When a loved one passes away, one of the most important steps in settling the estate is determining the accurate value of real property. In a charming coastal city like Seal Beach, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is often required for probate proceedings, IRS estate tax filings, trust administration, and the equitable distribution of inherited real estate. Whether you’re an executor, estate attorney, trustee, or family member, a professionally prepared retrospective appraisal ensures full legal compliance and financial clarity.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we specialize in delivering certified, court-ready Date of Death Appraisals throughout Seal Beach and surrounding Orange County communities. With over 5,000 assignments completed since 2005, we are a trusted partner for probate attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and families handling estate matters.
A Date of Death Appraisal (also called a retrospective appraisal) determines the fair market value of real estate based on market conditions as of the decedent’s passing. This is not based on today’s market value, but on a detailed analysis of comparable sales at the time of death.
A certified retrospective appraisal is typically required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS Form 706 (Estate Tax Return)
Trust and inheritance distribution
Step-up in basis calculations
Legal valuation for estate division
A properly prepared report helps prevent disputes, tax issues, and delays in the estate settlement process.
Seal Beach is known for its relaxed beach-town lifestyle, quaint neighborhoods, and proximity to the coast. The city includes everything from beachfront properties and custom homes to retirement communities such as Leisure World.
Key factors influencing property values in Seal Beach include:
Proximity to the ocean and pier
Community type: single-family homes, condos, senior living
View potential and privacy
Architectural design and remodeling quality
Walkability to Main Street and coastal amenities
Appraisers unfamiliar with the local market may overlook these subtle differences, resulting in:
Misvalued properties
IRS scrutiny or rejected probate filings
Delays in trust or estate settlement
Heir disputes over asset distribution
We understand the property characteristics unique to Seal Beach and apply that insight to every valuation.
You may need a certified Date of Death Appraisal if you are:
An executor or administrator of an estate
A trustee handling real estate assets
A probate attorney or CPA managing estate filings
A beneficiary seeking accurate property documentation
A fiduciary ensuring full legal and tax compliance
Our appraisal reports meet the requirements of California probate courts, the IRS, and trust management professionals.
We offer a respectful, timely, and fully compliant process tailored to your timeline and legal obligations:
Step 1: Initial Consultation We gather key information about the property and confirm the decedent’s date of passing.
Step 2: Property Inspection Our appraiser conducts an on-site or exterior-only inspection, documenting property condition, improvements, square footage, and relevant features.
Step 3: Historical Market Analysis We research comparable sales and market data from the retrospective date, using adjustments aligned with Seal Beach’s real estate trends.
Step 4: Certified Report Delivery You receive a complete, certified appraisal report—court and IRS ready—within five to seven business days. Rush service within 48 hours is available.
With nearly two decades of experience in estate, trust, and probate appraisal services, we offer:
Certified appraisals for probate, estate tax, and legal filings
In-depth market knowledge of Seal Beach and surrounding communities
Timely turnaround and expedited report options
Clear, defensible valuations for legal and tax use
Collaboration with attorneys, fiduciaries, and financial professionals
Whether you’re dealing with a beachfront condo, a senior residence, or a family estate, we deliver detailed and reliable appraisals that hold up to legal scrutiny.
Is a Date of Death Appraisal required for probate in Seal Beach? Yes. Most probate proceedings require a certified appraisal to establish fair market value as of the date of death.
What if the home was already sold? No problem. We can still prepare a retrospective appraisal based on historical sales data at the date of death.
Can I use a Zillow estimate or county tax record instead? No. Only a certified appraisal from a licensed appraiser is acceptable for court and IRS use.
Do you work directly with legal and financial advisors? Yes. We coordinate closely with estate attorneys, CPAs, and trust managers to ensure the report meets all requirements.
We provide Date of Death Appraisal Services throughout Seal Beach, including:
Old Town Seal Beach
The Hill
Leisure World (senior community)
Bridgeport
College Park East and College Park West
Surfside Colony and beachfront properties
If you're handling an estate in Seal Beach, let Pacific Home Appraisers provide the professional expertise and certified valuation you need.
Call us today: 818-880-1466 For more information, visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
We’re here to help you move forward with confidence—providing clarity, accuracy, and peace of mind during a challenging time.