Van Nuys, located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, offers a wide range of real estate—from classic single-family homes to multifamily properties and commercial lots. When a property owner in Van Nuys passes away, their real estate is often one of the most valuable assets within the estate. In these situations, a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes essential to accurately determine the property’s value for legal, tax, and financial purposes.
Whether you're a family member, estate attorney, CPA, or fiduciary managing an estate in Van Nuys, understanding the importance of a Date of Death Appraisal can make a critical difference in how smoothly the estate is settled.
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. It is a retrospective appraisal, meaning it reflects market conditions and comparable sales data from that specific date, not the current market.
This appraisal is typically required for:
Probate court filings
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust and estate administration
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable distribution among beneficiaries
If the total value of an estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, the IRS requires a certified Date of Death Appraisal to verify real estate values. Van Nuys properties, especially multifamily units, renovated single-family homes, or mixed-use lots, can significantly impact the estate’s overall value. A certified appraisal ensures proper documentation for tax filings and reduces the risk of errors or penalties.
Inherited properties receive a stepped-up basis, which adjusts the taxable value to the fair market value at the time of death. This is vital for minimizing capital gains taxes if the property is later sold. A Date of Death Appraisal provides the supporting documentation for this basis and helps preserve more of the estate’s value for the heirs.
When multiple heirs or beneficiaries are involved, a neutral, certified appraisal helps ensure fairness in asset distribution. Whether the property is sold, retained, or used in a buyout arrangement, the appraisal provides a professional, unbiased opinion of value.
Attorneys, courts, and trustees require USPAP-compliant appraisals for probate or trust documentation. A Date of Death Appraisal ensures compliance with legal requirements and provides transparency throughout the estate process.
Van Nuys features a wide variety of properties across several neighborhoods with different valuation factors:
Lake Balboa and Chisholm Estates – Tree-lined streets with well-maintained single-family homes
Mid-Van Nuys – Multifamily units and mixed-use properties with income potential
Valley Glen and Erwin Street Corridor – Updated homes and redevelopment zones
East Van Nuys – High-density residential and light commercial areas
Vanowen and Victory Blvd Zones – Prime for investors and developers
Local expertise is critical for identifying relevant comparable sales and making appropriate adjustments based on zoning, lot size, rental income potential, and condition.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
A full interior and exterior inspection of the property (when accessible)
Historical sales data analysis from the decedent’s date of death
Comparable sales adjusted for features, square footage, location, and upgrades
Zoning details, parcel maps, assessor records, and high-resolution photos
Final certified opinion of value, delivered in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
These reports are accepted by courts, the IRS, attorneys, CPAs, and trustees.
Estate attorneys managing probate or trust administration
CPAs and tax professionals preparing IRS Form 706
Trustees and fiduciaries settling estates
Heirs and beneficiaries seeking documentation for inheritance
Real estate professionals handling inherited property listings
Courts and referees involved in contested estate matters
We begin by confirming the intended use, effective valuation date, and property access. We also assess your timeline and whether expedited service is needed.
Our appraiser conducts a thorough inspection of the home, documenting layout, upgrades, condition, and lot details. If access is not available due to legal or occupancy issues, we offer desktop or exterior-only appraisals with supporting documentation.
We select appropriate comparable sales from Van Nuys neighborhoods based on the property type, condition, and location at the date of death. Adjustments are made to reflect differences and ensure valuation accuracy.
Standard delivery time is five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available upon request. Reports are provided in secure PDF format and ready for legal, tax, or estate use.
Yes. These are known as retrospective appraisals and are often performed months or even years later. As long as historical sales data is available, we can complete an accurate report.
Absolutely. Our appraisals are certified and USPAP-compliant, making them fully acceptable for probate court and federal estate tax reporting.
Each property must be appraised separately. We offer bundled pricing and coordinated scheduling for multi-property estates.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Pacific Home Appraisers is trusted by legal professionals, CPAs, and families alike. Our deep knowledge of Van Nuys real estate, from single-family homes to investment properties, ensures you receive an accurate, court-ready appraisal.
Local expertise in Van Nuys neighborhoods and property types
Certified, USPAP-compliant reports accepted by courts and the IRS
Trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and estate professionals
Fast turnaround: 5–7 business days, with 48-hour rush service available
Professional, responsive, and confidential service
If you’re handling an estate and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Van Nuys, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today for accurate, timely, and legally compliant valuation services.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more.
We’re here to help you navigate the estate process with clarity, precision, and care.