Brentwood, one of the most distinguished and sought-after neighborhoods on Los Angeles’ Westside, offers a blend of historic estates, gated communities, and luxury view homes. From Mandeville Canyon to Brentwood Park and the prestigious streets surrounding the Getty Center, Brentwood real estate often represents a significant portion of an individual’s estate. When a property owner passes away, obtaining a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes a vital step in ensuring proper estate settlement, tax reporting, and legal compliance.
If you are a fiduciary, estate attorney, CPA, or family member handling an estate in Brentwood, understanding the purpose and process of a Date of Death Appraisal will help you manage the transition with clarity and confidence.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified 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 uses historical sales data and market conditions from that specific time rather than the current market.
This type of appraisal is often required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax filings (Form 706)
Trust and fiduciary accounting
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable distribution of estate assets among heirs
Brentwood is home to multi-million-dollar estates, and many properties exceed the federal estate tax exemption threshold. To file estate tax returns accurately, the IRS requires a USPAP-compliant appraisal to confirm the real property value as of the date of death. A certified report ensures compliance and helps avoid audit risks or penalties.
When a property is inherited, the stepped-up basis resets the property's value to what it was worth on the date of the decedent’s death. This minimizes capital gains taxes if the property is later sold. A Date of Death Appraisal provides essential documentation to establish this new basis.
In estates with multiple beneficiaries, a neutral third-party appraisal provides a reliable and objective value. Whether the property is to be sold, retained, or divided through a buyout, this valuation ensures equitable decision-making and reduces the potential for conflict.
Trustees, attorneys, and court-appointed representatives have a legal duty to account for estate assets accurately. A certified Date of Death Appraisal meets probate court and IRS standards, ensuring all parties fulfill their responsibilities professionally.
Brentwood offers a variety of high-value residential areas, including:
Brentwood Park – Known for large estates, wide tree-lined streets, and privacy
Mandeville Canyon – Quiet, scenic, and home to expansive lots and equestrian properties
Crestwood Hills – Architectural homes and mid-century gems with canyon and ocean views
Brentwood Glen and South Brentwood – Charming single-family neighborhoods near Wilshire
Modern gated communities with high-end new construction and luxury amenities
Appraising real estate in Brentwood requires local knowledge, as market value is influenced by architectural style, view orientation, lot size, home upgrades, and proximity to landmarks like the Brentwood Country Mart or the Getty Center.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and exterior property inspection (when access is available)
Market analysis using sales data near the date of death
Adjustments for lot size, condition, view, design, amenities, and square footage
Assessor data, parcel maps, photos, and zoning verification
A final certified opinion of value presented in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
Our reports are accepted by probate courts, the IRS, attorneys, CPAs, and trustees across California.
Estate attorneys preparing probate filings or trust documentation
CPAs and tax advisors completing IRS Form 706
Trustees and fiduciaries managing estate or trust assets
Heirs and beneficiaries handling property transfers or buyouts
Real estate professionals listing inherited homes for sale
Court-appointed representatives in complex or contested estates
We begin by confirming the effective date of value (date of death), property access, intended use, and delivery deadline. We also offer 48-hour rush service if time is critical.
Our appraiser conducts a thorough walkthrough, noting layout, condition, upgrades, amenities, and any unique features. If access is not available, we provide desktop or exterior-only options using MLS, listing history, and public data.
We identify and analyze similar sales that occurred around the valuation date, applying adjustments for differences in location, size, lot characteristics, and amenities to determine a fair market value.
Our standard turnaround is five to seven business days, with expedited delivery available upon request. Reports are provided in secure PDF format and are ready for submission to attorneys, courts, and tax professionals.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we frequently complete them months or years after the passing, as long as historical sales data is available.
Absolutely. Our reports are certified and USPAP-compliant, meeting all legal and tax documentation standards.
Yes. We offer bundled pricing and coordinated scheduling for estates with more than one property.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed throughout Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted name for high-value estate and trust appraisals. Our deep knowledge of Brentwood’s exclusive neighborhoods ensures accurate, defensible valuations tailored to the unique needs of estate professionals and families.
Extensive experience with luxury properties in Brentwood and Westside LA
Reports accepted by IRS, probate courts, fiduciaries, and attorneys
Certified, USPAP-compliant reports with full legal standing
Prompt turnaround: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush available
Confidential, professional, and attentive service
If you're handling an estate and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Brentwood, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to learn more or schedule your appraisal.
We are committed to delivering accuracy, reliability, and peace of mind through every stage of your estate process.