Settling the estate of a loved one involves many important steps, and one of the most critical is establishing the accurate value of any real property they owned. In Southern California, where real estate values can vary widely across regions and property types, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate, estate tax reporting, trust management, and the fair distribution of assets among beneficiaries.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide professional, court-ready Date of Death Appraisals across Southern California, delivering reliable reports that meet the standards of probate courts, the IRS, and legal and financial professionals. Since 2005, we’ve completed more than 5,000 appraisals—serving both large metropolitan areas and smaller communities throughout the region.
A Date of Death Appraisal, also known as a retrospective appraisal, determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the property owner passed away. Unlike a current market valuation, this type of appraisal relies on historical data and comparable sales that occurred around the time of death.
This certified valuation is typically used for:
Probate filings and estate settlement
IRS estate tax documentation
Step-up in basis calculation for capital gains
Trust distribution among heirs
Financial planning and legal compliance
A qualified appraiser ensures that the report is legally defensible and aligned with current regulatory standards.
Southern California encompasses a vast and diverse region that includes coastal cities, inland communities, suburban neighborhoods, and rural properties. With this diversity comes a wide range of home styles, land values, and market trends that must be carefully considered during an appraisal.
Factors that impact property value in Southern California include:
Proximity to the coast or mountains
Location within high-demand school districts or gated communities
Architectural design, age of the property, and quality of improvements
Zoning regulations and development potential
Accessibility to transit, employment hubs, and urban centers
From single-family homes in Orange County to hillside estates in Los Angeles or agricultural land in Riverside, each property type demands a tailored approach to valuation. Pacific Home Appraisers brings localized knowledge and experience to every assignment.
You may need a certified Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator managing a decedent’s estate
A trustee responsible for the distribution of real property
An estate attorney or CPA preparing IRS and legal documents
A beneficiary ensuring a fair and accurate valuation of inherited property
A fiduciary meeting probate or tax reporting requirements
Our appraisal reports are accepted by the IRS, probate courts, and financial institutions throughout California.
We provide a clear and structured approach to every Date of Death appraisal:
Step 1 – Consultation and Scheduling We begin by confirming the effective date of value (date of death), discussing property details, and scheduling a site visit if needed.
Step 2 – Property Inspection Our certified appraiser documents the condition, layout, improvements, square footage, and unique features of the property. If access is restricted, we also offer exterior-only inspections.
Step 3 – Market Analysis and Retrospective Valuation We research comparable sales from the appropriate historical period and apply adjustments based on the specifics of the property and local market conditions.
Step 4 – Delivery of Certified Report A fully documented, certified appraisal report is delivered within five to seven business days. Rush delivery in 48 hours is available when needed.
Over 5,000 appraisals completed across Southern California
Certified reports accepted by courts, attorneys, and tax authorities
Experience with high-value and complex properties
48-hour expedited services available upon request
Courteous, confidential, and professional support
We are deeply familiar with regional differences across Southern California—from the luxury markets of Malibu and Beverly Hills to family homes in San Bernardino and Ventura County.
Do I need a Date of Death Appraisal if the property is already sold? Yes. A retrospective appraisal is still required to document the value of the property on the date of the decedent’s passing.
Can I use an online estimate or county tax assessment? No. Only a certified appraisal from a licensed professional meets legal and IRS standards.
Do you work directly with attorneys and accountants? Yes. We regularly collaborate with estate attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries to ensure smooth and accurate reporting.
What if the estate includes multiple properties in different counties? We cover all of Southern California and can appraise multiple properties across counties in a coordinated manner.
We provide certified Date of Death Appraisals throughout:
Los Angeles County
Orange County
Riverside County
San Bernardino County
Ventura County
San Diego County
Santa Barbara County
Imperial County
We serve a wide range of communities—from beach cities to desert towns, from urban neighborhoods to rural estates.
If you are handling probate, trust, or estate matters in Southern California, let Pacific Home Appraisers provide you with a certified, timely, and accurate valuation.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
We are here to support you with professionalism, precision, and the highest standards in real estate valuation.