Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Burbank
When a loved one passes away, settling their estate involves more than emotional healing—it requires legal and financial accuracy. A key step in this process is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which determines the market value of a property as of the date the decedent passed away. In a dynamic market like Burbank, known for its mix of charming residential neighborhoods, entertainment industry proximity, and growing real estate values, a certified appraisal is essential for probate filings, IRS reporting, and the fair distribution of real estate assets.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide professional, USPAP-compliant Date of Death appraisals throughout Burbank, trusted by families, attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries for accuracy, reliability, and timely service.
A Date of Death appraisal—also known as a retrospective appraisal—provides an estimate of a property’s fair market value based on the real estate market at the time of the property owner’s passing. It uses historical data to ensure the valuation reflects conditions at that specific date.
In Burbank, where homes range from classic bungalows and mid-century ranches to updated family residences and hillside estates, an appraiser must be familiar with the area’s micro-markets to deliver a precise valuation.
1. IRS and Estate Tax Compliance If an estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, the IRS requires a certified appraisal to support real property valuations submitted on Form 706. A DOD appraisal ensures accuracy and meets all legal requirements.
2. Step-Up in Basis for Heirs The value determined by a DOD appraisal becomes the new tax basis for inherited property. This helps reduce capital gains tax when the property is sold and provides documentation for future transactions.
3. Equitable Distribution Among Heirs When multiple heirs are involved, a third-party valuation ensures fair distribution of the estate—especially if one beneficiary keeps the property while others receive financial compensation.
4. Probate and Trust Filings Los Angeles County courts and trust administrators require a USPAP-compliant appraisal to document the property’s value for official filings. A certified appraisal meets this requirement and supports all legal procedures.
You’ll need a DOD appraisal if:
You are the executor, trustee, or administrator of a Burbank estate
The estate includes residential or investment real estate
You are working with a CPA or estate attorney
The property is being retained, sold, gifted, or divided
You are filing IRS Form 706 for estate tax purposes
You need to establish a stepped-up basis for future tax planning
Even if the property is not being sold, the appraisal provides documentation for estate accounting and IRS compliance.
1. Property Review We assess the home’s size, condition, location, improvements, lot size, and amenities. If access is unavailable, we use historical MLS data, property records, and photographs to reconstruct the profile of the property at the time of death.
2. Historical Market Analysis We analyze comparable sales from the date of passing in Burbank neighborhoods such as Magnolia Park, Media District, Burbank Hills, and Rancho Adjacent. Each comp is selected for accuracy and adjusted to reflect the subject property.
3. Sales Comparison Approach By adjusting comparable sales for features, upgrades, location, and condition, we determine a fair and supportable value as of the date of death.
4. Certified USPAP-Compliant Report Your final report adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, making it legally acceptable for probate court, IRS filings, and estate planning professionals.
In addition to Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers also provides:
Divorce Appraisals – Independent valuations for equitable property division
Expert Witness Appraisals – Defensible reports and testimony for litigation and disputes
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including estate planning, refinancing, pre-listing, gifting, and property tax appeals
Every appraisal is tailored to the client’s specific needs with clear, accurate reporting and localized market knowledge.
Burbank offers a diverse real estate landscape—from entertainment industry housing to traditional family homes in quiet neighborhoods. Accurately valuing property here requires hyper-local knowledge, technical skill, and experience with high-value transactions.
With over 5,000 completed appraisal assignments, Pacific Home Appraisers delivers:
Standard turnaround within five to seven business days
Rush delivery available within forty-eight hours of inspection
Reports accepted by probate courts, the IRS, attorneys, and CPAs
Responsive communication and consistent support from start to finish
Can a DOD appraisal be performed after the date of passing has long passed Yes. These are retrospective appraisals and can be completed any time using verified data from the relevant date.
Is a DOD appraisal required if we are not selling the property Yes. Even if the property will be retained, a certified appraisal is needed for tax basis and estate documentation.
Can I use the tax assessor’s value instead No. Assessed values do not reflect actual market value and are not accepted for estate tax or probate filings. A certified appraisal is required.
If you're handling a probate, trust, or estate in Burbank, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for timely, certified, and legally compliant real estate valuation services.
Call 818-880-1466 Email kiani105@yahoo.com Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com