Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Sherman Oaks
When a loved one passes, navigating the responsibilities of estate settlement can be overwhelming—especially when real estate is involved. One of the most critical tasks is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which determines the fair market value of the property as of the decedent’s passing. For families and estate professionals in Sherman Oaks, this step is not only necessary for tax compliance and probate court filings but also key to ensuring a fair and accurate distribution of assets.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we specialize in Date of Death appraisals and serve the entire Sherman Oaks area—from tree-lined streets south of Ventura Boulevard to estates in the hills above Mulholland Drive.
A Date of Death appraisal, also known as a retrospective appraisal, provides a certified valuation of a property as of the date the property owner passed away. Unlike current market appraisals, this report uses historical data and comparable sales to reflect market conditions at the time of death.
In a diverse and desirable market like Sherman Oaks—with its mix of luxury homes, mid-century moderns, and investment properties—local market knowledge is critical to providing an accurate and court-compliant appraisal.
For estates that exceed federal or California tax exemption thresholds, the IRS requires a certified appraisal for accurate estate tax filing. A Date of Death appraisal ensures that tax documents are supported by defensible valuations.
Heirs benefit from a step-up in basis, which means the property’s tax basis is adjusted to its value at the time of death. This reduces capital gains tax if the property is sold later. An official DOD appraisal documents this value for future use.
A certified DOD appraisal provides a neutral, third-party valuation, making it easier to divide assets fairly among multiple heirs—especially in cases where one party wishes to keep the home and others seek a financial payout.
Los Angeles County probate courts often require a certified, USPAP-compliant appraisal for estate documentation. Whether you’re an executor or a trustee, the appraisal supports asset reporting, trust distribution, and court approval.
You should obtain a Date of Death appraisal if:
You're the executor or trustee of an estate that includes real property
The estate is subject to IRS estate tax filings
The home will be sold, refinanced, or distributed to heirs
Multiple beneficiaries require an equitable division of property
A CPA, probate attorney, or court has requested a retrospective valuation
Even if the property won’t be sold immediately, an appraisal provides important documentation for tax and legal purposes.
The appraiser collects data on the property’s size, layout, amenities, condition, upgrades, and location. If access isn’t possible, prior listings, public records, or MLS data may be used.
Using sales data from around the date of death, the appraiser selects comparable properties and adjusts for differences in features, lot size, location, and improvements.
This standard method provides a market-supported valuation by analyzing sales of similar homes in the same timeframe.
The appraisal meets the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is acceptable for submission to the IRS, attorneys, CPAs, and probate courts.
In addition to Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers provides a full range of certified real estate appraisal services in Sherman Oaks, including:
Divorce Appraisals – Unbiased valuations for equitable division of real estate during divorce
Expert Testimony & Legal Support – Professional reports and in-court testimony for disputes, litigation, and contested values
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including refinance, pre-listing, estate planning, gifting, portfolio analysis, and tax appeals
Our team customizes each report to meet the needs of your case—with attention to detail, clarity, and professionalism.
Sherman Oaks is a unique real estate market. Property values can vary greatly depending on whether you're north or south of Ventura Boulevard, near top-rated schools, or tucked into the hillside with panoramic views. That’s why local market expertise is essential.
With over 5,000 appraisals completed, Pacific Home Appraisers has the experience and in-depth market knowledge needed to provide accurate, court-ready reports in Sherman Oaks and the greater San Fernando Valley.
Yes. A DOD appraisal is based on historical market data and can be completed even years after the date of death, as long as sufficient sales records are available.
Absolutely. Even if you’re keeping the property, the DOD appraisal establishes the stepped-up basis for capital gains tax purposes and ensures proper documentation.
No. Assessed values are for property tax purposes only and do not reflect market value. Courts and the IRS require a certified appraisal by a licensed professional.
Whether you're handling a probate case, managing a trust, resolving a divorce, or preparing for a property-related legal matter, Pacific Home Appraisers is here to help.
We provide professional, timely, and accurate appraisal reports tailored to your needs in Sherman Oaks and surrounding communities.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
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