Glendale, a vibrant city in Los Angeles County, is known for its tree-lined neighborhoods, hillside homes, luxury view estates, and thriving commercial districts. With real estate values ranging from charming bungalows in Adams Hill to multi-million-dollar properties in Chevy Chase Canyon, homes in Glendale are often among the most valuable assets in a decedent’s estate. In these cases, obtaining a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes essential for legal compliance, accurate tax reporting, and fair asset distribution.
Whether you're a trustee, estate attorney, CPA, or family member, this guide explains why a Date of Death Appraisal is necessary in Glendale and how it facilitates a smooth and responsible estate settlement process.
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 owner passed away. This is a retrospective appraisal, meaning the valuation is based on comparable sales and market conditions from that specific time—not the present day.
This type of appraisal is typically required for:
Probate filings
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust accounting and fiduciary duties
Establishing a stepped-up basis for tax purposes
Equitably distributing inherited real estate among heirs
If an estate exceeds the federal tax exemption limit, the IRS mandates a certified appraisal to verify the real estate’s value. In Glendale—especially in areas such as Rossmoyne, Oakmont, and Verdugo Woodlands—property values can significantly elevate the estate’s total worth. A certified Date of Death Appraisal ensures accurate documentation and minimizes the risk of disputes or penalties.
Inherited properties receive a stepped-up tax basis, meaning the property’s value is adjusted to its market value at the time of the decedent’s death. This adjustment helps reduce capital gains tax if the property is later sold. A certified appraisal documents this new value and protects the heirs from overpaying in taxes.
When multiple beneficiaries are involved, a certified appraisal provides a neutral, third-party opinion of value. This supports equitable decisions about selling, retaining, or dividing the property, helping prevent disputes and maintain transparency.
Trustees, fiduciaries, and probate attorneys must comply with legal standards when valuing estate assets. A USPAP-compliant Date of Death Appraisal ensures full legal compliance and supports the estate’s integrity in court or tax filings.
Glendale offers a diverse array of property types and neighborhoods, each with distinct valuation factors. These include:
Adams Hill and Glenoaks Canyon – Mid-century homes with hillside views
Chevy Chase Canyon and Oakmont – Luxury estates and gated golf course communities
Rossmoyne and Verdugo Woodlands – Historic homes on tree-lined streets with strong market demand
Downtown Glendale and Kenneth Village – Mixed-use areas with condos, income properties, and urban amenities
Montrose and La Crescenta Adjacent – Family-oriented neighborhoods with top-rated schools
An experienced local appraiser must be able to account for view orientation, historical value, lot size, zoning, and neighborhood appeal in Glendale’s diverse submarkets.
A certified Date of Death Appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
A full interior and exterior property inspection (when access is available)
Analysis of comparable sales from the time of death
Adjustments for square footage, condition, location, amenities, and upgrades
Assessor data, parcel maps, high-resolution photos, and zoning information
A final certified opinion of value, delivered in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
These reports are accepted by the IRS, probate courts, attorneys, CPAs, and trustees throughout California.
Estate attorneys handling probate filings
CPAs and financial advisors preparing IRS Form 706
Trustees and fiduciaries overseeing trust administration
Heirs and beneficiaries receiving or dividing inherited property
Real estate agents preparing the property for listing or sale
Court-appointed representatives managing contested or complex estates
We begin by confirming the effective valuation date (the date of death), the intended use of the appraisal, property access, and any deadlines. We also discuss whether rush service is required.
Our appraiser conducts a detailed inspection, noting layout, upgrades, condition, lot features, and any unique attributes that affect value. For properties with limited access, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisal options.
We research relevant sales near the date of death and make market-based adjustments to reflect the subject property’s characteristics. This ensures a credible and supportable valuation.
Appraisals are completed within five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush delivery available upon request. Reports are delivered securely in PDF format and are ready for legal or tax use.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we routinely complete them months or even years after the date of death. As long as historical data is available, we can accurately value the property for any specified date.
Absolutely. Our appraisals are certified and USPAP-compliant, making them legally valid for estate tax filings, probate court use, and trust accounting.
Yes. If the estate includes multiple properties, we offer bundle pricing and coordinated scheduling to complete all required reports efficiently.
With more than 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Pacific Home Appraisers brings unparalleled experience and local market knowledge to every assignment. Our familiarity with Glendale’s historic, hillside, and luxury neighborhoods allows us to provide precise, court-ready valuations that meet the highest professional standards.
Extensive experience with Glendale real estate across all neighborhoods
Trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and courts
USPAP-compliant, certified appraisal reports
Standard turnaround: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available
Professional, responsive, and discreet service throughout the process
If you are managing an estate and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Glendale, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more.
We’re here to support you with accuracy, clarity, and professionalism during every step of the estate process.