Century City, located in the heart of West Los Angeles, is synonymous with luxury living and upscale high-rise residences. Known for iconic properties like The Century, Century Plaza, and Le Parc, real estate in Century City represents some of the most prestigious and valuable holdings in Southern California. When a property owner in this exclusive neighborhood passes away, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is not just beneficial—it is often required for probate proceedings, tax filings, and equitable estate settlement.
If you're an estate attorney, trustee, fiduciary, CPA, or beneficiary managing real estate in Century City, understanding how a Date of Death Appraisal works—and why it’s essential—can help ensure smooth, accurate, and compliant estate administration.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified real estate valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the exact date the property owner passed away. This is a retrospective appraisal, meaning it is based on market data and comparable sales that occurred around the date of death, not the current market value.
This type of appraisal is necessary for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust accounting and fiduciary compliance
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains tax
Fair distribution of real estate among heirs
Properties in Century City—especially those in towers like The Century or Ten Thousand—can exceed several million dollars in value. If the estate’s total worth surpasses the federal exemption threshold, the IRS requires a certified, USPAP-compliant appraisal to verify the property’s value. Accurate documentation helps prevent penalties and supports a smooth audit process if necessary.
The stepped-up basis resets the taxable value of the property to its fair market value as of the date of death. This adjustment helps heirs minimize or eliminate capital gains taxes when the property is sold. A Date of Death Appraisal provides essential evidence of that value for tax and estate planning purposes.
A certified appraisal offers an unbiased valuation that can be used to divide estate assets fairly among beneficiaries. Whether one heir retains the property or it is sold and proceeds are split, the appraisal ensures transparency and reduces the risk of disputes.
Fiduciaries and legal representatives are held to strict standards. Probate courts and the IRS require a USPAP-compliant appraisal report to validate property value as part of the estate settlement. A Date of Death Appraisal fulfills this obligation.
Century City is home to some of Los Angeles’s most luxurious high-rise and mid-rise residences, including:
The Century – Ultra-luxury tower with panoramic views and white-glove services
Ten Thousand – High-rise living with five-star resort amenities
Le Parc – European-style gated community with manicured gardens and security
Century Towers – Historic twin towers designed by I.M. Pei with golf course views
Park Place – Full-service gated complex with pools, tennis courts, and concierge
Each building has unique pricing dynamics, influenced by unit location (floor level and orientation), square footage, views, finishes, amenities, and HOA fees. These variables must be carefully analyzed by an experienced local appraiser.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full inspection of the property (if accessible)
Retrospective market analysis using comparable sales from the valuation date
Adjustments based on unit size, upgrades, location within the building, and view exposure
Parcel data, HOA documentation, assessor records, photos, and zoning verification
A final certified opinion of value in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
Our appraisals are accepted by courts, the IRS, attorneys, CPAs, and fiduciaries throughout California.
Estate attorneys managing probate or trust administration
CPAs and tax professionals filing IRS Form 706
Trustees and fiduciaries responsible for estate valuation
Heirs and beneficiaries handling property transfers or buyouts
Real estate professionals preparing inherited properties for sale
Court-appointed representatives managing contested estates
We begin with a consultation to determine the date of death, intended use of the appraisal, report deadline, and access arrangements. We also offer 48-hour rush service upon request.
If access is available, our appraiser conducts a detailed walk-through of the unit, documenting layout, condition, upgrades, and views. If access is restricted, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisals using MLS history and public records.
We analyze comparable unit sales from the same or similar buildings around the date of death. Adjustments are made to reflect relevant differences in size, condition, floor level, view, and amenities.
We deliver the certified appraisal within five to seven business days, with a rush option available in 48 hours. The final report is delivered in secure PDF format, ready for legal and tax submission.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we regularly complete them months or even years after the date of death, using reliable historical sales data.
Absolutely. All of our reports are USPAP-compliant and certified, meeting the standards required by courts, fiduciaries, and the IRS.
Yes. Each property must be appraised individually. We offer bundled pricing and coordinated scheduling for estates with multiple real estate holdings.
With more than 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Pacific Home Appraisers brings unmatched expertise in luxury and high-rise properties. Our deep understanding of Century City’s real estate market ensures every appraisal is accurate, compliant, and defensible.
In-depth experience with Century City’s most prestigious buildings
Trusted by attorneys, CPAs, courts, and fiduciaries
Certified, USPAP-compliant appraisal reports
Fast delivery: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available
Professional, responsive, and discreet service
If you need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Century City, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to learn more or schedule your appraisal.
We are here to provide the accuracy, professionalism, and peace of mind you need during every step of the estate process.