Costa Mesa, located in the heart of Orange County, offers a dynamic mix of residential neighborhoods, cultural districts, and coastal proximity. From mid-century homes in Eastside Costa Mesa to custom-built properties in Mesa Verde and investment units near South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa real estate plays a central role in many estate portfolios. When a homeowner passes away, obtaining a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes a critical step in fulfilling legal, tax, and fiduciary responsibilities.
If you are a CPA, estate attorney, trustee, or heir managing real estate in Costa Mesa, understanding the value and process of a Date of Death Appraisal ensures accurate reporting, legal compliance, and a smooth estate settlement.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified real estate valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the property owner passed away. It is a retrospective appraisal, using comparable sales and market data from the time of death—not current market values.
This type of appraisal is often required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust and fiduciary accounting
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable division of real estate among beneficiaries
With Costa Mesa home values climbing due to its proximity to the coast and economic centers like Irvine and Newport Beach, many estates exceed federal estate tax thresholds. A USPAP-compliant certified appraisal is required to substantiate reported values on IRS Form 706 and probate filings, reducing the risk of audits or delays.
When property is inherited, the stepped-up basis allows the tax basis to be reset to the fair market value at the time of death. This significantly lowers capital gains taxes if the property is later sold. A Date of Death Appraisal is critical for documenting this adjusted value.
Whether the estate has one beneficiary or several, a certified appraisal ensures the property is fairly valued, providing clarity during asset division, buyouts, or sales. It reduces potential disputes and strengthens fiduciary transparency.
Executors, attorneys, and trustees are legally obligated to report property values accurately and fairly. A certified appraisal provides a defensible valuation and fulfills these obligations under California law.
Costa Mesa includes a wide range of residential property types:
Eastside Costa Mesa – Traditional homes and high-end remodels near Newport Beach
Mesa Verde – Golf-course homes and larger custom lots
College Park and Halecrest – Mid-century suburban tracts with steady appreciation
Westside and Downtown – Mixed-use properties, duplexes, and rental units
South Coast Metro – Condos and townhomes near arts, dining, and commerce
Appraising in Costa Mesa requires deep local knowledge due to the city’s evolving development, zoning variances, and mix of property types across its neighborhoods.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and exterior inspection (when accessible)
Retrospective analysis using comparable sales from the time of death
Adjustments for condition, lot size, upgrades, views, and location
Assessor records, parcel maps, zoning and land use review, and photographs
Final certified opinion of value in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
Our appraisals are accepted by the IRS, probate courts, attorneys, CPAs, and estate professionals throughout California.
Estate attorneys filing for probate
CPAs and tax professionals preparing IRS estate returns
Trustees and fiduciaries managing property divisions
Heirs and beneficiaries planning real estate transfers or sales
Real estate agents listing inherited homes for sale
Court-appointed administrators handling complex estates
We begin by confirming the date of death, intended use of the appraisal, access logistics, and timing needs. Rush service is available if required.
Our certified appraiser inspects the interior and exterior (when accessible), noting key features, condition, upgrades, and location influences. For inaccessible properties, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisal options.
We research comparable sales from the relevant period in the appropriate Costa Mesa submarket and adjust based on square footage, lot size, design, amenities, and condition to ensure a reliable valuation.
Reports are completed within five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush delivery available. Appraisals are delivered in secure PDF format and are ready for legal, tax, or fiduciary submission.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we can complete them even years after the date of death using historical market data.
Yes. Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and certified, meeting all documentation requirements for tax and legal filings.
Yes. We offer bundle pricing and coordinated scheduling for estates with multiple real estate holdings.
With over 5,000 appraisals completed across Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted resource for accurate, timely, and defensible valuations. We understand Costa Mesa’s diverse neighborhoods, zoning differences, and high-demand real estate dynamics, ensuring each report reflects true market value.
Experience with residential, rental, and investment properties
Reports accepted by IRS, probate courts, attorneys, and CPAs
Certified, USPAP-compliant appraisals tailored to estate needs
Timely delivery: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush available
Confidential, professional, and responsive service
If you’re managing an estate in Costa Mesa and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more.
We’re here to guide you with expertise, care, and precision throughout your estate settlement process.