Manhattan Beach, a premier coastal city in Los Angeles County, is known for its oceanfront estates, luxury homes, and high-performing real estate market. From the Strand to the Hill Section, Manhattan Beach real estate is some of the most valuable in the country—often forming the core asset in a homeowner’s estate. When a property owner passes away, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate court filings, IRS estate tax reporting, and equitable asset distribution.
If you are an estate attorney, CPA, fiduciary, or heir managing an estate in Manhattan Beach, understanding the value of a Date of Death Appraisal ensures accurate reporting, legal compliance, and peace of mind.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a retrospective, certified valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the property owner passed away. Rather than using current prices, the appraisal reflects comparable sales and market trends that existed at the time of death.
These appraisals are typically required for:
Probate court documentation
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust and fiduciary accounting
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable distribution among heirs
With average home prices often exceeding several million dollars—particularly along The Strand, Sand Section, and Hill Section—estates in Manhattan Beach frequently surpass the federal estate tax exemption threshold. A USPAP-compliant certified appraisal is required to substantiate the reported value of real estate for the IRS and the probate court.
When a property is inherited, the stepped-up basis adjusts its tax value to the fair market value as of the date of death. This significantly reduces capital gains taxes if the property is later sold. A Date of Death Appraisal provides essential documentation to support this valuation.
Whether the estate involves multiple heirs or a single beneficiary, a certified appraisal delivers an unbiased, third-party opinion of value—ensuring fairness in estate division, buyouts, or liquidation.
Attorneys, trustees, and estate executors are required to accurately value and disclose estate assets. A certified appraisal provides the documentation needed to fulfill these legal and financial obligations.
Manhattan Beach features a variety of luxury and coastal property types, including:
The Strand – Oceanfront estates with panoramic views and direct beach access
Hill Section – Large lots, city and ocean views, and custom luxury homes
Sand Section – High-density, high-value homes with walkable beach lifestyle
Tree Section – Quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods with traditional homes
East Manhattan Beach – Larger tracts and newer developments with yard space
Each area commands different premiums based on location, lot size, view, proximity to the beach, and zoning. Expert local knowledge is required to accurately appraise real estate in this high-value coastal market.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
A full interior and exterior property inspection (when accessible)
Retrospective analysis of comparable sales near the date of death
Adjustments for view, location, lot size, condition, and architectural style
Parcel maps, assessor data, photographs, and zoning verification
A final certified opinion of value in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
Our reports are accepted by probate courts, the IRS, CPAs, attorneys, and fiduciaries throughout California.
Estate attorneys handling probate filings
CPAs and tax professionals preparing Form 706 estate returns
Trustees and fiduciaries managing property and trust assets
Heirs and beneficiaries evaluating inherited real estate
Real estate agents assisting with estate property listings
Court-appointed representatives managing high-value estates
We confirm the effective date of the appraisal (date of death), the purpose of the report, and access requirements. Rush delivery service is available for time-sensitive deadlines.
Our certified appraiser inspects the interior and exterior (if accessible), documenting layout, upgrades, finishes, views, and structural details. Desktop or exterior-only appraisals are available if interior access is not possible.
We identify and analyze sales of similar Manhattan Beach properties from the time of death and adjust for location, design, view, and lot configuration to establish fair market value.
Standard turnaround is five to seven business days, with 48-hour expedited delivery available. Reports are delivered in secure PDF format and are fully prepared for tax and legal use.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we regularly complete them even years after the date of passing using historical market data.
Absolutely. Our reports are USPAP-compliant and certified, accepted by legal and financial authorities throughout California.
Yes. We offer bundle pricing and coordinated scheduling for multi-property estate assignments.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers brings a wealth of experience in luxury, oceanfront, and high-value real estate. We understand the complexities of Manhattan Beach’s premium market segments, delivering precise, legally defensible appraisals.
Deep expertise in coastal, luxury, and custom home valuation
Reports accepted by IRS, probate courts, attorneys, and fiduciaries
Certified, USPAP-compliant appraisals with fast, accurate results
Turnaround time: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush available
Confidential, detail-oriented, and professional service
If you're handling an estate in Manhattan Beach 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 provide clarity, compliance, and trusted valuation expertise through every step of the estate process.