Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Cheviot Hills
Handling the estate of a loved one involves many important legal and financial decisions, and one of the most essential steps is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal. This certified valuation determines the market value of a property as of the date of the decedent’s passing and is critical for estate tax filings, probate court documentation, and fair asset distribution. In an exclusive neighborhood like Cheviot Hills, where real estate values are shaped by historic charm, lot size, and proximity to Century City and Beverly Hills, a DOD appraisal must be both accurate and locally informed.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide certified, USPAP-compliant Date of Death appraisals in Cheviot Hills and throughout West Los Angeles. Our valuations are trusted by estate attorneys, CPAs, trustees, and families.
A Date of Death appraisal, also called a retrospective appraisal, estimates a property's fair market value as of the exact date a person passed away, using historical market data from that time. It is not based on current market conditions and is commonly used for probate, estate planning, and tax reporting purposes.
In a premium neighborhood like Cheviot Hills—featuring a mix of traditional homes, remodels, and expansive lots—local expertise is essential to provide a credible and defensible valuation.
When an estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, a certified appraisal is required to properly report the real estate’s value to the IRS. A DOD appraisal provides a reliable and legally compliant valuation for estate tax returns.
A DOD appraisal establishes a stepped-up basis for the property’s value. This benefits heirs by reducing future capital gains tax if the property is sold, since it adjusts the tax basis to reflect the fair market value at the time of death.
In situations where the estate is shared among multiple beneficiaries, a neutral third-party appraisal ensures that the property is valued fairly—particularly when one heir retains the home and others are compensated financially.
Courts in Los Angeles County require a USPAP-compliant appraisal when documenting the value of estate property. A DOD appraisal fulfills this requirement and supports clear legal administration of the estate.
You may need a Date of Death appraisal if:
You are the executor, trustee, or administrator of an estate
The estate includes residential real estate in Cheviot Hills
The property will be sold, transferred, or retained by heirs
A CPA or estate attorney requests a valuation for IRS reporting
You are preparing for IRS Form 706 (estate tax return)
The estate involves multiple beneficiaries or legal proceedings
Even if a sale isn’t planned, a DOD appraisal provides essential documentation for financial and legal purposes.
The appraiser examines the property’s size, location, amenities, upgrades, and condition. If the home cannot be accessed, the valuation is based on public records, MLS data, photos, and prior listings.
The appraiser uses comparable sales from the period around the date of death—focusing on similar homes within Cheviot Hills or nearby neighborhoods such as Beverlywood, Rancho Park, and Westwood.
Adjustments are made for differences between the subject property and comparable sales to determine its fair market value as of the applicable date.
The final report is fully compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and accepted by courts, the IRS, and legal and financial professionals.
In addition to Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers offers:
Divorce Appraisals – Impartial property valuations for marital settlements
Expert Witness Testimony – Litigation support and defensible valuation reports
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including refinancing, pre-listing, estate planning, gifting, and property tax appeal
Our appraisals are tailored to your needs and prepared with clarity and professionalism.
Cheviot Hills is one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious and architecturally diverse neighborhoods. Accurate valuation requires a deep understanding of its micro-markets, building styles, and buyer expectations.
With over 5,000 appraisal assignments completed, Pacific Home Appraisers delivers trusted, local experience and court-ready reporting.
We offer:
Standard turnaround in 5–7 business days
Rush service in 48 hours upon inspection
Transparent communication with attorneys, CPAs, and family members
Reports accepted by courts, the IRS, and financial institutions
Yes. Retrospective appraisals are based on past data and can be completed months or years later using historical sales from that time.
Yes. The appraisal is still required to document the stepped-up basis and to meet IRS or probate reporting requirements.
No. The assessor’s valuation is for tax billing only and not suitable for IRS or probate use. A certified appraisal is required.
If you're handling a trust, probate, or estate involving real estate in Cheviot Hills, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for accurate, timely, and legally compliant valuation services.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
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