Santa Monica’s iconic blend of coastal luxury, walkable neighborhoods, and architecturally significant homes makes it one of the most desirable and high-value markets in Los Angeles County. When a loved one passes away, their Santa Monica property is often the estate’s most significant asset. In such cases, a Date of Death Appraisal becomes a critical part of the legal and financial process of settling the estate.
Whether you’re a beneficiary, estate attorney, fiduciary, or tax professional, this guide will explain the importance of obtaining a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Santa Monica, how the process works, and why local expertise is key to ensuring compliance and accuracy.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified real estate valuation that determines a property's fair market value as of the day the property owner passed away. This is not a current appraisal—it is retrospective, meaning it uses historical market data and comparable sales from that specific date to determine value.
This type of appraisal is required for:
Probate and estate settlement
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Trust administration
Equitable distribution of real estate among heirs
In high-value areas like Santa Monica, estates often exceed the federal estate tax exemption limit. A certified Date of Death Appraisal ensures accurate reporting on IRS Form 706, helps calculate potential tax liability, and reduces the risk of errors or audits. The IRS will not accept informal or estimated values—certified documentation is required.
When real property is inherited, the cost basis is adjusted—or "stepped up"—to reflect its fair market value at the time of death. This is crucial for determining capital gains taxes when the property is later sold. A professional appraisal helps document this new value and supports accurate tax filings for beneficiaries.
If multiple heirs are involved, a certified appraisal offers an impartial, third-party valuation that supports fairness in the division of assets. Whether the property is sold or retained by one beneficiary, the appraisal becomes a foundational tool in avoiding disputes.
Probate courts, attorneys, trustees, and fiduciaries require USPAP-compliant appraisals to demonstrate accurate asset valuation. A Date of Death Appraisal is the standard documentation used to complete legal proceedings and trust administration.
Santa Monica offers a variety of real estate options, each with unique valuation factors:
North of Montana Avenue – High-value estates and custom homes
Santa Monica Canyon – Homes with ocean and canyon views
Ocean Avenue and Wilshire Corridor – Luxury condos and mixed-use developments
Sunset Park and Pico Neighborhoods – Walkable residential zones with high demand
Downtown and Mid-City – Modern and historical mixed-density properties
In this market, property value is influenced by architectural style, proximity to the beach, school districts, zoning, lot size, and renovation history. Only a locally experienced appraiser can properly account for these variables in a retrospective valuation.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
A detailed interior and exterior property inspection (where access is granted)
Historical market research based on the date of passing
Selection and adjustment of comparable sales from the same neighborhood and time period
Evaluation of upgrades, condition, size, location, and amenities
Parcel maps, assessor records, photos, and zoning details
A final certified opinion of value
Delivery of a USPAP-compliant report in PDF format
This report is accepted by probate courts, estate attorneys, CPAs, the IRS, and trustees.
Estate attorneys managing probate filings
Trustees and fiduciaries administering living or irrevocable trusts
CPAs and tax advisors preparing IRS Form 706
Heirs and beneficiaries dividing or inheriting real estate
Real estate professionals assisting with estate property sales
Court-appointed referees in contested estate matters
We begin with a brief consultation to gather details, including the effective date of value (date of death), property information, intended use of the appraisal, and access logistics.
A full inspection documents square footage, layout, condition, updates, and any distinguishing features like guest units, ADUs, ocean views, or premium finishes.
If the property is tenant-occupied, in probate hold, or otherwise inaccessible, we can perform an exterior-only or desktop appraisal with supporting documentation.
We identify comparable sales from the same time frame and neighborhood. Each sale is adjusted based on condition, size, lot attributes, and location to arrive at an accurate retrospective value.
Reports are completed within five to seven business days, with rush delivery available in 48 hours upon request. Final reports are sent in secure PDF format and can be shared with legal, tax, or estate professionals.
Yes. Retrospective appraisals are common and often requested months or even years later. As long as historical data is available, we can accurately determine the fair market value for the specific date.
Absolutely. Our reports are USPAP-compliant and certified, making them fully acceptable for IRS estate tax filings, probate court submissions, and trust-related documentation.
Each property requires its own appraisal. We provide coordinated scheduling and bundled pricing for estates with multiple real estate holdings.
With more than 5,000 appraisals completed throughout Los Angeles County, Pacific Home Appraisers is trusted by attorneys, CPAs, trustees, and heirs to deliver accurate and defensible real estate valuations. Our extensive experience in the Santa Monica market—from beachfront condos to blufftop estates—ensures that every appraisal reflects the area’s true market dynamics.
Deep understanding of Santa Monica’s micro-markets and property types
Certified appraisers experienced in estate, trust, and high-value properties
Reports trusted by courts, tax professionals, and legal representatives
Timely delivery: standard 5–7 business days, with 48-hour rush available
Confidential, responsive, and professional service during sensitive times
If you’re managing a trust, estate, or probate case and need a Date of Death Appraisal in Santa Monica, contact Pacific Home Appraisers for certified, court-ready valuations backed by experience and local expertise.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more.
We’re here to help you move forward with clarity, accuracy, and confidence.