Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Santa Monica
When a loved one passes away, families often face the dual burden of emotional loss and the legal responsibilities of settling an estate. One of the most important steps in this process is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal—especially in high-value markets like Santa Monica. Whether the property is a beachfront home on Ocean Avenue, a luxury condo near Montana Avenue, or a craftsman in Sunset Park, a certified DOD appraisal ensures legal and financial accuracy during probate or trust administration.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide professional and timely Date of Death appraisals throughout Santa Monica, helping executors, attorneys, CPAs, and beneficiaries navigate the complexities of estate settlement.
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. Rather than using today’s values, it relies on historical data and comparable sales around the time of death to deliver an accurate valuation.
In an affluent and dynamic market like Santa Monica, where values are driven by ocean views, walkability, school zones, and architectural style, having a locally experienced, certified appraiser is essential.
If the value of the estate exceeds federal or California estate tax exemption thresholds, the IRS requires a certified valuation. A professional DOD appraisal ensures proper documentation and supports estate tax filings that may otherwise trigger audits or penalties.
Heirs benefit from a step-up in basis, which adjusts the property's tax basis to its value on the date of death. This can significantly reduce capital gains taxes when the property is later sold. A DOD appraisal legally establishes that stepped-up value for the IRS and future planning.
In cases with multiple beneficiaries, a DOD appraisal provides a neutral and objective estimate of the property's value, supporting fair and transparent distribution—especially when one heir intends to retain the property while others request financial compensation.
The Los Angeles County Probate Court often requires an official, USPAP-compliant appraisal for estate inventory and accounting documentation. A DOD appraisal from a qualified professional satisfies this requirement.
You may need a Date of Death appraisal if:
You’re the executor, administrator, or trustee of an estate
Real estate is involved in a probate case or living trust
You’re preparing IRS Form 706 or other estate tax documents
The home will be sold, transferred, or refinanced
The estate is being divided among multiple heirs or beneficiaries
A CPA or estate planning attorney requests a retrospective valuation
Even if no sale is planned, a certified DOD appraisal ensures accuracy for legal records and future tax calculations.
A qualified appraiser will:
If access is available, the appraiser will inspect the home to document features, upgrades, and condition. If not, they can use MLS data, past listings, or public records.
The appraiser identifies similar properties that sold near the date of death and adjusts for differences in size, location, condition, and features. In Santa Monica, this includes key variables such as distance from the beach, view orientation, and walkability.
This standard appraisal method compares the subject property to recent sales to determine fair market value.
The completed report adheres to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is accepted by courts, the IRS, and legal professionals.
While Date of Death appraisals are among our most requested services in Santa Monica, Pacific Home Appraisers also offers:
Divorce Appraisals – Equitable valuations for marital property division
Expert Testimony & Legal Support – Defensible appraisals and testimony for litigation or valuation disputes
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Pre-listing, refinancing, gifting, estate planning, property tax appeal, and more
Each appraisal is tailored to meet the needs of your specific situation—with local market insight, compliance, and professionalism.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Los Angeles County, our team brings unmatched experience and local expertise. We understand the nuances of Santa Monica real estate—from North of Montana to Ocean Park—and know how to navigate the differences in zoning, development potential, and coastal value drivers.
Whether your estate includes a historic Spanish-style home, a beachfront condo, or a multi-unit property, we provide detailed, timely, and IRS-compliant appraisals you can rely on.
Yes. Appraisals are retrospective by nature, and we use historical sales data to determine value as of the date of death—even if the appraisal is ordered much later.
No. Assessed values are for property taxes and are not based on market conditions. A certified appraisal is required for IRS filings and court use.
You still need a DOD appraisal to document the stepped-up basis, which helps avoid excessive capital gains taxes and supports long-term planning.
Whether you’re handling an estate, preparing for probate, going through a divorce, or need expert testimony for a property dispute, Pacific Home Appraisers is here to help.
We deliver accurate, court-ready appraisals with professionalism, discretion, and deep market insight.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
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