Encino, a premier neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, is known for its affluent residential communities, spacious lots, and luxury estates tucked away behind private gates and tree-lined streets. From Rancho Estates to Royal Oaks, properties in Encino often represent generational wealth and significant assets within an estate. When a homeowner passes away, one of the most essential steps in managing the estate is obtaining a Date of Death Appraisal.
This in-depth guide explains the purpose and importance of Date of Death Appraisals in Encino, who needs them, how they work, and why choosing a certified local appraiser can save both time and money during the estate settlement process.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a formal, certified real estate valuation that determines a property’s fair market value as of the date the owner passed away. It’s a retrospective appraisal, meaning it focuses on market conditions and comparable sales data that were active at the time of the decedent’s death—not current values.
Date of Death Appraisals are required for:
Probate court filings
Trust administration
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable distribution of estate assets among heirs
When an estate exceeds federal exemption thresholds, the IRS requires a certified Date of Death Appraisal to accurately calculate tax obligations. Encino real estate often includes large custom homes, remodeled mid-century properties, and gated estates—many of which can push an estate above the federal threshold. An accurate appraisal helps determine tax liability and ensures IRS compliance.
Heirs who inherit property receive a stepped-up basis, resetting the property’s tax basis to its value at the time of the decedent’s death. This directly impacts future capital gains taxes if the property is sold. For example, a home bought decades ago for $400,000 and now valued at $3.2 million would create a significant taxable gain—unless the stepped-up basis is clearly documented.
When multiple beneficiaries inherit property, a neutral, certified valuation ensures all parties are treated fairly. Whether heirs are dividing proceeds, arranging a buyout, or selling the home, an accurate appraisal reduces conflicts and builds trust.
Whether the estate is going through probate or managed under a living trust, courts, attorneys, and fiduciaries require professional documentation of the property's value. A certified appraisal satisfies legal standards and provides a defensible valuation should any disputes arise.
Encino offers a wide range of property types and values—from million-dollar mid-century homes to estates exceeding $10 million. Accurate appraisals here require an appraiser with detailed knowledge of the area’s submarkets, including:
Amestoy Estates – Known for its flat lots and gated luxury properties
Royal Oaks – Hillside estates with sweeping views and custom architecture
Rancho Estates – Equestrian zoning and single-story ranch homes on oversized lots
Encino Woods and Clark Gable Estates – Historic homes with unique architectural styles
South of Ventura Boulevard – Larger homes with canyon views and privacy
North of Ventura Boulevard – Family homes, remodel opportunities, and investment properties
Each of these areas has its own market dynamics. A Date of Death Appraisal in Encino must account for location premiums, view orientation, lot size, condition, and upgrades.
A certified Date of Death Appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and/or exterior property inspection
Historical market condition analysis as of the date of death
Comparable sales from the valuation period, adjusted for key differences
Lot size, zoning, and neighborhood insights
High-resolution photographs, assessor records, parcel maps, and zoning data
Final certified opinion of value that complies with USPAP standards
Our reports are trusted by courts, CPAs, attorneys, and the IRS for their clarity, accuracy, and professional quality.
Estate attorneys handling probate proceedings
Trustees and fiduciaries administering living trusts
CPAs and tax advisors preparing estate tax filings
Heirs and beneficiaries managing inherited property
Real estate professionals advising on estate sales
Court officials overseeing contested or complex estates
We start with a consultation to confirm the appraisal’s purpose, the effective date of value (date of death), and property access details. If interior access is not available, a desktop or exterior-only appraisal can be performed using public records and MLS data.
Our appraiser visits the property to assess condition, layout, square footage, improvements, and amenities. Special features such as guest houses, pools, tennis courts, or views are documented.
We identify and analyze comparable sales from the time of death. Sales are adjusted for key variables such as location, size, age, and upgrades. This ensures the valuation reflects the actual market at that time.
We complete and deliver the appraisal within five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available upon request. Reports are delivered in secure PDF format and can be shared with attorneys, accountants, and estate administrators.
Yes. Many Date of Death Appraisals are completed long after the decedent’s passing. As long as we have access to market data from that time, we can produce a retrospective report for any past date.
Absolutely. All our reports are USPAP-compliant and certified, making them fully acceptable for IRS estate filings, probate proceedings, and trust administration.
Each property requires a separate appraisal. We offer scheduling flexibility and bundled pricing for estates with multiple real estate holdings.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we bring unmatched experience and local expertise to the Encino market. With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed, we understand the legal, financial, and emotional importance of real estate valuation during estate settlement.
In-depth knowledge of Encino’s diverse and luxury real estate market
Certified appraisers with experience in trust, probate, and high-value assignments
Reports accepted by courts, attorneys, fiduciaries, and the IRS
Fast turnaround, with rush service available within 48 hours
Professionalism, discretion, and accuracy at every step
If you need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Encino, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to provide timely, accurate, and court-ready valuations.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more about our services.
We are here to support your estate valuation needs with expertise, sensitivity, and professionalism.