Managing the estate of a loved one in Beverly Hills comes with a unique set of responsibilities—particularly when it involves high-value real estate. A crucial part of the probate or trust administration process is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which provides a professional, retrospective valuation of the property as of the decedent’s date of passing.
Whether you’re an executor, attorney, CPA, or heir, understanding how a DOD appraisal works—and why it’s vital in Beverly Hills—is key to ensuring tax compliance, legal accuracy, and financial transparency.
A Date of Death appraisal (also known as a retrospective appraisal) determines the fair market value of a property as of the exact date a person passed away. This value is based on past real estate data and market conditions—not today’s value.
In Beverly Hills, where property values can range from $3 million to $30 million or more, this valuation must be handled with expertise, precision, and market insight. The property could be a gated estate in Beverly Hills Flats, a hillside mansion in Trousdale Estates, or a modern luxury home north of Sunset Boulevard. No matter the location, an accurate DOD appraisal is essential for legal and financial clarity.
When an estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, estate taxes may apply. The IRS requires a qualified appraisal to determine the real estate’s value on the date of death. In California, even if no estate tax is due, courts and beneficiaries often require the appraisal for fair reporting and documentation.
A significant benefit for heirs is the step-up in tax basis, which adjusts the property’s basis to its market value on the date of death. When the property is eventually sold, this step-up can reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes. An accurate DOD appraisal ensures heirs don’t overpay in taxes due to incorrect valuations.
In high-value markets like Beverly Hills, even small discrepancies in value can result in significant financial consequences. A professionally prepared appraisal provides a neutral, third-party opinion that helps divide assets fairly and avoid potential disputes among heirs.
Los Angeles County probate courts often require a formal, USPAP-compliant appraisal for estate filings. Whether you are probating a will or administering a trust, submitting a certified DOD appraisal supports transparency and court approval.
You’ll need a Date of Death appraisal in situations such as:
Estate tax filings for high-value estates
Trust administration and distribution
Sale or transfer of inherited real estate
Gifting property to family members
Legal disputes involving asset valuation
Documenting basis for future capital gains calculations
Even if you do not plan to sell the property immediately, obtaining the valuation early ensures you are legally protected and financially prepared.
A certified appraiser will:
If the home is still accessible, the appraiser may perform a physical inspection to verify property features, condition, and layout.
Using MLS records, public data, and historical real estate trends in Beverly Hills, the appraiser identifies comparable sales that occurred before and after the date of death to derive the most accurate value.
This method is most common for luxury residential properties. The appraiser compares the subject home to similar nearby properties sold around the valuation date, adjusting for features, lot size, location, condition, and more.
The final report meets the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is accepted by courts, attorneys, CPAs, and the IRS.
Beverly Hills has one of the most nuanced and competitive luxury real estate markets in the country. A property one street over may have a vastly different value based on view, privacy, or school district. That’s why working with a local expert—someone who understands the micro-markets of The Flats, Benedict Canyon, and Rodeo Drive—is essential.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we have completed over 5,000 appraisal assignments across Los Angeles County. We specialize in high-value residential appraisals, including probate, trust, and Date of Death valuations.
Appraisals can be performed for deaths that occurred recently or years ago. As long as sufficient market data is available, an experienced appraiser can determine the value as of any past date.
You still need an appraisal to establish a stepped-up basis, support tax filings, and document the value in case the property is sold or transferred in the future.
No. The assessor’s value is for tax purposes and does not reflect current or retrospective market value. Courts and the IRS require a certified appraisal prepared by a licensed professional.
From stately homes on Roxbury Drive to modern architectural masterpieces in Beverly Park, Beverly Hills real estate demands a high level of appraisal expertise. We offer:
Prompt turnarounds
Discreet service for high-net-worth families
Appraisals for estates ranging from $2 million to $30+ million
48-hour rush service available upon inspection
We understand the sensitivity and complexity involved in settling a loved one’s estate and are committed to delivering the professionalism and accuracy required in every case.
If you are an executor, attorney, CPA, or family member handling an estate in Beverly Hills, we’re here to assist with compassionate service and expert valuation.
Contact Pacific Home Appraisers today:
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
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