When a loved one passes away, settling their estate often involves appraising real estate holdings for legal and financial purposes. In a prominent and diverse neighborhood like Westwood, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate court filings, IRS estate tax reporting, trust administration, and equitable property distribution. Whether you're an executor, trustee, estate attorney, or family member, a retrospective appraisal ensures accurate valuation based on historical market data and full compliance with legal requirements.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide reliable, timely, and court-ready Date of Death Appraisals throughout Westwood. With over 5,000 appraisal assignments completed since 2005, we are trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and families throughout West Los Angeles.
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. This appraisal uses historical comparable sales and real estate data relevant to that time period—not current market conditions.
It is required for:
Probate proceedings
Estate tax returns filed with the IRS
Trust and estate administration
Step-up in basis calculations for capital gains
Division of real estate among heirs or beneficiaries
A certified appraisal helps ensure legal compliance, tax accuracy, and transparency in the estate settlement process.
Westwood includes a mix of high-end single-family homes in Westwood Hills, historic properties near UCLA, and luxury high-rises along the Wilshire Corridor. Market values vary widely based on proximity to the university, building age, unit views, floor plans, walkability, and access to local amenities like Westwood Village and Century City.
Hiring an appraiser without localized experience can result in:
Over- or under-valued properties
Delayed probate or trust proceedings
IRS audit risk or rejected valuations
Disputes among family members or heirs
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we bring deep knowledge of Westwood’s real estate submarkets to every assignment, ensuring accurate and supportable valuations.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or estate administrator
A trustee managing the distribution of real estate assets
A CPA or estate attorney preparing filings
A beneficiary seeking accurate property documentation
A fiduciary responsible for ensuring legal and financial compliance
Our certified reports are accepted by California probate courts, the IRS, and financial professionals statewide.
We provide a respectful and efficient process tailored to the specific needs of estate settlements.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We review the details of the property and confirm the required date of death. We then schedule an on-site inspection.
Step Two – Property inspection We evaluate the property’s features, size, condition, upgrades, and location. Exterior-only inspections are available if preferred.
Step Three – Historical valuation Using sales data from the date of death, we identify comparable properties and make professional adjustments to determine fair market value.
Step Four – Delivery of certified report You will receive a court-ready, IRS-compliant appraisal within five to seven business days. Rush delivery within 48 hours is available upon request.
With nearly two decades of experience, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted source for estate valuations across Westwood and the greater West Los Angeles region.
We offer:
Certified, legally compliant reports for probate and estate filings
Market expertise in Westwood’s single-family and high-rise segments
Quick turnaround and rush service options
Seamless communication with estate attorneys, fiduciaries, and tax professionals
Accurate, defensible reporting backed by local knowledge
Whether the property is a luxury unit on the Wilshire Corridor or a historic home near UCLA, we deliver reliable valuation for every estate scenario.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Westwood? Yes. Probate courts require a certified appraisal to establish the real estate’s fair market value as of the decedent’s passing.
Can the appraisal be completed if the property was already sold? Yes. Retrospective appraisals are based on historical data and can be performed regardless of current ownership.
Is a Zillow estimate or property tax record sufficient? No. Only a certified appraisal conducted by a licensed professional is valid for probate or IRS use.
Do you work with estate attorneys and accountants? Yes. We regularly coordinate with legal and tax professionals to ensure all documents meet court and federal requirements.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout the Westwood area, including:
Westwood Hills
Wilshire Corridor
Westwood Village
Little Holmby
Fairburn Avenue School district
UCLA-adjacent residential areas
Century City-adjacent condos and townhomes
Whether it's a historic estate or a luxury high-rise residence, we tailor every report to the property’s unique attributes and the estate’s needs.
If you are handling a probate or estate matter in Westwood, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for certified, accurate, and timely appraisal services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us guide you through this critical step with care, expertise, and the precision your estate requires.