When a loved one passes away, settling their estate often involves real estate assets that must be properly valued. In a desirable and fast-growing area like Valencia, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is critical for ensuring IRS compliance, meeting probate court requirements, and distributing property equitably among heirs. Whether you’re an executor, trustee, attorney, or family member, an accurate retrospective appraisal brings clarity to a sensitive process.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide professional Date of Death Appraisals throughout Valencia and the greater Santa Clarita Valley. Our certified reports are trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and families navigating estate matters.
A Date of Death Appraisal—also referred to as a retrospective appraisal—determines the fair market value of a property as of the exact date the property owner passed away. This valuation is based on historical market data and comparable property sales from that date, not current market conditions.
This type of appraisal is typically required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax returns
Trust distribution and estate planning
Step-up in basis for capital gains
Equitable division among heirs and beneficiaries
A certified appraisal ensures that all legal and tax-related requirements are met, and helps avoid disputes or delays during the estate process.
Valencia features a wide variety of neighborhoods and home types, from master-planned communities like Tesoro Del Valle, West Hills, and Bridgeport to custom estates and golf course homes. Factors such as location, school district, HOA amenities, condition, and upgrades all significantly affect market value.
An appraiser unfamiliar with the Valencia market may produce inaccurate valuations, resulting in:
Delays in probate or trust administration
Tax filing errors and audit risk
Disputes between heirs or beneficiaries
Rejection of documentation by courts or the IRS
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we bring years of experience in the Santa Clarita Valley, allowing us to deliver detailed, legally defensible appraisals tailored to the Valencia market.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or estate administrator
A trustee responsible for distributing real property
A CPA or probate attorney handling estate tax or legal filings
A family member or beneficiary requiring documentation
A fiduciary ensuring compliance with probate and tax laws
Our certified reports are fully compliant with probate court standards and IRS regulations.
We follow a structured, efficient process that ensures accuracy and professionalism at every step.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We confirm the necessary appraisal date and gather preliminary details, then schedule a prompt inspection of the property.
Step Two – On-site inspection We evaluate the property’s size, condition, improvements, location, amenities, and features. Exterior-only inspections are available when needed.
Step Three – Historical market analysis We research historical sales data and local market trends from the time of passing, applying professional adjustments to determine a fair and accurate value.
Step Four – Delivery of certified report Your certified appraisal report is delivered within five to seven business days. Rush delivery within 48 hours is available upon request.
Since 2005, Pacific Home Appraisers has completed over 5,000 residential assignments across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, including numerous Date of Death Appraisals in Valencia.
We offer:
Certified reports for probate, trusts, and estate tax purposes
Local market expertise specific to Valencia and Santa Clarita
Fast, reliable turnaround with rush options available
Detailed, court- and IRS-compliant documentation
Professional communication and confidential service
Our experience, accuracy, and responsiveness make us a trusted resource for families and estate professionals alike.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Valencia Yes. Probate courts and estate attorneys typically require a certified appraisal to determine real estate value as of the date of death.
What if the property was sold after the date of death We can still provide a retrospective appraisal based on the date of death using historical data—even if the home was sold later.
Are Zillow estimates or tax assessments acceptable No. Only a certified appraisal by a licensed professional meets IRS and probate court requirements.
Do you work with attorneys and accountants Yes. We frequently coordinate with legal and financial professionals to ensure accurate, on-time filings and documentation.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout Valencia, including:
Tesoro Del Valle
West Hills
Northbridge and Northpark
Bridgeport
Westridge
Alta Vista
River Village
Gated, golf course, and custom home communities
Whether the property is in a master-planned development or a private estate setting, we offer appraisals tailored to its unique features and local market value.
If you are managing an estate or probate case in Valencia, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to provide accurate, certified, and timely appraisal services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us help you complete this important step with professionalism, accuracy, and care—ensuring your estate valuation meets every legal and financial standard.