Palos Verdes, with its breathtaking coastal views, gated estates, and serene hillside neighborhoods, is one of the most prestigious residential areas in Los Angeles County. When a property owner in Palos Verdes passes away, the real estate they leave behind is often the most valuable component of their estate. In these cases, a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes a necessary step for ensuring legal compliance, accurate tax reporting, and equitable distribution of assets.
Whether you are an estate attorney, trustee, CPA, or family member handling an estate in Palos Verdes, understanding the purpose and process of a Date of Death Appraisal is key to settling the estate properly and efficiently.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified real estate valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the owner passed away. This is a retrospective appraisal, based on comparable sales and market conditions that existed at the time of death—not the current market value.
These appraisals are typically required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust and fiduciary accounting
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains tax
Distributing property fairly among heirs and beneficiaries
For high-net-worth estates, especially those that exceed the federal tax exemption limit, the IRS mandates a certified Date of Death Appraisal to determine the value of real estate assets. In Palos Verdes—where homes in neighborhoods like Lunada Bay, Malaga Cove, and Portuguese Bend regularly exceed several million dollars—accurate and defensible valuations are essential for tax filings.
Inherited property receives a stepped-up tax basis, meaning its value is reset to the fair market value at the date of death. This adjustment helps reduce capital gains taxes when the property is sold in the future. A certified appraisal is necessary to document this new basis and support proper tax reporting.
When multiple heirs are involved, a certified Date of Death Appraisal provides a neutral, third-party valuation. This ensures that decisions about selling, transferring, or retaining property are based on accurate data, supporting fairness and reducing the potential for legal disputes.
Attorneys, trustees, and courts require USPAP-compliant appraisal reports as part of the probate and estate settlement process. A certified report helps fulfill fiduciary duties and ensures all legal documentation is complete and accurate.
Palos Verdes features distinct enclaves that vary significantly in terms of price and property type. Key areas include:
Lunada Bay – Custom homes with bluff and ocean views
Malaga Cove – Historic properties with Mediterranean architecture and panoramic vistas
Monte Malaga – Hilltop estates with expansive lots and privacy
Palos Verdes Estates – Planned communities with tree-lined streets and country club amenities
Rolling Hills Estates and Rolling Hills – Equestrian properties and gated estates with acreage
Portuguese Bend and Abalone Cove – Coastal homes in geologically sensitive zones
Accurate valuations in Palos Verdes require deep local knowledge, especially when factoring in view premiums, land use restrictions, and architectural significance.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
A full interior and exterior inspection (when access is granted)
Historical market analysis based on the decedent’s date of passing
Carefully selected comparable sales from nearby Palos Verdes neighborhoods
Market adjustments for square footage, condition, lot size, location, and view
Zoning maps, parcel information, assessor records, and high-resolution photographs
Final certified opinion of value, provided in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
These reports are legally accepted for probate, trust administration, and IRS estate filings.
Estate attorneys handling probate and trust filings
CPAs and tax professionals preparing Form 706
Trustees and fiduciaries overseeing estate asset distribution
Heirs and beneficiaries involved in property transfers
Real estate professionals assisting with estate property sales
Court-appointed administrators or referees managing contested estates
We begin with a consultation to gather key information: the effective valuation date (date of death), purpose of the appraisal, property details, and access. We also review deadlines and discuss expedited service options.
Where access is available, we conduct a detailed interior and exterior inspection of the property. If access is restricted, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisal options using MLS, public records, and prior listing data.
We identify comparable sales that occurred near the date of death and make adjustments for differences in size, features, condition, location, and market behavior. In luxury and view-driven markets like Palos Verdes, view orientation and lot placement can greatly influence value.
Our standard delivery timeframe is five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available upon request. Reports are delivered securely in PDF format and ready for legal, tax, or fiduciary use.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we routinely conduct them months or even years after the date of death. As long as reliable historical data is available, an accurate valuation can be determined for any specific date.
Absolutely. All appraisals from Pacific Home Appraisers are USPAP-compliant and certified, making them fully acceptable for legal, tax, and court use.
Each property must be appraised individually. We offer bundled pricing and coordinated scheduling for estates with multiple real estate assets.
With over 5,000 appraisals completed across Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted partner for estate, trust, and probate-related valuations. Our in-depth understanding of Palos Verdes real estate, from blufftop estates to gated communities, ensures each appraisal is accurate, timely, and court-ready.
Deep knowledge of Palos Verdes coastal and hillside markets
Reports accepted by IRS, courts, attorneys, and fiduciaries
USPAP-compliant and certified for legal and tax purposes
Quick delivery: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush available
Professional, discreet, and responsive service
If you're managing an estate and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Palos Verdes, contact Pacific Home Appraisers for dependable, accurate, and confidential valuation services.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to learn more or schedule your appraisal.
We’re here to help you move through the estate process with clarity, precision, and peace of mind.