West Hollywood—often referred to as WeHo—is one of the most dynamic and high-value real estate markets in Los Angeles County. With a mix of historic bungalows, luxury high-rises, architectural masterpieces, and income-producing duplexes, real estate in West Hollywood is both diverse and highly sought after. When a property owner in this vibrant neighborhood passes away, their home or investment property often becomes a significant part of the estate. In these cases, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for tax, legal, and estate settlement purposes.
If you're an estate attorney, trustee, CPA, or beneficiary managing real property in West Hollywood, understanding the function and value of a Date of Death Appraisal can help ensure an accurate, transparent, and legally sound estate administration process.
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, meaning the appraiser evaluates market conditions and comparable sales that existed around the date of death—not the current market.
These appraisals are typically required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust accounting and fiduciary records
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable division of real estate among heirs
Real estate in West Hollywood—particularly along the Sunset Strip, Norma Triangle, or Melrose District—can easily surpass multi-million-dollar valuations. If the total estate exceeds federal exemption limits, the IRS requires a certified Date of Death Appraisal to substantiate real property value. A compliant appraisal minimizes risk and supports accurate estate tax reporting.
When beneficiaries inherit property, a stepped-up basis allows the tax basis of the property to reset to its fair market value as of the date of death. This helps reduce capital gains taxes when the property is later sold. A certified appraisal provides necessary documentation to establish that value.
A certified Date of Death Appraisal provides a neutral, professional valuation that helps ensure fair distribution among heirs. Whether the property is to be sold, transferred, or retained, this valuation supports transparency and helps avoid conflicts.
Probate courts, trustees, and attorneys require USPAP-compliant appraisal reports to fulfill their fiduciary and legal duties. A Date of Death Appraisal provides the defensible documentation necessary to meet those requirements.
West Hollywood is known for:
Luxury condos in buildings like The Pendry, The Edition, and Empire West
Historic homes in neighborhoods like Spaulding Square and Sunset Square
Contemporary architecture along Doheny Drive and Kings Road
Multi-unit investment properties in high-rent areas near Fairfax and Santa Monica Boulevard
Walkable urban design, nightlife, and cultural amenities
Factors such as zoning, rent control regulations, unit mix, and building amenities can significantly affect value. A seasoned appraiser must understand the nuances of this dense, fast-moving market.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full property inspection (when access is granted)
Analysis of historical comparable sales near the date of death
Adjustments for unit size, upgrades, location, zoning, and condition
Parcel maps, assessor records, photos, and HOA or income data where applicable
Final certified opinion of value delivered in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
Our reports are accepted by courts, attorneys, CPAs, and the IRS.
Estate attorneys managing probate documentation
CPAs and tax professionals filing IRS Form 706
Trustees and fiduciaries distributing estate assets
Heirs or beneficiaries evaluating inherited property
Real estate professionals preparing estate homes for sale
Court-appointed representatives managing complex estates
We confirm the valuation date, access to the property, deadline for report delivery, and whether the appraisal is for probate, tax, or internal use. We also offer rush delivery services when time is critical.
We perform a thorough inspection of the property, noting layout, condition, upgrades, rental income (if applicable), and location-specific influences. When access is unavailable, we offer desktop or exterior-only options using public records and MLS history.
We evaluate comparable sales from the time of death, adjusting for differences in size, zoning, amenities, and condition. For income properties, we may also consider income capitalization if appropriate.
Our standard turnaround is five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available. Reports are delivered in a secure PDF format, ready for submission to legal, tax, or fiduciary representatives.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we regularly perform them months or even years after the date of passing using reliable historical market data.
Absolutely. Our reports are certified and USPAP-compliant, meeting all standards required for probate proceedings, IRS estate tax filings, and trust accounting.
Yes. Each property must be appraised individually. We offer bundle pricing and coordinated scheduling for multiple-property estates.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed throughout Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers is trusted by legal, tax, and fiduciary professionals for accurate estate valuations. Our deep familiarity with West Hollywood's unique blend of residential and income properties ensures reliable and defendable appraisal results.
Local expertise in West Hollywood’s luxury, rental, and mixed-use properties
Reports accepted by IRS, courts, attorneys, and CPAs
Certified, USPAP-compliant reports tailored to your estate needs
Fast delivery: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush available
Confidential, professional, and responsive service
If you're managing an estate in West Hollywood and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to learn more or schedule your appraisal.
We are here to help guide you through the estate process with accuracy, professionalism, and peace of mind.