Settling an estate after the passing of a loved one involves many crucial responsibilities—especially when real estate is part of the inheritance. In an affluent and well-established community like Westlake Village, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate court proceedings, IRS estate tax filings, trust administration, and equitable distribution of property. Whether you’re an executor, trustee, estate attorney, or family member, this appraisal ensures legal compliance and valuation clarity during a sensitive time.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide certified, court-ready Date of Death Appraisals throughout Westlake Village. With over 5,000 completed appraisals since 2005, we deliver dependable, timely, and locally informed valuation services trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and families across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
A Date of Death Appraisal—also known as a retrospective appraisal—determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the owner passed away. This differs from a current appraisal by relying on historical sales data and market conditions relevant to that specific date.
This appraisal is typically required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax submissions
Trust and estate planning or administration
Step-up in basis for capital gains tax
Equitable property division among heirs and beneficiaries
A certified appraisal protects all parties involved by ensuring accuracy, transparency, and full compliance with legal and financial standards.
Westlake Village is a highly desirable, master-planned community known for its golf course estates, lakefront homes, gated neighborhoods, and scenic hillside properties. Areas like North Ranch, First Neighborhood, Three Springs, and Southshore Hills all offer unique home types, pricing tiers, and value drivers, including school districts, lake access, HOA amenities, and lot size.
Inaccurate valuations—often caused by out-of-area or inexperienced appraisers—can lead to:
Delays in probate proceedings
IRS audit risk
Incorrect estate tax reporting
Disputes among heirs or family members
Pacific Home Appraisers brings local insight and deep experience with Westlake Village’s luxury and residential markets to ensure the appraisal reflects true market value from the correct point in time.
You may require a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator of a will or estate
A trustee overseeing real property distribution
A CPA or probate attorney handling estate filings
A beneficiary involved in the inheritance process
A fiduciary responsible for ensuring legal and tax compliance
Our reports are formatted for acceptance by probate courts, the IRS, and financial professionals.
We follow a streamlined and professional approach tailored to the needs of estate settlements and legal filings.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We confirm the date of death and review property details. We then schedule an on-site inspection at your convenience.
Step Two – Property inspection Our appraiser documents the home’s size, condition, improvements, amenities, and location-specific attributes. Exterior-only inspections are available when appropriate.
Step Three – Historical market analysis Using comparable sales data from the time of death, we analyze market trends and apply adjustments to determine accurate fair market value.
Step Four – Delivery of certified report Your certified appraisal is delivered within five to seven business days. Rush delivery within 48 hours is available upon request.
Since 2005, Pacific Home Appraisers has provided trusted real estate valuation services in Westlake Village and across Southern California. We are committed to delivering precise, reliable, and legally compliant appraisals for every estate matter.
We offer:
Certified appraisals accepted by probate courts, CPAs, and the IRS
Local knowledge of Westlake Village neighborhoods and values
Timely service with rush options available
Reports customized to each property’s unique features and timeline
Direct coordination with attorneys, accountants, and fiduciaries
Our appraisals are built on a foundation of local expertise, transparency, and professionalism.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Westlake Village? Yes. Courts and attorneys typically require a certified appraisal to establish real estate value at the time of death.
What if the property has already been sold? We can still provide a retrospective appraisal based on market conditions from the date of death—even if the home has changed ownership.
Can I use a tax assessment or online estimate instead? No. Only a certified appraisal by a licensed professional is acceptable for probate and IRS filings.
Do you work with estate attorneys or tax advisors? Yes. We frequently collaborate with legal and financial professionals to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout the Westlake Village community, including:
North Ranch
First Neighborhood
Three Springs
Southshore Hills
Westlake Trails
The Landing
Gated lakefront and hillside homes
Golf course and custom estates
Whether the property is a luxury estate or a single-family home, we deliver appraisals tailored to its specific characteristics and historical market value.
If you're managing a probate or estate matter in Westlake Village, turn to Pacific Home Appraisers for certified, accurate, and timely valuation services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us help you navigate this important step with clarity, professionalism, and local expertise—ensuring your estate is handled with accuracy and care.