Settling a loved one’s estate requires careful documentation and legally compliant processes—especially when real property is involved. In a high-demand, upscale market like Studio City, obtaining a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential. This retrospective appraisal determines the fair market value of a property on the day the decedent passed away and is required for probate court filings, estate tax returns, trust distribution, and capital gains planning.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide trusted, timely, and legally compliant Date of Death Appraisals for residential properties throughout Studio City. With over 5,000 assignments completed since 2005, we deliver accurate, court-ready reports trusted by estate attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and families.
A Date of Death Appraisal—also referred to as a retrospective appraisal—is an independent valuation of a property based on market data from the date the owner passed away. It is not based on the current market, but on the conditions and comparable property sales that existed at the time of death.
This type of appraisal is required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax reporting
Trust administration and distribution
Capital gains tax calculation using step-up in basis
Equitable division among heirs and beneficiaries
An accurate appraisal ensures full legal and tax compliance and supports smooth estate administration.
Studio City offers a broad mix of property types, from gated hillside estates with panoramic views to historic Spanish homes and newly renovated modern residences. Neighborhoods such as Fryman Canyon, Colfax Meadows, and South of Ventura Boulevard have dramatically different values based on location, walkability, lot size, and privacy.
Relying on online estimates or an out-of-area appraiser can lead to:
Inaccurate valuations
Delays in probate or trust settlement
IRS rejections or audit exposure
Disputes among beneficiaries
Pacific Home Appraisers understands the nuances of the Studio City real estate market. Our reports reflect not just the property’s physical features, but its context within the neighborhood, historical market trends, and buyer behavior at the time of passing.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator of an estate
A trustee overseeing property distribution
A probate attorney or CPA preparing legal and tax documents
A family member or beneficiary involved in the estate
A fiduciary responsible for legal compliance
Our certified reports are formatted for acceptance by probate courts, the IRS, financial institutions, and estate professionals.
We provide a clear, step-by-step process to meet the sensitive and time-sensitive nature of estate matters.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We gather details about the property and confirm the required retrospective appraisal date. We then schedule the inspection at your convenience.
Step Two – Property inspection We conduct a full interior and exterior inspection (or exterior-only if necessary), documenting size, upgrades, features, and condition.
Step Three – Historical valuation and analysis We research comparable sales and local market trends from the date of death and apply professional valuation methods to determine accurate market value.
Step Four – Delivery of certified report We deliver a certified, court-ready appraisal within five to seven business days. Rush delivery within 48 hours is available upon request.
Since 2005, Pacific Home Appraisers has been a trusted name for certified residential appraisals in Studio City and across the greater Los Angeles area.
We offer:
Certified reports for probate, estate tax, and trust cases
Local expertise in Studio City’s diverse neighborhoods
Reports accepted by attorneys, CPAs, courts, and the IRS
Responsive communication and rush delivery options
Respectful and discreet service during sensitive times
Whether you're working with a legal team or handling matters personally, we ensure every appraisal is completed with care and professionalism.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Studio City? Yes. Most probate courts require a certified appraisal to document the value of real property as of the date of death.
Can I get a Date of Death Appraisal if the property has already been sold? Yes. Retrospective appraisals use historical data to value the property as of the relevant date, regardless of its current ownership status.
Are Zillow or tax records acceptable? No. Probate courts and the IRS require a certified appraisal by a licensed professional. Online estimates and tax assessments are not legally sufficient.
Do you work with attorneys or accountants? Yes. We frequently coordinate directly with attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries to ensure timely and compliant documentation.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services across all Studio City neighborhoods, including:
Fryman Canyon
Colfax Meadows
The Donas
South of Ventura Boulevard
Laurel Canyon Adjacent
Silver Triangle
Gated and hillside estates
Whether it’s a traditional home or a luxury estate, we tailor every appraisal to the property’s features, location, and market position at the time of valuation.
If you are handling a probate case or trust involving real property in Studio City, rely on Pacific Home Appraisers for certified, timely, and accurate appraisal services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence—backed by local expertise and trusted valuation experience.