Losing a loved one is never easy, and handling their estate adds another layer of responsibility. One of the most essential steps in settling an estate is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which determines the market value of real property as of the date the decedent passed away. In a dynamic real estate market like Glendale, where property values range from cozy bungalows in Adams Hill to luxury estates in Oakmont Country Club, a DOD appraisal ensures compliance with probate court, IRS filings, and equitable asset distribution.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide certified, accurate, and timely Date of Death appraisals throughout Glendale, supporting families, attorneys, CPAs, and trustees with professionalism and local expertise.
A Date of Death appraisal—also referred to as a retrospective appraisal—provides the fair market value of a property based on market conditions at the time of the owner's death, not current values. It uses historical comparable sales and detailed analysis to reflect the true value as of that specific date.
In Glendale, where real estate can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next—such as Rossmoyne, Chevy Chase Canyon, Verdugo Woodlands, and Downtown Glendale—local market insight is essential for an accurate valuation.
If the estate exceeds federal exemption thresholds, the IRS requires a certified appraisal for real estate holdings. A DOD appraisal ensures proper tax filing and helps reduce the risk of IRS scrutiny or penalties.
When heirs inherit real estate, the property's tax basis is adjusted (or "stepped up") to its market value on the date of death. This adjustment can significantly reduce capital gains tax when the property is sold. A DOD appraisal documents that value.
If an estate includes multiple beneficiaries, a professional third-party appraisal ensures an unbiased and equitable division of real estate assets, which can help avoid conflict and protect all parties involved.
Los Angeles County courts require a USPAP-compliant appraisal as part of probate or trust filings. A DOD appraisal satisfies this requirement and supports accurate asset reporting and distribution.
A DOD appraisal is necessary when:
You’re the executor, administrator, or trustee of an estate
The estate includes real property in Glendale
The property will be transferred, sold, or gifted
You're working with a CPA or estate attorney for tax reporting
You need to establish a stepped-up basis
Multiple heirs or beneficiaries are involved in the estate
Probate court filings require a certified property valuation
We assess the property’s features, location, square footage, upgrades, and condition. If the property is inaccessible, we use MLS data, photographs, public records, and past listings to complete the evaluation.
We research comparable sales from the time of the decedent’s passing, selecting homes that closely match the subject property and adjusting for relevant differences. Glendale’s neighborhoods—such as Glenoaks Canyon, Montrose, or Kenneth Village—provide valuable comparable sales for accurate analysis.
This industry-standard method estimates value based on adjusted comparable sales, ensuring a reliable market-supported result.
The final report adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is accepted by probate courts, the IRS, attorneys, and financial institutions.
In addition to Date of Death valuations, Pacific Home Appraisers offers:
Divorce Appraisals – Objective property valuations for equitable marital property division
Expert Witness Services – Certified reports and testimony for valuation disputes in court
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including refinancing, pre-listing, trust updates, gifting, and property tax appeal cases
We tailor every report to your specific situation, ensuring clarity, compliance, and accuracy.
Glendale’s housing market is diverse—offering everything from historic properties to contemporary new builds. With over 5,000 appraisals completed, Pacific Home Appraisers understands the nuances of Glendale neighborhoods and provides valuations you can trust.
We offer:
5–7 day turnaround time
Rush service available in 48 hours upon inspection
Court- and IRS-compliant appraisal reports
Professional support for families, attorneys, and CPAs
Yes. Retrospective appraisals can be completed months or even years after the death using historical sales data from that period.
Yes. A DOD appraisal documents the stepped-up tax basis, supports estate tax filings, and may be required by the probate court.
No. Assessor values are for property taxes and often undervalue the property. A certified appraisal is required for estate, tax, and legal purposes.
If you're handling a probate case, trust, or estate in Glendale, let Pacific Home Appraisers provide the accuracy, professionalism, and experience your situation demands.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
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