, and the equitable distribution of property. Whether you're an executor, trustee, estate attorney, or family member, a properly documented retrospective valuation ensures full compliance, financial clarity, and peace of mind.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide timely, accurate, and court-ready Date of Death Appraisals throughout Los Angeles. With over 5,000 completed assignments since 2005, our team is experienced in handling high-value estates, historic properties, luxury homes, and diverse real estate throughout every corner of the city.
A Date of Death Appraisal—also called a retrospective appraisal—determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the owner passed away. Unlike current appraisals, this valuation uses historical sales data and market conditions specific to that time.
This appraisal is typically required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax reporting
Trust dissolution or real estate transfer
Capital gains tax planning (step-up in basis)
Equitable asset distribution among heirs
A certified appraisal helps ensure legal compliance and reduces the risk of disputes, delays, or audit exposure.
Los Angeles encompasses a wide variety of property types—from ultra-luxury estates in Bel Air, Brentwood, and Hollywood Hills to duplexes in Mid-City, Spanish homes in Los Feliz, historic properties in Hancock Park, and condos in Downtown LA. Each neighborhood has its own distinct market, driven by school districts, architecture, zoning, walkability, views, and more.
Without localized expertise, an appraisal may result in:
Over- or under-valuation of real property
Delays in probate court approval
IRS audit risk
Disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
Pacific Home Appraisers brings deep knowledge of Los Angeles's diverse real estate markets to deliver accurate, compliant valuations for any property type.
You may require a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator of an estate
A trustee distributing real property
A CPA or estate attorney preparing probate or tax filings
A beneficiary or family member needing documentation
A fiduciary managing estate compliance
A real estate professional assisting with inheritance planning
Our reports are certified, fully documented, and accepted by courts, the IRS, and financial institutions.
We provide a straightforward, respectful, and efficient appraisal process to meet your legal and personal needs.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We confirm the necessary details, including the date of death and property type, then schedule a convenient on-site visit.
Step Two – Property inspection We conduct a full inspection of the home’s size, condition, improvements, and features. For limited access, exterior-only inspections can be arranged.
Step Three – Historical market analysis We use comparable sales and market data from the date of death to determine accurate, supportable fair market value.
Step Four – Report delivery You receive a certified, court-ready appraisal report within five to seven business days. Rush service within 48 hours is available upon request.
Since 2005, Pacific Home Appraisers has provided trusted appraisal services in Los Angeles and surrounding communities. We are known for our accuracy, speed, and deep market insight.
We offer:
Certified appraisals for probate, estate tax, and trust use
Extensive experience in Los Angeles’s luxury and standard markets
Fast turnaround with optional 48-hour rush service
Court- and IRS-compliant documentation
Clear communication with attorneys, CPAs, and families
We treat every appraisal with the professionalism and discretion it deserves.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Los Angeles? Yes. Probate courts typically require a certified appraisal to determine the fair market value of any real estate held in the estate.
Can you complete the appraisal if the home was already sold? Yes. We use historical data to deliver retrospective appraisals, even if the property has since changed ownership.
Can I use a Zillow estimate or tax value instead? No. Online estimates and tax assessments are not valid for legal or tax filings. Only a certified appraisal by a licensed professional is acceptable.
Do you work with estate attorneys or accountants? Yes. We frequently collaborate with legal and tax professionals to ensure all reporting requirements are met.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services across all of Los Angeles, including:
Bel Air
Brentwood
Beverly Hills Adjacent
Hollywood Hills
Silver Lake
Los Feliz
Hancock Park
West Adams
Mid-City
Westwood
Century City
Downtown Los Angeles
Mar Vista
Palms
Baldwin Hills
Highland Park
Eagle Rock
Koreatown
And every surrounding neighborhood
Whether it’s a hillside estate, a Spanish duplex, or a mid-century home, we tailor every report to the property’s characteristics and historic market context.
If you're managing a probate or estate matter in Los Angeles, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to deliver certified, accurate, and timely valuation services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us support you with clarity and professionalism—providing the expert valuation your estate needs to move forward with confidence and legal certainty.