Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Costa Mesa
When a loved one passes away, managing their estate can be overwhelming. A vital step in the process is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which determines the fair market value of real estate as of the date the decedent passed away. In a diverse city like Costa Mesa, where real estate ranges from vintage Westside cottages to modern homes near South Coast Plaza, a certified appraisal is essential for probate court filings, estate tax reporting, and equitable asset distribution.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide USPAP-compliant Date of Death appraisals throughout Costa Mesa, trusted by families, attorneys, CPAs, and trustees for accuracy, professionalism, and legal reliability.
A Date of Death appraisal, also known as a retrospective appraisal, provides an estimated market value of a property based on real estate conditions at the time the decedent passed away. It uses historical comparable sales data to determine the property's value as of that date—not today's market value.
Costa Mesa’s real estate is highly varied, from traditional suburban neighborhoods to mixed-use developments and coastal-adjacent properties. A detailed local knowledge base is essential to determine an accurate valuation.
1. IRS and Estate Tax Filings If the estate exceeds the federal tax exemption limit, the IRS requires a certified appraisal when filing Form 706. A DOD appraisal ensures legal compliance and accurate reporting.
2. Step-Up in Basis for Heirs A certified appraisal establishes the property's value on the date of death, which becomes the new tax basis for heirs. This often reduces capital gains tax liabilities when the property is sold.
3. Fair Distribution Among Beneficiaries When multiple heirs are involved, a neutral third-party appraisal ensures the property is fairly valued—especially if one party plans to keep the home.
4. Probate and Trust Documentation Orange County probate courts and trust administrators require USPAP-compliant appraisals to validate property values for estate records, filings, and distribution.
A DOD appraisal may be required if:
You are the executor, administrator, or trustee of an estate involving Costa Mesa real estate
The estate must file IRS Form 706
The property will be sold, retained, or distributed among heirs
You are working with an estate attorney or CPA
You need to establish a stepped-up basis for future tax reporting
Even if the property is not being sold, the appraisal supports proper documentation and legal compliance.
1. Property Review We assess the home’s size, layout, condition, improvements, lot size, location, and distinguishing features. If access is limited, we use public records, photos, and MLS data to reconstruct the property profile.
2. Historical Market Research We review comparable sales from the time of passing, focusing on Costa Mesa neighborhoods such as Eastside, Mesa Verde, South Coast Metro, and College Park. Each sale is evaluated for similarity and adjusted for market factors.
3. Sales Comparison Approach Comparable properties are adjusted for features, condition, and location to determine a supportable market value as of the date of death.
4. Certified USPAP-Compliant Report Your final appraisal meets the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, making it legally acceptable for the IRS, probate courts, and estate planning professionals.
In addition to Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers also provides:
Divorce Appraisals – Neutral valuations for equitable division of assets
Expert Witness Appraisals – Testimony and defensible reports for litigation and disputes
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including refinancing, pre-listing, gifting, estate planning, and tax appeals
We tailor each report to the specific legal or financial needs of our clients.
Costa Mesa is a vibrant, evolving city with a wide range of property types and values. From classic family neighborhoods to newer infill developments, each appraisal requires deep understanding of local trends, zoning, and buyer demand.
With over 5,000 completed appraisal assignments, Pacific Home Appraisers offers:
Five to seven business day turnaround
Rush delivery available within forty-eight hours of inspection
Reports accepted by courts, CPAs, attorneys, and the IRS
Clear communication and dependable service throughout the process
Can a Date of Death appraisal be completed long after the date of passing Yes. Retrospective appraisals can be completed at any time using accurate historical data from the applicable date.
Is an appraisal still required if the property is not being sold Yes. A DOD appraisal is still needed to establish the stepped-up basis and for estate or probate documentation.
Can the county tax assessment be used instead No. Assessed values do not reflect true market value and are not accepted by the IRS or courts. A certified appraisal is required.
If you’re handling a probate, trust, or estate in Costa Mesa, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to provide timely, certified, and court-compliant appraisal services.
Call 818-880-1466 Email kiani105@yahoo.com Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com