Santa Paula, often referred to as the “Citrus Capital of the World,” is a charming Ventura County community with deep agricultural roots, historic neighborhoods, and a mix of classic homes and rural properties. Whether it’s a craftsman home near downtown, a ranch property with citrus groves, or a multi-unit residential asset, Santa Paula real estate often plays a central role in estate planning. When a property owner passes away, a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes essential for probate proceedings, IRS filings, and equitable division of the estate.
If you are a trustee, estate attorney, CPA, or family member managing a property in Santa Paula, understanding how a Date of Death Appraisal works is key to a smooth, legally compliant estate settlement process.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified valuation that establishes the fair market value of a property as of the date the property owner passed away. It is a retrospective appraisal, based on comparable sales and market conditions at the time of death rather than the current market.
This appraisal is required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust and fiduciary accounting
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Fair distribution of real property among heirs
Whether the property is a single-family home or a large parcel with agricultural zoning, Santa Paula real estate can contribute significantly to the estate’s total value. For estates that exceed the federal exemption threshold, a USPAP-compliant appraisal is required by the IRS to validate the reported property value. A certified Date of Death Appraisal supports accurate reporting and reduces the risk of audits or legal challenges.
A stepped-up basis adjusts the property’s tax value to its fair market value on the date of the owner’s death. This significantly lowers the capital gains tax when the property is later sold by the heir. A Date of Death Appraisal is essential to establish this valuation for tax records.
In estates involving multiple beneficiaries, a neutral, third-party appraisal ensures all parties receive a fair and documented valuation. This is especially helpful when property is distributed or sold as part of the settlement process.
Trustees, attorneys, and court-appointed administrators are legally obligated to report estate asset values accurately. A certified appraisal provides the legally defensible documentation needed for probate court and IRS compliance.
Santa Paula’s real estate includes:
Historic homes in neighborhoods like McKevett Heights
Spanish and craftsman-style homes near downtown
Agricultural properties with citrus and avocado orchards
Multi-acre ranches in Adams Canyon and Wheeler Canyon
Multi-family residential and income-producing units
Each property type requires a tailored appraisal approach. Value is influenced by zoning, land use, condition, location, and view potential—factors that demand local market knowledge and rural appraisal expertise.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and exterior property inspection (when accessible)
Comparable sales analysis from the valuation date
Adjustments based on condition, acreage, improvements, and location
Assessor data, parcel maps, photographs, and zoning verification
Final certified opinion of value in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
These appraisals are accepted by the IRS, probate courts, attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries throughout California.
Estate attorneys preparing probate documentation
CPAs and financial advisors filing IRS Form 706
Fiduciaries and trustees overseeing estate assets
Heirs and beneficiaries managing inherited real estate
Real estate agents preparing inherited homes for market
Court-appointed administrators managing contested estates
We begin by gathering details on the property, the date of death, the intended use of the appraisal, and your timeline. We offer rush service for urgent estate deadlines.
Our appraiser evaluates the home or land in person—documenting condition, layout, outbuildings, and special features. If access is restricted, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisal options based on public records and MLS history.
We analyze historical sales of similar properties near the valuation date and adjust for differences in size, land use, condition, and location to determine a reliable fair market value.
Our turnaround time is typically five to seven business days, with 48-hour expedited delivery available. Reports are delivered in secure PDF format, suitable for legal and tax use.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we regularly complete them long after the date of death using historical sales data and archived listings.
Absolutely. Our reports are USPAP-compliant and certified, meeting all legal, fiduciary, and tax requirements.
Yes. We are experienced with both residential and agricultural appraisals, and we offer bundle pricing for estates involving multiple parcels.
With over 5,000 appraisals completed across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted name in estate, trust, and probate appraisals. We understand the unique character of Santa Paula’s mix of residential and agricultural markets, and we deliver valuations that are accurate, timely, and legally defensible.
Experience with rural, residential, and income-producing properties
Reports accepted by IRS, probate courts, fiduciaries, and attorneys
Certified, USPAP-compliant appraisals
Fast delivery: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available
Confidential, responsive, and professional communication
If you're managing an estate in Santa Paula 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’re here to help you move through the estate process with clarity, professionalism, and trusted valuation expertise.