When a loved one passes away, settling their estate often involves determining the fair market value of any real property they owned. In a vibrant, high-value market like West Hollywood, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is a necessary step for probate court filings, IRS estate tax reporting, trust administration, and equitable distribution of real estate among heirs. Whether you are an executor, trustee, estate attorney, or family member, a retrospective appraisal ensures legal compliance and financial accuracy.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we specialize in delivering certified, timely, and court-ready Date of Death Appraisals throughout West Hollywood. With more than 5,000 appraisal assignments completed since 2005, we are trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and families for our local market insight and professional reporting.
A Date of Death Appraisal—also known as a retrospective appraisal—establishes the fair market value of a property as of the decedent’s date of passing. It is based on historical market conditions and comparable property sales from that time—not today’s market.
This appraisal is required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax filings
Trust administration and estate distribution
Capital gains tax calculations (step-up in basis)
Inheritance planning and beneficiary divisions
A certified appraisal ensures legal and financial clarity during a sensitive time.
West Hollywood (WeHo) is a unique market characterized by luxury high-rises, historic properties, townhomes, modern architectural residences, and rent-controlled multi-family buildings. Whether it’s a designer condo on Sunset Strip, a Spanish-style home near Melrose, or a duplex just off Santa Monica Blvd, values are highly influenced by location, amenities, architecture, and walkability.
A generalized or out-of-area appraisal can lead to:
Incorrect valuation
Probate delays
IRS audit exposure
Heir disputes over estate value
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we understand the nuances of West Hollywood’s dynamic real estate market and provide accurate, supportable valuations based on historical local data.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or estate administrator
A trustee handling real property in a trust
A CPA or estate attorney preparing filings
A beneficiary seeking accurate property valuation
A fiduciary ensuring legal and tax compliance
A real estate professional assisting with estate transactions
Our certified reports meet all court and IRS requirements and are tailored to your specific needs.
We follow a streamlined, professional process to provide timely, accurate results:
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We review your appraisal needs, confirm the retrospective date, and schedule the inspection.
Step Two – Property inspection We conduct a thorough inspection, documenting the home’s condition, size, features, renovations, and location. Exterior-only inspections are available if access is limited.
Step Three – Historical market analysis We analyze comparable sales from the date of death and apply local market adjustments to determine fair market value.
Step Four – Certified report delivery You will receive a court- and IRS-ready appraisal within five to seven business days. Rush service within 48 hours is available upon request.
With nearly two decades of experience, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted choice for certified appraisals in West Hollywood and throughout Greater Los Angeles.
We offer:
Certified appraisals for probate, trust, and IRS use
Local market expertise in West Hollywood’s high-value neighborhoods
Clear, legally defensible reporting
Responsive communication with legal and financial professionals
Rush delivery options available for urgent matters
We handle every appraisal with care, accuracy, and respect for the emotional nature of estate matters.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in West Hollywood? Yes. Probate courts require a certified appraisal to document the fair market value of real property as of the decedent’s passing.
Can I still get an appraisal if the property has been sold? Yes. Retrospective appraisals are based on historical data and can be completed even after the sale.
Is a Zillow estimate or property tax value acceptable? No. Only a certified appraisal by a licensed professional is valid for probate and IRS documentation.
Do you work with estate attorneys and CPAs? Yes. We regularly collaborate with legal and financial professionals to ensure accurate and timely estate reporting.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout West Hollywood, including:
Norma Triangle
Sunset Strip
Melrose District
West Hollywood West
Design District
Kings Road & Sweetzer Ave
Fountain Corridor
Multi-family and income properties near Santa Monica Blvd
From historic bungalows to luxury condos and income-producing assets, we provide property-specific appraisals tailored to each estate’s needs.
If you are managing an estate in West Hollywood, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for certified, timely, and accurate valuation services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us help you through this important step with clarity, professionalism, and trusted expertise in West Hollywood’s ever-evolving market.