Simi Valley is a vibrant and growing community in Ventura County, known for its family-oriented neighborhoods, custom hillside homes, and expansive ranch-style properties. When a property owner in Simi Valley passes away, the home they leave behind is often one of the estate’s most valuable assets. Whether the estate is modest or substantial, obtaining a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for ensuring a smooth, compliant, and fair estate settlement.
This guide will explain the significance of Date of Death Appraisals in Simi Valley, how the process works, and why choosing a local, certified appraiser is vital to meeting legal and financial requirements.
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 owner passed away. This is a retrospective appraisal, meaning it is based on real estate data, comparable sales, and market conditions from that specific time—not from today’s market.
This type of appraisal is typically required for:
Probate filings and court documents
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust administration
Establishing a stepped-up basis for inherited property
Dividing real estate assets among heirs or beneficiaries
If the total value of the estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, the IRS mandates a certified appraisal to determine the property's fair market value as of the decedent’s passing. Homes in neighborhoods such as Wood Ranch, Silverthorne, and The Bluffs can significantly impact the estate's value. A Date of Death Appraisal ensures proper documentation for estate tax purposes and helps avoid penalties or disputes.
Inherited property receives a stepped-up basis, which resets its tax basis to the value on the date of death. This is essential for reducing capital gains tax if the property is sold. A certified Date of Death Appraisal provides the necessary documentation to support the adjusted basis and protect beneficiaries from overpaying taxes.
When multiple heirs or beneficiaries are involved, a neutral, certified appraisal offers an objective value for the property. This ensures fair decision-making regarding property buyouts, sales, or asset division—helping to prevent conflicts during an already emotional process.
Courts, attorneys, and fiduciaries managing an estate require certified documentation for real estate assets. A USPAP-compliant appraisal fulfills this requirement and ensures the estate is administered according to California probate law.
Simi Valley includes a variety of residential communities, each with unique characteristics that affect property value. Local neighborhoods include:
Wood Ranch – Gated homes, golf course views, and custom properties
Big Sky and The Bluffs – Newer hillside homes with premium amenities
Texas Tract and Indian Hills – Traditional single-family neighborhoods with strong resale value
Santa Susana and Bridle Path – Equestrian zones with larger lots and rural charm
Central Simi Valley – Mid-century homes, townhomes, and planned developments
Each neighborhood requires localized market knowledge to select the most appropriate comparable sales and apply accurate adjustments.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and exterior inspection (where accessible)
Retrospective analysis using comparable sales near the date of death
Adjustments for location, size, upgrades, and lot features
Parcel maps, zoning information, assessor data, and high-resolution photos
A certified opinion of value, provided in a professionally formatted PDF
Full compliance with USPAP standards, accepted by courts and the IRS
Estate attorneys managing probate filings
CPAs and tax advisors handling estate tax returns
Trustees and fiduciaries distributing real estate assets
Heirs and beneficiaries seeking fair asset division
Real estate professionals preparing inherited properties for sale
Court-appointed representatives involved in estate disputes
We begin by confirming the appraisal’s purpose, the effective date of value (the date of death), and any access considerations. We also discuss deadlines and whether rush service is needed.
We conduct a thorough interior and exterior inspection of the property, noting condition, layout, amenities, upgrades, and lot characteristics. If interior access isn’t available, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisals with appropriate disclosures.
We select comparable properties that sold in the same or similar neighborhoods near the valuation date. These are adjusted for relevant differences to arrive at a supportable, retrospective value.
Our standard turnaround time is five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available. Reports are delivered in secure PDF format, suitable for submission to courts, tax professionals, and legal representatives.
Yes. These retrospective appraisals are commonly completed months or years later. As long as sales data is available from the valuation date, an accurate report can still be produced.
Absolutely. Our reports are USPAP-compliant and legally certified, making them acceptable for probate filings, IRS estate tax reporting, and trust documentation.
Each property must be appraised separately. We offer bundled pricing and coordinated inspections for multiple real estate holdings.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed in Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted partner for estate, trust, and probate-related real estate valuation. Our appraisers have a deep understanding of Simi Valley’s neighborhoods, pricing trends, and property features.
Local expertise in Simi Valley’s residential and equestrian markets
Reports trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and probate courts
Certified and USPAP-compliant, accepted for IRS and legal use
Fast turnaround: 5–7 business days, with 48-hour rush available
Professional, discreet, and responsive service from start to finish
If you need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Simi Valley, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to deliver accurate, professional, and court-ready valuation reports.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to learn more or schedule your appraisal.
We’re here to guide you through the estate appraisal process with accuracy, clarity, and care.