Settling the estate of a loved one involves many responsibilities, and when real estate is part of that estate, an accurate valuation becomes essential. In an upscale and highly specialized market like Palos Verdes, a certified Date of Death Appraisal ensures that property values are properly documented for probate court, IRS estate tax filings, trust administration, and the equitable distribution of assets. Whether you’re an executor, attorney, trustee, or beneficiary, this key step helps ensure a legally compliant and efficient estate process.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we offer expert Date of Death Appraisals across Palos Verdes, backed by decades of experience and detailed knowledge of this unique coastal market. Our certified reports are trusted by probate courts, CPAs, and estate professionals alike.
A Date of Death Appraisal—also referred to as a retrospective appraisal—determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the property owner passed away. This differs from a standard appraisal because it uses historical sales data and local market conditions from that specific date, not present-day values.
This type of appraisal is typically required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax returns
Trust dissolution and real estate transfer
Capital gains step-up in basis calculations
Inheritance and estate planning documentation
A certified, court-ready report helps protect the estate from legal complications, tax inaccuracies, or valuation disputes.
Palos Verdes includes some of the most prestigious and complex real estate in Southern California. From oceanfront estates in Palos Verdes Estates and expansive homes in Rolling Hills to bluff-top properties in Rancho Palos Verdes and exclusive communities like Rolling Hills Estates, each neighborhood has unique factors influencing market value—such as view corridors, lot size, privacy, gated access, and architectural quality.
Appraisers without in-depth knowledge of Palos Verdes risk:
Over- or under-valuing high-end properties
Delays in probate or trust settlements
IRS audit triggers or tax miscalculations
Legal disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we specialize in complex, high-value properties and understand the subtleties that distinguish luxury markets like Palos Verdes.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator of an estate
A trustee managing real estate for distribution
A CPA or estate attorney handling tax or legal filings
A beneficiary needing documentation for financial records
A fiduciary ensuring regulatory compliance
A family member involved in inheritance planning
Our certified reports meet the legal and financial requirements of probate courts, the IRS, and estate professionals.
We follow a streamlined and professional approach designed to deliver timely, accurate results.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We gather preliminary information about the property and confirm the date of death. We then schedule the inspection at your convenience.
Step Two – Property inspection We inspect the home, taking into account the structure, amenities, lot, upgrades, and location-specific features. For time-sensitive or restricted-access cases, exterior-only inspections are available.
Step Three – Historical market analysis We research and analyze comparable property sales from the required timeframe, applying professional adjustments to determine an accurate retrospective value.
Step Four – Delivery of certified report Your report is delivered within five to seven business days. Rush service within 48 hours is available upon request.
With more than 5,000 appraisal assignments completed since 2005, Pacific Home Appraisers is the trusted choice for estate and probate appraisals in Palos Verdes and surrounding coastal communities.
We offer:
Certified reports for probate, trust, and estate tax purposes
Local market expertise in luxury coastal properties
Reliable delivery timelines with rush options available
Reports accepted by attorneys, CPAs, courts, and the IRS
Professional service with a focus on discretion and accuracy
Our mission is to support you with reliable valuations that meet all legal and financial requirements, while minimizing stress during a difficult time.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Palos Verdes? Yes. Most probate cases require a certified appraisal to establish fair market value as of the decedent’s date of death.
Can the appraisal be completed if the home has already been sold? Yes. We perform retrospective appraisals using market data from the date of death, even if the property was sold later.
Can I use a Zillow estimate or tax assessment instead? No. Online estimates and assessed values are not acceptable. Courts and the IRS require certified appraisals by licensed professionals.
Do you coordinate with attorneys or accountants? Yes. We work closely with estate attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries to ensure reports meet all documentation standards and timelines.
We offer Date of Death Appraisal Services in all Palos Verdes Peninsula communities, including:
Palos Verdes Estates
Rancho Palos Verdes
Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills Estates
Lunada Bay
Miraleste
Montemalaga
Gated and bluff-top coastal properties
From single-level ranch homes to multimillion-dollar estates, we provide detailed, location-specific valuations you can rely on.
If you are managing an estate or probate case in Palos Verdes, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for 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 and confidence—providing the expert valuation and legal support your estate deserves.