Westwood, a premier neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles, is home to historic estates, luxury high-rise condominiums, and charming residential streets adjacent to world-renowned institutions like UCLA and the Los Angeles Country Club. Real estate in Westwood is among the most valuable in Los Angeles County. When a property owner in Westwood passes away, their home often comprises a significant portion of the estate. In such cases, a certified Date of Death Appraisal is essential for probate, tax filings, and fair asset distribution.
If you are an estate attorney, trustee, fiduciary, CPA, or heir managing an estate in Westwood, understanding the importance of a Date of Death Appraisal can help ensure the process is compliant, accurate, and smooth.
A Date of Death Appraisal is a certified real estate valuation that establishes the fair market value of a property as of the exact date the owner passed away. This is known as a retrospective appraisal, using market conditions and comparable sales that occurred at or near the date of death.
This appraisal is commonly required for:
Probate court proceedings
IRS estate tax returns (Form 706)
Trust and fiduciary accounting
Establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains
Equitable distribution of estate assets among beneficiaries
Westwood properties—especially those near Holmby Hills, the UCLA campus, or in high-rise buildings along Wilshire Boulevard—can command multi-million-dollar values. If the estate exceeds the federal exemption limit, the IRS requires a certified Date of Death Appraisal to substantiate the reported real estate value. A USPAP-compliant appraisal protects the estate from potential audit or penalties.
Heirs who inherit real estate benefit from a stepped-up basis, which resets the property's tax basis to its fair market value as of the date of death. This reduces capital gains taxes upon resale. A certified appraisal documents that value and provides critical support for tax filings.
A Date of Death Appraisal offers an objective, third-party valuation that ensures fairness among heirs. Whether the property is sold, retained, or included in a buyout, a certified value reduces the potential for conflict or dispute.
Probate courts, attorneys, and fiduciaries require professional appraisals for proper documentation and estate accounting. A Date of Death Appraisal meets all standards for fiduciary compliance and is accepted by courts and tax authorities.
Westwood features a blend of:
Single-family homes on quiet streets in the Westwood Hills and Little Holmby neighborhoods
Luxury condominiums and penthouses on the Wilshire Corridor
Student housing and investment properties near UCLA
Historic homes with architectural character near the Los Angeles Country Club
Market value in Westwood is influenced by proximity to cultural landmarks, floor level (in condos), view orientation, lot size, home condition, and walkability. Local knowledge is key to delivering accurate valuations in this dynamic neighborhood.
A certified appraisal from Pacific Home Appraisers includes:
A complete interior and exterior inspection (when access is available)
Retrospective market analysis using sales data from the time of death
Comparable sales research adjusted for size, upgrades, view, and location
Parcel maps, assessor records, photos, and zoning verification
A final certified opinion of value in a USPAP-compliant PDF report
These reports are accepted by attorneys, CPAs, probate courts, fiduciaries, and the IRS.
Estate attorneys preparing probate or trust documentation
CPAs and financial advisors managing IRS estate returns
Trustees and fiduciaries distributing or evaluating estate property
Heirs and beneficiaries seeking accurate value documentation
Real estate professionals listing inherited properties
Court-appointed representatives handling contested estates
We begin by reviewing the intended use of the appraisal, confirming the date of death, property access, and delivery timeline. We also offer rush services when needed.
Our certified appraiser inspects the property to document layout, upgrades, condition, and lot characteristics. If interior access is unavailable, we offer desktop or exterior-only alternatives using public data and MLS resources.
We select comparable sales near the date of death and adjust for relevant differences. Westwood’s condo buildings and single-family zones are carefully matched to ensure accurate valuation.
Our standard delivery is five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush service available. Reports are delivered securely in PDF format and prepared for legal and tax purposes.
Yes. These are retrospective appraisals, and we routinely complete them long after the date of passing, using historical market data to establish accurate value.
Absolutely. Our reports are USPAP-compliant and certified, accepted by all tax authorities, courts, and legal professionals.
Each property must be appraised individually. We offer bundle pricing and coordinated scheduling for multi-property estates.
With over 5,000 appraisals completed across Los Angeles, Pacific Home Appraisers is highly experienced in handling probate and trust-related valuations. Our team understands the nuances of Westwood’s single-family neighborhoods and high-rise condo market, ensuring that every appraisal is precise, timely, and defensible.
In-depth knowledge of Westwood's real estate market and architectural diversity
Trusted by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and courts
Certified, USPAP-compliant reports accepted for legal and tax use
Fast turnaround: five to seven business days, with 48-hour rush available
Responsive, discreet, and professional service
If you need a certified Date of Death Appraisal in Westwood, contact Pacific Home Appraisers today.
Call 818-880-1466 Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com to schedule your appraisal or learn more.
We are here to assist you with clarity, precision, and professionalism during every step of the estate process.