Settling an estate after the passing of a loved one involves more than emotional closure—it requires careful financial and legal steps, particularly when real estate is involved. In a high-value, complex market like Westside Los Angeles, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate filings, IRS estate tax reporting, trust administration, and inheritance planning. Whether you’re an executor, estate attorney, trustee, or family member, an accurate retrospective valuation ensures legal compliance and a smooth estate settlement process.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we specialize in certified Date of Death Appraisals across Westside Los Angeles, delivering detailed, timely, and court-approved reports. With over 5,000 appraisal assignments completed since 2005, we bring local insight, accuracy, and professionalism to every estate matter.
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. Unlike current appraisals, this report relies on historical market data and comparable sales from that specific time.
This type of appraisal is required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax documentation
Trust and estate planning or dissolution
Capital gains step-up in basis
Equitable distribution of property among heirs
A certified appraisal helps avoid valuation disputes, ensures tax accuracy, and provides peace of mind during an emotionally challenging time.
Westside Los Angeles includes some of the most exclusive and diverse real estate in the country—from gated estates in Brentwood, Bel Air, and Holmby Hills, to architectural homes in Cheviot Hills, luxury condos in Westwood, and Spanish-style homes in Palms. Property values are heavily influenced by factors like view orientation, lot size, school zones, walkability, and historical designation.
Without local expertise, valuations can lead to:
Delays in probate court approval
IRS filing errors or audit exposure
Unfair or disputed asset distribution
Over- or underpayment of estate taxes
Pacific Home Appraisers understands the intricacies of the Westside Los Angeles market and delivers reliable, property-specific valuations for all estate types.
A Date of Death Appraisal is needed if you are:
An executor or administrator handling an estate
A trustee distributing real estate assets
A CPA or estate attorney managing legal or tax filings
A beneficiary seeking accurate valuation for inheritance
A fiduciary responsible for estate compliance
A real estate agent assisting in post-inheritance transactions
Our reports meet the legal and tax standards of probate courts, the IRS, and estate professionals.
Our process is professional, discreet, and designed to meet the demands of estate deadlines and documentation.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We gather property details, confirm the appraisal date, and schedule a convenient inspection.
Step Two – On-site property inspection Our certified appraiser documents square footage, condition, upgrades, and property features. Exterior-only inspections are available for limited access situations.
Step Three – Historical valuation and analysis Using historical sales data and local market trends from the date of death, we apply market-specific adjustments to determine fair market value.
Step Four – Delivery of certified report You receive a court- and IRS-ready appraisal report within five to seven business days. Rush delivery within 48 hours is available upon request.
Since 2005, Pacific Home Appraisers has been a leading provider of estate and probate valuations throughout Westside Los Angeles.
We offer:
Certified reports for probate, trust, and IRS estate tax use
Extensive experience with high-value and architecturally significant homes
Reliable turnarounds with rush service available
Legal and financial documentation tailored to the estate’s needs
Professional service, from inspection to report delivery
Our experience ensures you get the precision and legal compliance required in probate and trust matters.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Westside Los Angeles? Yes. Probate courts require a certified appraisal to establish real estate value as of the date of death.
Can a Date of Death Appraisal be done after the home is sold? Yes. A retrospective appraisal uses historical data and can be completed even if the property has already changed hands.
Can I use an online estimate or tax assessment instead? No. Only a certified appraisal prepared by a licensed professional is accepted by the courts and IRS.
Do you work directly with attorneys and accountants? Yes. We routinely collaborate with probate attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and financial planners to ensure seamless reporting.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout all Westside Los Angeles communities, including:
Brentwood
Bel Air
Holmby Hills
Westwood
Cheviot Hills
Palms
Century City
Beverlywood
Rancho Park
West LA
Sawtelle
Pico-Robertson
Mar Vista
Wilshire Corridor
Westside Village
From multimillion-dollar estates to luxury condos and family homes, we tailor every appraisal to reflect the property's historical market value with precision and accuracy.
If you're managing an estate or probate case in Westside Los Angeles, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to provide certified, accurate, and timely appraisal services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us help you navigate this important process with clarity, professionalism, and trusted local expertise.