As one of the most diverse and valuable real estate markets in the world, Los Angeles offers everything from luxury estates in Bel Air to historic craftsman homes in Echo Park, beachfront condos in Venice, and multifamily investment properties in Koreatown. When a homeowner in Los Angeles passes away, their property often represents a substantial portion of the estate. In such situations, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for accurate estate valuation, legal compliance, and financial clarity.
Whether you're an estate attorney, trustee, CPA, or beneficiary, this guide explains the importance of a Date of Death Appraisal in Los Angeles and how it helps ensure smooth and responsible 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 date the owner passed away. This is a retrospective appraisal, based on comparable sales and market conditions from that specific date rather than the current market.
This type of appraisal is required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust and fiduciary reporting
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable distribution of real estate assets among heirs
If an estate’s total value exceeds federal tax exemption thresholds, the IRS requires a certified appraisal to document real estate values. In Los Angeles—where properties in areas like Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Beverly Hills can exceed $10 million—a professional appraisal ensures accurate tax filing and reduces the risk of penalties or audit.
Inherited properties are eligible for a stepped-up tax basis, which resets the value to fair market value at the date of death. This is critical for reducing future capital gains tax. A Date of Death Appraisal provides the documentation necessary to support this new basis.
When multiple heirs are involved, a certified appraisal offers a neutral, third-party opinion of value. Whether the property is sold, retained, or part of a buyout agreement, an appraisal ensures equitable treatment of all beneficiaries.
Probate courts, attorneys, and trustees require USPAP-compliant appraisals to fulfill legal responsibilities. A Date of Death Appraisal meets this standard and supports estate accounting, court reporting, and fiduciary obligations.
Los Angeles is a patchwork of neighborhoods, each with its own market trends and valuation dynamics. Key neighborhoods include:
Hollywood Hills and Bel Air – Iconic view estates and luxury hillside homes
Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Westwood – High-end suburban enclaves
Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Highland Park – Character homes and artistic communities
Venice and Marina del Rey – Coastal residences and canal-front homes
Koreatown, Mid-City, and East LA – Multifamily investment properties and culturally rich areas
San Fernando Valley – Suburban communities ranging from Sherman Oaks to Northridge
Local market knowledge is essential to account for view premiums, zoning nuances, architectural styles, and neighborhood trends.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and exterior property inspection (when accessible)
Historical market analysis based on sales near the date of death
Adjustments for square footage, condition, view, lot size, and improvements
Parcel maps, zoning data, assessor records, and photographs
A final certified opinion of value, delivered in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
Our appraisals are accepted by probate courts, the IRS, attorneys, CPAs, and estate professionals throughout California.
Estate attorneys preparing probate filings
CPAs and tax professionals completing IRS Form 706
Trustees and fiduciaries overseeing asset distribution
Heirs and beneficiaries managing inherited real estate
Real estate agents preparing estate homes for sale
Court-appointed representatives managing complex or contested estates
We begin by confirming the effective date of value (date of death), property access, appraisal purpose, and delivery timeline. Rush service is also available if needed.
Our appraiser conducts a full inspection, noting layout, upgrades, condition, and location attributes. If access is limited, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisals using MLS history and public data.
We analyze sales of similar properties from the same neighborhood and time frame. Adjustments are made to reflect unique features of the subject property and ensure accuracy.
Final reports are delivered in five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available upon request. Reports are formatted for submission to courts, attorneys, and the IRS.
Yes. Retrospective appraisals are frequently completed months or years after the date of death, as long as reliable data from that time period is available.
Absolutely. Our reports are certified and USPAP-compliant, meeting the standards required for probate proceedings, estate tax filings, and trust accounting.
Yes. Each property must be appraised individually. We offer bundle pricing and coordinated inspections for multiple assets.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers is a trusted resource for estate-related real estate valuation. Our deep knowledge of Los Angeles’s diverse market—from the coast to the canyons—ensures your appraisal is accurate, timely, and legally defensible.
Extensive experience in luxury, suburban, and investment property markets
Reports accepted by IRS, probate courts, attorneys, and CPAs
Certified, USPAP-compliant reports with professional formatting
Fast turnaround: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available
Discreet, responsive, and personalized service
If you’re managing an estate and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Los Angeles, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to learn more or schedule your appraisal.
We’re here to support you with clarity, professionalism, and accurate reporting at every step of the estate process.