Westside Los Angeles is home to some of the most desirable and highest-value real estate in Southern California. From luxury residences in Brentwood and Holmby Hills to modern condos in Westwood and architectural homes in Cheviot Hills, properties in this area are frequently part of significant estates. When a property owner passes away, a certified Date of Death Appraisal becomes a vital component of the estate process—helping attorneys, fiduciaries, and heirs accurately assess and manage real property assets.
If you're involved in an estate or trust matter in Westside Los Angeles, understanding how a Date of Death Appraisal works and why it matters is essential to ensuring tax compliance, legal accuracy, and financial fairness.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified real estate valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the day the owner passed away. Unlike a current appraisal, this is a retrospective appraisal, using market conditions and comparable property sales from the time of death—not from the present day.
This type of appraisal is typically required for:
Probate and court filings
IRS estate tax reporting (Form 706)
Trust accounting and fiduciary administration
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains calculations
Equitable asset distribution among heirs or beneficiaries
High-end real estate in Westside Los Angeles often pushes estate values well over the federal tax exemption limit. Neighborhoods like Holmby Hills, Brentwood Park, and Little Holmby regularly feature homes valued in the multi-million-dollar range. A certified appraisal ensures that estate tax filings are accurate, legally compliant, and defensible in the event of an IRS review.
A stepped-up basis adjusts the property’s tax basis to reflect its market value at the date of death, significantly reducing capital gains liability for heirs who later sell the property. A certified Date of Death Appraisal is required to document this value and establish the appropriate tax basis.
When multiple heirs are involved, a third-party appraisal offers a neutral valuation that ensures fairness. Whether the property is sold or retained, the certified value supports transparency and reduces the risk of disputes.
Attorneys, trustees, and fiduciaries are held to strict legal and ethical standards. Probate courts and tax authorities require USPAP-compliant appraisals to verify real estate values in estate settlements. A certified Date of Death Appraisal satisfies these requirements.
Westside Los Angeles is a collection of elite neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics that influence property value. Notable areas include:
Brentwood – Large estates, gated communities, and high-end custom homes
Cheviot Hills – Quiet streets, character homes, and walkability to studios and parks
Westwood – A mix of luxury condos, family homes, and proximity to UCLA
Holmby Hills – Among the most exclusive enclaves in Los Angeles, with estate properties and celebrity ownership
Century City – High-rise living with resort-style amenities and a central location
Beverly Glen and Bel Air Adjacent – Canyon homes with views and privacy
Each neighborhood comes with its own pricing drivers, including lot size, view orientation, architecture, historical value, and zoning considerations. Accurate valuation requires hyper-local expertise.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
Full interior and exterior property inspection (when accessible)
Market analysis using comparable sales from the date of death
Adjustments for square footage, upgrades, lot features, views, and condition
Parcel maps, assessor records, zoning data, and high-resolution photos
A USPAP-compliant PDF report with a certified opinion of value
Our reports are legally accepted by probate courts, the IRS, attorneys, CPAs, and trustees.
Estate attorneys handling probate court filings
CPAs and tax professionals completing IRS estate tax returns
Trustees and fiduciaries managing trust distributions
Heirs and beneficiaries evaluating inherited real estate
Real estate agents preparing homes for estate sale
Court-appointed representatives resolving contested or complex estates
We begin by confirming the date of death, property access, purpose of the appraisal, and any time-sensitive requirements. We also offer rush delivery service if the situation demands it.
Our certified appraiser inspects the property, documenting layout, condition, upgrades, and distinguishing features. If interior access is unavailable, we offer desktop and exterior-only appraisal options based on public and historical records.
We identify similar property sales near the date of death and apply adjustments to reflect differences in size, amenities, lot configuration, and location nuances.
Standard turnaround is five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available. Reports are delivered in PDF format and suitable for submission to courts, legal teams, or tax professionals.
Yes. Retrospective appraisals are common and can be completed months or years after the date of passing, as long as historical sales data is available.
Absolutely. Our reports are USPAP-compliant and certified, meeting the standards for legal, tax, and fiduciary use.
Yes. Each property requires its own certified appraisal. We offer discounted rates and bundled scheduling for estates with multiple real estate assets.
With over 5,000 certified appraisals completed across Southern California, Pacific Home Appraisers is the trusted name in probate, trust, and estate appraisals. Our deep understanding of Westside Los Angeles real estate—from Brentwood to Century City—ensures accurate, timely, and court-ready valuations.
Extensive experience in luxury and estate-level residential properties
Trusted by IRS, courts, attorneys, and fiduciaries
Certified, USPAP-compliant reports accepted for all legal and tax purposes
Fast delivery: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush available
Professional, responsive, and confidential service throughout the process
If you're managing an estate and need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Westside Los Angeles, 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 clarity, accuracy, and professionalism—every step of the way.