Santa Clarita, one of the fastest-growing cities in Los Angeles County, is home to a diverse array of residential communities—from luxury estates in Sand Canyon and custom homes in Valencia to family-oriented neighborhoods in Saugus, Canyon Country, and Newhall. When a loved one passes away, the property they leave behind often becomes one of the estate’s most valuable assets. To properly settle the estate, a Date of Death Appraisal is often required to determine the home’s value at the time of the decedent’s passing.
Whether you're an heir, executor, estate attorney, CPA, or trustee, this guide will explain what a Date of Death Appraisal is, why it’s essential in Santa Clarita, and how the process works to ensure a smooth and compliant estate settlement.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified valuation of real property that determines its fair market value as of the date the property owner passed away. It’s a retrospective appraisal, meaning the valuation is based on market conditions and comparable sales from the time of death—not today’s market value.
This appraisal is commonly required for:
Probate proceedings
Trust administration
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains tax
Equitable distribution of assets among heirs
If the value of an estate exceeds federal tax exemption thresholds, the IRS mandates an accurate, certified appraisal to calculate potential estate taxes. Properties in Santa Clarita—including estates in Westridge, Fair Oaks Ranch, and Plum Canyon—can carry significant value. An appraisal ensures accurate reporting and reduces the risk of IRS disputes.
When real estate is inherited, the new owner receives a stepped-up basis, resetting the property’s cost basis to its fair market value at the date of death. This reduces capital gains tax liability when the property is sold. A precise appraisal protects heirs from overpaying on taxes and documents the new basis clearly for IRS purposes.
A certified appraisal provides a neutral, professional valuation that supports fair division of property among heirs or beneficiaries. Whether the home will be sold, transferred, or retained, the appraisal eliminates guesswork and reduces the potential for disputes.
Courts, attorneys, and trustees handling estate matters require certified appraisals for documentation and compliance. A USPAP-compliant appraisal meets legal standards and provides clarity to all parties involved.
Santa Clarita is composed of multiple planned communities and custom home developments, each with its own price dynamics. Local expertise is essential for accurate valuations in areas such as:
Valencia – Golf course communities, gated enclaves, and high-end condos
Saugus – Family neighborhoods and newer hillside homes
Newhall – Historic homes, ranch properties, and redevelopment zones
Canyon Country – Homes with views, larger lots, and varied architecture
Sand Canyon – Equestrian estates and custom residences on acreage
Stevenson Ranch – Executive homes, top school districts, and strong resale appeal
Each of these areas can differ in pricing even within short distances. An appraiser with local knowledge ensures accurate selection and adjustment of comparable sales to reflect true market value.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
A full interior and exterior property inspection (where accessible)
A retrospective market analysis based on the date of death
Selection of relevant comparable sales and adjustments
Documentation including assessor records, parcel maps, and zoning information
High-resolution photographs and valuation commentary
A certified opinion of value in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
Our reports are accepted by courts, the IRS, attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries.
Estate attorneys handling probate cases
Trustees and fiduciaries managing property within living or irrevocable trusts
CPAs and tax professionals preparing IRS Form 706 or calculating capital gains
Heirs or beneficiaries inheriting real estate
Real estate professionals advising on property disposition or listing
Court-appointed referees in contested estate matters
We start with a brief consultation to confirm the intended use of the appraisal, effective valuation date, and details about the property. We also coordinate access and review scheduling needs.
Our inspection documents layout, square footage, condition, and unique features such as views, renovations, or accessory units. If interior access is not available, we offer exterior-only or desktop appraisals using MLS and public record data.
We select and adjust sales from the relevant time period and within the same or similar neighborhoods. In rare cases, we may consider sales from nearby communities with matching features or market behavior.
Appraisals are typically completed within five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available upon request. Reports are delivered in a professional, secure PDF format.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and many are completed long after the date of death. As long as historical sales data is available, we can determine the value as of any past date.
Absolutely. Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and legally certified, meeting the documentation requirements of the IRS, probate courts, and estate professionals.
Each property requires a separate appraisal. We offer bundled pricing and coordinated scheduling for multi-property assignments.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers brings experience, accuracy, and local knowledge to every estate assignment. We understand Santa Clarita’s evolving real estate landscape and deliver clear, defensible appraisals trusted by professionals and families alike.
In-depth knowledge of Santa Clarita’s neighborhood market trends
Certified, USPAP-compliant reports accepted by courts and the IRS
Responsive communication and five to seven day standard turnaround
Rush service available within 48 hours upon request
Trusted by attorneys, CPAs, trustees, and heirs
We’re here to help you navigate this sensitive process with professionalism and care.
If you need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Santa Clarita, contact Pacific Home Appraisers for fast, accurate, and trusted service.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more.
We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and expert guidance.