When a loved one passes away, determining the accurate value of their real estate holdings is a key step in the estate settlement process. In a serene and architecturally diverse community like Altadena, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate court filings, IRS estate tax documentation, trust administration, and property division among heirs. Whether you're an executor, trustee, estate attorney, or family member, a retrospective appraisal ensures legal compliance and a fair, well-documented valuation of the estate’s real property.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide certified, court-ready Date of Death Appraisals throughout Altadena. With over 5,000 completed assignments since 2005, we are trusted for our professionalism, accuracy, and deep familiarity with the San Gabriel Valley’s real estate landscape.
A Date of Death Appraisal (also called a retrospective appraisal) determines the fair market value of a property based on market conditions at the time the owner passed away. It is not based on today’s prices, but on historical sales data relevant to that date.
This type of appraisal is commonly required for:
Probate court proceedings
IRS estate tax filings
Trust dissolution and inheritance planning
Step-up in basis and capital gains tax
Equitable division of assets among beneficiaries
A certified report reduces legal risks, ensures compliance, and creates an accurate foundation for estate settlement.
Altadena is known for its wide range of home styles—from historic Craftsman homes and mid-century moderns to ranch-style estates nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Neighborhoods like Meadowbrook Estates, Rubio Canyon, Janes Village, and La Viña offer distinct property characteristics that influence valuation, such as lot size, views, proximity to hiking trails, and architectural significance.
Using a non-local or generic valuation method can lead to:
Inaccurate appraisals
Probate or tax filing delays
IRS challenges or audit exposure
Conflicts among heirs over estate distribution
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we bring local market knowledge and precision to every report, tailored specifically to Altadena’s diverse housing inventory.
You may need a Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or estate administrator
A trustee managing real estate for beneficiaries
A probate attorney or CPA preparing legal or tax documentation
A family member seeking to divide inherited property fairly
A fiduciary responsible for maintaining compliance
Our reports are certified, defensible, and fully compliant with California probate and IRS requirements.
We follow a respectful, efficient process that aligns with your estate's timeline and legal obligations.
Step One – Consultation and scheduling We review the details of the estate and confirm the required date of death. A property inspection is scheduled promptly.
Step Two – Property inspection Our certified appraiser documents the home’s size, features, condition, upgrades, and lot specifics. Exterior-only inspections are available if needed.
Step Three – Historical market analysis We use local, comparable sales data from the time of death and apply adjustments based on the home’s features and location to determine fair market value.
Step Four – Certified report delivery You’ll receive a court-ready appraisal within five to seven business days. Rush service within 48 hours is available for urgent probate or tax deadlines.
Pacific Home Appraisers has been serving Altadena and the surrounding communities for nearly 20 years. Our focus is on delivering highly accurate, professional appraisals that stand up to legal and financial review.
We offer:
Certified appraisals for probate, trust, and IRS estate filings
Local market expertise in Altadena’s historic and hillside properties
Quick turnaround and rush service availability
Detailed, defensible reports tailored to your specific property
Clear communication with attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries
Whether the estate includes a classic bungalow, a Spanish revival, or a multi-acre compound, we deliver valuations you can rely on.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Altadena? Yes. A certified appraisal is typically required to establish the fair market value of the property for probate or IRS purposes.
What if the home has already been sold? We can still complete a retrospective appraisal based on the market value at the date of death, regardless of current ownership.
Is a Zestimate or tax record acceptable? No. Courts and the IRS require a certified appraisal by a licensed appraiser. Online estimates and tax assessments are not accepted for legal filings.
Can you work directly with our attorney or accountant? Yes. We frequently collaborate with legal and financial professionals to ensure seamless and compliant reporting.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services in all neighborhoods of Altadena, including:
Janes Village
La Viña
Altadena Country Club Area
Rubio Canyon
Windsor Avenue District
Christmas Tree Lane area
Meadowbrook Estates
Mountain View Estates
Midlothian Drive corridor
From view properties to architecturally significant homes, we tailor each report to reflect true market value at the time of the decedent’s passing.
If you are managing an estate in Altadena, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for certified, timely, and accurate valuation services.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence—ensuring your estate appraisal is legally compliant, professionally documented, and locally informed.