Burbank, often dubbed the “Media Capital of the World,” is home to major entertainment studios, charming neighborhoods, and a strong, stable real estate market. From historic homes near Magnolia Park to luxury residences in the hills above Sunset Canyon, Burbank real estate frequently constitutes the most valuable asset in an estate. When a property owner passes away, a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes a crucial tool for probate, estate tax reporting, and fair distribution of property among heirs.
If you are an estate attorney, CPA, fiduciary, or heir handling real estate in Burbank, understanding how a Date of Death Appraisal works ensures legal compliance, tax accuracy, and a smooth estate settlement process.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the owner passed away. This is a retrospective appraisal, based on the market conditions and comparable sales that existed at that point in time—not the current market.
These appraisals are required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax documentation (Form 706)
Trust accounting and fiduciary duties
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable division of real estate among beneficiaries
Burbank’s steady appreciation and desirable location mean many homes can exceed federal estate tax exemption thresholds. Whether it’s a traditional home in the Rancho District or a view property in the hills, the IRS requires a USPAP-compliant certified appraisal to verify the value of real estate holdings on estate tax returns. Probate courts also require documented valuations as part of estate settlement.
A stepped-up basis allows the taxable value of the inherited property to be reset to its fair market value on the date of death. This significantly reduces capital gains taxes if the property is later sold. A certified appraisal is essential for supporting this value in IRS filings.
In estates with multiple heirs or real estate holdings, a professional appraisal offers an impartial valuation that can be relied on by all parties. It promotes transparency, prevents disputes, and supports legal property distribution or buyouts.
Trustees, executors, and attorneys have a legal duty to accurately report the value of estate assets. A Date of Death Appraisal ensures these responsibilities are fulfilled and properly documented for courts and financial institutions.
Burbank offers a wide variety of property types, including:
Single-family homes in neighborhoods like Magnolia Park, Media District, and Hillside
Duplexes, triplexes, and multi-family properties near downtown and Glenoaks Blvd
Custom hillside homes with expansive views in areas like Sunset Canyon
Historic bungalows and mid-century homes with preserved charm
Condos and townhomes close to shopping and entertainment hubs
Each submarket has its own pricing dynamics, and appraising accurately requires deep familiarity with Burbank zoning (R1, R2, R3), neighborhood desirability, and development trends.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and exterior property inspection (when accessible)
Retrospective analysis using comparable sales from the valuation date
Adjustments for size, location, condition, view, upgrades, and amenities
Parcel maps, assessor data, zoning confirmation, and high-resolution photographs
A final certified opinion of value in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
Our reports are accepted by the IRS, probate courts, CPAs, attorneys, and financial institutions throughout California.
Estate attorneys submitting probate filings
CPAs and tax professionals preparing IRS Form 706
Trustees and fiduciaries handling trust distributions
Heirs and beneficiaries managing inherited real estate
Real estate agents preparing properties for listing
Court-appointed administrators overseeing complex estates
We gather details including the property address, the date of death, and any access or timing considerations. Rush delivery is available upon request.
Our certified appraiser visits the property (when accessible) to document layout, finishes, condition, and any unique features. If interior access isn’t available, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisals using MLS, satellite, and public data.
We research comparable sales from the relevant time period in the surrounding Burbank area and adjust for key differences such as square footage, lot size, upgrades, and location.
Appraisal reports are delivered in five to seven business days, with 48-hour expedited options available. Final reports are issued as secure PDFs ready for legal and tax use.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and they can be completed months or years after the date of death using historical sales data.
Absolutely. Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and certified, making them fully accepted for legal and tax filings.
Yes. We offer bundle pricing and coordinated scheduling for estates with multiple real estate assets.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Los Angeles County, Pacific Home Appraisers offers extensive experience in probate, trust, and estate valuations. We understand the unique character of Burbank’s residential and investment markets, providing reliable, legally defensible valuations.
Deep expertise in residential and income-producing Burbank properties
Reports accepted by IRS, probate courts, CPAs, and attorneys
Certified, USPAP-compliant appraisals
Timely turnaround: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush available
Professional, discreet, and responsive service
If you’re managing an estate and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Burbank, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more.
We’re here to help you navigate the estate process with accuracy, professionalism, and trusted local expertise.