Settling an estate can be a challenging process, especially when real property is involved. In growing and diverse real estate markets like Santa Clarita, obtaining a certified Date of Death Appraisal is a crucial step for probate, estate tax filings, and distributing assets fairly among heirs. Whether you are an executor, trustee, attorney, or family member, having an accurate property valuation is key to fulfilling your legal and financial responsibilities.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide professional, IRS-compliant Date of Death Appraisals throughout Santa Clarita. With over 5,000 appraisals completed since 2005, our team delivers timely, court-ready reports that meet the needs of families, attorneys, and financial professionals alike.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a retrospective valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the exact date a person passed away. Unlike a standard market appraisal, this type focuses on past market conditions and uses comparable sales data from the relevant time period.
This appraisal is commonly required for:
Probate filings
IRS estate tax returns
Trust administration and asset division
Step-up in basis calculations for capital gains
Inheritance planning and legal documentation
An accurate retrospective appraisal ensures compliance with the IRS and probate courts, and provides peace of mind during a difficult time.
Santa Clarita includes a wide range of neighborhoods such as Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Newhall, and Stevenson Ranch—each with its own real estate trends, housing styles, and pricing. Property values can vary significantly depending on location, upgrades, lot size, and school districts.
Working with an appraiser who understands the Santa Clarita market ensures:
Accurate historical valuation
Fewer delays in probate or tax filing
Reduced risk of legal disputes among beneficiaries
Reports that stand up to IRS and court scrutiny
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we have years of experience in appraising both standard homes and custom estates throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor managing an estate
A trustee overseeing real property distribution
A probate attorney or CPA filing tax documents
A family member or beneficiary involved in the estate
A fiduciary requiring court-accepted documentation
Our certified reports are designed to meet legal, financial, and estate planning standards for all property types.
We follow a straightforward and professional process to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We confirm the required appraisal date and property information, then schedule a convenient time for inspection.
Step Two – Property inspection We inspect the home and take note of all relevant features including size, condition, upgrades, amenities, and location details.
Step Three – Historical data and market analysis We research comparable sales from the time of death and apply professional adjustments to arrive at an accurate retrospective valuation.
Step Four – Report delivery Your certified appraisal report is delivered within five to seven business days. Rush delivery within 48 hours is available upon request.
With nearly two decades of experience and thousands of completed appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted provider of Date of Death Appraisals throughout Santa Clarita.
We offer:
Certified appraisals for probate, trusts, and estate tax filings
Deep knowledge of Santa Clarita neighborhoods and trends
Clear, well-documented reports accepted by attorneys, CPAs, and courts
Flexible scheduling with rush service available
Professional, respectful communication throughout the process
We are committed to providing clarity, compliance, and peace of mind when it matters most.
Do I need a Date of Death Appraisal for probate in Santa Clarita Yes. Most probate cases involving real estate require a certified appraisal to determine the property’s value on the date of death.
Can you still appraise the property if it was sold after the date of death Yes. A retrospective appraisal uses data from the required date, even if the property was sold later.
Are online estimates or tax assessments acceptable No. Only a certified appraisal from a licensed professional is accepted by probate courts and the IRS.
Can you work with my estate attorney or accountant Yes. We frequently collaborate with legal and financial professionals to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, including:
Valencia
Canyon Country
Saugus
Newhall
Stevenson Ranch
Tesoro Del Valle
Fair Oaks Ranch
Plum Canyon and surrounding areas
Whether your property is a family home, a new development, or a custom hillside estate, we provide certified valuations that meet the highest standards.
If you are handling an estate or probate case in Santa Clarita, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to provide an accurate, certified appraisal with professionalism and care.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us help you move forward with confidence—backed by experience, local knowledge, and detailed, court-ready valuation services.