Pacific Palisades, with its coastal cliffs, elegant estates, and prestigious zip codes, is one of the most sought-after residential markets in Los Angeles. Known for its serene neighborhoods like The Riviera, Huntington, and Castellammare, real estate in Pacific Palisades often carries high value and emotional significance. When a property owner passes away, accurately determining the value of their home is a legal and financial necessity. This is where a Date of Death Appraisal becomes a crucial component of estate planning and administration.
Whether you're an executor, heir, attorney, or CPA, understanding the role of a Date of Death Appraisal in Pacific Palisades can help ensure a smooth and legally compliant estate settlement.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified real estate valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the exact date the property owner passed away. Unlike standard appraisals used for current sales or refinancing, this is a retrospective appraisal, based on comparable sales and market conditions that existed at the time of death.
These appraisals are essential for:
Probate court filings
Trust administration
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable distribution among heirs or beneficiaries
For estates that exceed federal exemption thresholds, the IRS requires a certified appraisal to determine the fair market value of any real estate holdings. In Pacific Palisades—where properties commonly range from $3 million to over $30 million—estate tax exposure is a significant consideration. A Date of Death Appraisal ensures accurate tax reporting and reduces the risk of disputes or audits.
When a property is inherited, the cost basis resets to the fair market value on the date of death. This stepped-up basis helps minimize capital gains tax when the property is sold in the future. An accurate and defensible appraisal protects heirs from overpaying in taxes and ensures compliance with IRS standards.
In estates with multiple heirs, a certified appraisal provides a neutral, third-party opinion of value. Whether the property is sold, transferred, or divided, an appraisal helps facilitate fair decision-making and reduces the chance of disagreements.
Probate courts, estate attorneys, and trustees often require a certified Date of Death Appraisal to support the administration and distribution of assets. The appraisal serves as official documentation for the estate’s accounting and asset inventory.
Pacific Palisades includes a variety of distinct residential enclaves, each with its own pricing dynamics and buyer profiles. An appraiser must understand the nuances of each to determine accurate valuations.
Key neighborhoods include:
The Riviera – Estate properties near the Riviera Country Club with large lots and ocean views
Huntington Palisades – Wide streets and walkability to Palisades Village
Castellammare and Paseo Miramar – Coastal bluff homes with panoramic views
Marquez Knolls and El Medio Bluffs – Hillside and blufftop homes with varying views and access
Alphabet Streets – High-demand walkable area popular for families and investors
In Pacific Palisades, value is influenced by proximity to the coast, privacy, lot size, school districts, view orientation, architectural style, and neighborhood prestige.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and/or exterior inspection (where access is available)
Retrospective market analysis from the date of death
Comparable sales adjusted for time, size, location, amenities, and condition
Assessor records, parcel maps, and zoning information
Photographs, property descriptions, and valuation commentary
Final certified opinion of value, delivered in PDF format
USPAP-compliant report accepted by IRS, courts, and legal professionals
Estate attorneys managing probate
CPAs and financial advisors preparing estate tax filings
Trustees and fiduciaries administering trusts
Heirs or beneficiaries receiving real estate
Real estate professionals preparing the property for sale
Courts and referees in contested estate cases
We begin with a brief phone or email consultation to understand the property’s details, the purpose of the appraisal, and the effective date (the date of passing). We'll also discuss the timeline and access requirements.
Where accessible, we conduct a detailed inspection of the home, noting layout, square footage, condition, luxury features (such as pools, home theaters, and guesthouses), and other value-impacting details.
If the property is tenant-occupied, inaccessible, or in probate hold, we offer desktop and exterior-only appraisal options with appropriate documentation.
We identify comparable sales from the valuation date and adjust for location, upgrades, view, and lot size. In rare or unique cases, we also reference sales from adjacent neighborhoods or prior sales of the subject property.
The final certified report is delivered within five to seven business days, with rush service available within 48 hours upon request. Reports are delivered in PDF format and can be shared with attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, or courts as needed.
Yes. These are called retrospective appraisals, and they’re commonly completed long after the death occurred. We use historic sales data and market conditions to determine accurate past value.
Absolutely. Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and meet IRS and court standards for use in estate tax filings, probate cases, and trust administration.
Yes. One appraisal report may serve multiple purposes as long as it was prepared with the appropriate scope of work and intended use. If you later plan to list the property, a current market appraisal may also be advisable.
With over 5,000 appraisals completed across Southern California—including high-value estate and probate assignments—Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted partner for families, attorneys, and fiduciaries in Pacific Palisades.
Local expertise in Pacific Palisades’ luxury and coastal real estate market
Experience with high-net-worth estates, trusts, and probate cases
Reports accepted by IRS, probate courts, and legal professionals
Certified, USPAP-compliant valuations with quick turnaround
Rush delivery available within 48 hours upon request
We approach every appraisal with confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism—especially during sensitive times.
If you're managing an estate or trust and need a Date of Death Appraisal in Pacific Palisades, contact Pacific Home Appraisers for accurate, court-ready valuations delivered with discretion and care.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more.
We’re here to guide you through the estate valuation process with precision, professionalism, and respect.