When a loved one passes away, families are left to manage not only emotional loss but also legal and financial responsibilities. One of the most important steps in settling an estate is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which determines the fair market value of real estate as of the exact date of the decedent’s passing. In an exclusive market like Hermosa Beach, where property values are influenced by walkability, beach access, lot size, and ocean views, a certified DOD appraisal is critical for estate tax filings, probate court compliance, and equitable distribution among heirs.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide professional, USPAP-compliant Date of Death appraisals throughout Hermosa Beach, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timely service for attorneys, trustees, CPAs, and families.
A Date of Death appraisal, or retrospective appraisal, estimates the fair market value of a property based on historical real estate market conditions as of the date the owner passed away. This valuation is essential for estate reporting, regardless of whether the property is held or sold.
In Hermosa Beach, where home values vary between neighborhoods like The Strand, Hermosa Hills, and East Hermosa, only a locally knowledgeable appraiser can capture the true market value during that specific period.
If the estate exceeds federal exemption thresholds, the IRS requires an official appraisal of real property. A DOD appraisal ensures accurate estate tax reporting and reduces the risk of audits or penalties.
A DOD appraisal legally documents the property’s stepped-up basis, adjusting the tax value to its market value at the time of death. This helps heirs minimize capital gains taxes if they choose to sell the property later.
When multiple heirs are involved, a neutral third-party appraisal ensures fair asset distribution, especially when one party retains the property while others receive cash.
Courts in Los Angeles County require a USPAP-compliant appraisal for probate filings and estate accountings. A certified DOD appraisal satisfies this legal requirement and supports proper estate management.
You will need a DOD appraisal if:
You’re the executor, trustee, or administrator of an estate
The estate includes real estate in Hermosa Beach
The property is being sold, refinanced, or transferred
A CPA or estate attorney requires a historical valuation
You're establishing a stepped-up basis for capital gains planning
The estate is being divided among multiple beneficiaries
Even if the home won’t be sold immediately, a DOD appraisal helps protect heirs and document value for legal and financial planning.
We assess square footage, condition, location, amenities, and lot characteristics. If a physical inspection isn’t possible, we rely on MLS data, public records, and archived photos to reconstruct the property’s condition at the time of death.
We identify comparable home sales in neighborhoods like The Sand Section, Valley, and Hill Section that occurred near the date of death, adjusting for differences in view, location, and improvements.
This standard method compares similar sales, adjusted for specific characteristics, to determine the property’s value as of the applicable date.
The report follows the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is suitable for submission to the IRS, courts, attorneys, and financial institutions.
In addition to Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers offers:
Divorce Appraisals – Fair, independent valuations for marital property division
Expert Witness Appraisals – Legal support and testimony in valuation disputes
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including refinancing, pre-listing, estate planning, gifting, or tax appeals
Each report is crafted with attention to your specific legal or financial needs.
With over 5,000 completed assignments, Pacific Home Appraisers combines extensive experience with deep knowledge of Hermosa Beach’s nuanced real estate market. Whether you're dealing with a Strand-front estate or a condo east of PCH, we provide accurate, timely, and defensible valuations.
We offer:
5–7 business day turnaround
Rush delivery available in 48 hours upon inspection
Responsive service and clear communication with your legal and financial team
Court- and IRS-compliant reporting
Yes. DOD appraisals are retrospective and can be completed at any time using market data from the appropriate period.
Yes. Even if the home is not being sold, the appraisal documents the stepped-up basis and supports proper estate or tax planning.
No. Assessed values are used for tax billing only and are not accepted by the IRS or probate courts. A certified appraisal is required.
If you're settling a trust, managing a probate case, or handling an estate in Hermosa Beach, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for accurate, compliant, and professional valuation services.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Tags: #HermosaBeachAppraiser #DateOfDeathAppraisal #EstateValuation #ProbateAppraisal #TrustAppraisal #DivorceAppraisal #RetrospectiveAppraisal #ExpertWitnessAppraiser #RealEstateAppraisalHermosaBeach #PacificHomeAppraisers