Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Century City
Settling an estate after the passing of a loved one involves many legal and financial responsibilities, and one of the most essential steps is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal. This certified valuation determines the fair market value of real property as of the decedent’s date of passing. In a high-value market like Century City, where real estate includes luxury high-rises, modern condominiums, and investment properties, a DOD appraisal is critical for IRS filings, probate court documentation, and equitable asset distribution.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide professional, timely, and accurate Date of Death appraisals throughout Century City and the broader West Los Angeles area—trusted by attorneys, CPAs, trustees, and families.
A Date of Death appraisal (also known as a retrospective appraisal) estimates a property’s value based on market conditions at the time the property owner passed away, not on current values. This type of appraisal uses comparable sales from the relevant period and supports estate tax filings and legal proceedings.
In Century City, with luxury properties like those in The Century, Century Towers, and Century Plaza Residences, precise valuation requires an expert familiar with local inventory and building-specific amenities.
If an estate exceeds federal tax exemption limits, the IRS requires a certified valuation of all real estate holdings. A DOD appraisal ensures your estate tax filings are accurate, minimizing legal risk.
When property is inherited, its tax basis is adjusted—or “stepped up”—to its value on the date of death. A DOD appraisal documents this new basis, helping reduce capital gains taxes if the property is sold in the future.
A DOD appraisal provides a neutral, third-party valuation to ensure fairness when multiple beneficiaries are involved—especially when one heir retains the property and others seek financial compensation.
Los Angeles County probate courts require a USPAP-compliant appraisal for real estate included in estate inventories and trust filings. A DOD appraisal supports proper reporting and legal distribution of property.
A Date of Death appraisal is required when:
You’re the executor, trustee, or administrator of an estate
The property is included in a probate or living trust
The estate is being managed with help from a CPA or estate attorney
The property will be sold, refinanced, or distributed among heirs
You are preparing to file IRS Form 706 for estate tax purposes
You need to establish a stepped-up basis for future tax planning
Even if no immediate transaction is planned, the appraisal ensures legal and financial clarity for all parties involved.
We assess the property’s size, condition, upgrades, view, floor level (for condos), amenities, and location. For buildings like Century Park East or Ten Thousand, factors such as HOA fees, concierge service, and on-site amenities are also considered.
The appraiser researches comparable sales from around the date of death, using similar units or properties within the same building or neighborhood.
We adjust for differences in floor plan, view, size, or upgrades to determine the subject property's market value as of the date of death.
We deliver a Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)-compliant report, accepted by probate courts, the IRS, CPAs, and legal professionals.
In addition to Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers offers:
Divorce Appraisals – Certified valuations for equitable property division
Expert Witness Appraisals – Litigation support and court testimony for value disputes
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including refinancing, pre-listing, estate planning, gifting, and property tax appeals
Every report is customized to your specific legal or financial needs.
Century City real estate is unique. With its concentration of high-rise luxury buildings, market value depends on much more than just square footage—it also includes amenities, location within the building, views, and exclusivity.
With over 5,000 appraisal assignments completed, Pacific Home Appraisers delivers expertise, reliability, and court-ready reports trusted throughout Los Angeles.
We offer:
Turnaround within 5–7 business days
Rush delivery in 48 hours upon inspection
Friendly, responsive service
Certified reports accepted by the IRS, courts, and estate professionals
Yes. Retrospective appraisals can be completed using historical sales data, even years after the date of death.
Yes. It’s still needed to document the stepped-up basis and satisfy IRS and probate requirements.
No. Assessor values are not market-based and are not accepted for estate tax or court filings. A certified appraisal is required.
If you're settling a probate, managing a trust, or preparing an estate in Century City, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for timely, certified, and professional valuation services.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
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