Date-of-Death Real Estate Appraisals in California: What You Need to Know
When someone passes away, one of the most important responsibilities in settling the estate is determining the accurate value of their real estate holdings. In a state as diverse as California, a certified Date-of-Death appraisal ensures legal compliance for probate proceedings, IRS estate tax filings, and trust distributions—based on the fair market value of the property as of the date of death.
A Date-of-Death appraisal, also referred to as a retrospective appraisal, estimates the market value of a property based on sales and market conditions from the exact date the owner passed away. This is not a current appraisal, but one that uses historical data to determine fair market value at the time of death.
This type of appraisal is required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax documentation
Trust settlements and asset division
Equitable distribution among heirs or beneficiaries
California is home to a wide variety of real estate markets—from luxury oceanfront estates and urban high-rises to rural properties, vineyards, and multi-family income units. Each region has unique property trends, regulations, and price points that influence value.
Whether you’re managing an estate in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, San Diego, the Central Valley, or a small rural community, a qualified appraiser must take into account the local market dynamics and historical sales data relevant to the date of death.
An accurate Date-of-Death appraisal in California requires a California Certified Appraiser with in-depth knowledge of the specific property type and local market conditions.
You may need a Date-of-Death real estate appraisal in California if you are:
An executor or administrator overseeing an estate
A CPA, trust attorney, or fiduciary handling legal or tax matters
A beneficiary dividing or inheriting real estate assets
Preparing for a trust distribution or probate-related transaction
Since 2005, Pacific Home Appraisers has completed more than 5,000 certified appraisals throughout California. We specialize in Date-of-Death, probate, and estate appraisals, and are well-versed in a wide range of property types and market conditions across the state.
We are:
California Certified
Fully USPAP-compliant
Experienced in valuations from $250,000 to over $20,000,000
Trusted by attorneys, CPAs, courts, and fiduciaries statewide
Scheduling and Inspection – We coordinate access with estate representatives or legal counsel
Retrospective Market Analysis – We review sales data and historical trends tied to the decedent’s date of passing
Certified Report Delivery – Reports are typically completed in 5–7 business days, with rush delivery available in 48 hours (post-inspection, subject to availability)
Support for Legal and Financial Teams – We provide complete, court-ready documentation and offer consultations as needed
Q: Can I use a current appraisal instead? A: No. A Date-of-Death appraisal must reflect the market value on the exact date of death, per IRS and probate requirements.
Q: Are your reports valid for court and IRS use? A: Yes. All reports are USPAP-compliant and prepared by licensed California Certified Appraisers.
Q: Do you appraise all types of properties in California? A: Yes. We appraise single-family homes, condos, estates, land, multi-family, and investment properties throughout the state.
If you need a certified Date-of-Death appraisal in California, rely on Pacific Home Appraisers for professional, timely, and accurate valuation services.
Call: 818-880-1466 Email: PacificHomeAppraisers@gmail.com Website: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com/Probate
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