When a loved one passes away, one of the most important steps in settling their estate is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal—a certified valuation of real property based on its market value as of the date the decedent passed. In a dynamic coastal city like Huntington Beach, where real estate values vary from luxury oceanfront homes to suburban residences inland, a DOD appraisal is critical for estate tax filings, probate court compliance, and equitable division of assets.
Pacific Home Appraisers provides professional, court-ready Date of Death appraisals across Huntington Beach, trusted by families, attorneys, CPAs, and estate representatives for timely and accurate valuation services.
A Date of Death appraisal, also referred to as a retrospective appraisal, establishes a property's fair market value as of the day the property owner passed away. Instead of today’s market data, it uses comparable sales from that specific period, making it a crucial tool for probate, tax, and legal purposes.
From Huntington Harbour and Downtown Huntington Beach to SeaCliff and Beachwalk, each neighborhood carries unique value drivers—making local appraisal expertise essential.
If the estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, the IRS mandates a certified property valuation. A DOD appraisal ensures your estate tax filings are accurate and reduces the risk of legal or financial complications.
Heirs benefit from a step-up in basis, which adjusts the home’s taxable value to its market value on the date of death. This helps minimize capital gains tax when the property is sold later. A DOD appraisal documents this value for tax protection.
In estates with multiple beneficiaries, a neutral, third-party appraisal ensures the real property is divided fairly—especially when one heir wants to retain the home while others receive financial compensation.
Orange County probate courts require a USPAP-compliant appraisal to validate the estate’s real estate assets. A certified DOD appraisal ensures the value is documented correctly for court, trust, or legal use.
You’ll need a DOD appraisal if:
You are the executor, trustee, or administrator of an estate
The property is included in a probate or trust
A CPA or estate attorney requests a retrospective valuation
You need to establish a stepped-up basis for tax planning
The property will be sold, refinanced, or distributed among heirs
You’re filing IRS Form 706 or completing estate inventory forms
We assess the home’s location, lot size, features, upgrades, and condition. If physical access is unavailable, we use public records, prior MLS listings, and aerial imagery to reconstruct the home's profile at the time of death.
We identify comparable properties that sold near the date of death in similar neighborhoods like Huntington Harbour, Seacliff, Surfside Colony, or Downtown Huntington.
This standard valuation method compares the subject home to similar past sales, adjusting for differences to determine an accurate value as of the date of passing.
Our appraisals meet the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and are accepted by courts, the IRS, attorneys, and financial institutions.
Beyond Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers also provides:
Divorce Appraisals – Independent valuations for equitable property division
Expert Witness Testimony – Defensible reports and court testimony in value disputes
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Pre-listing, refinancing, trust updates, estate planning, gifting, and tax appeals
We tailor each report to your needs, delivering clarity, compliance, and credibility.
From ocean-view homes along Pacific Coast Highway to townhomes near Central Park, Huntington Beach real estate requires careful analysis of neighborhood trends and property-specific features. With over 5,000 appraisals completed, Pacific Home Appraisers brings years of experience and detailed local knowledge to every assignment.
We offer:
5–7 business day report turnaround
48-hour rush delivery upon inspection available
Trusted service for CPAs, attorneys, trustees, and families
Fully certified, court-ready, and IRS-acceptable reports
Yes. DOD appraisals are retrospective and can be conducted using historical market data, even years later.
Yes. It’s still needed to document the stepped-up basis and support probate or trust filings.
No. Assessed values are not market-based and are not accepted by the IRS or courts. A certified appraisal is required.
If you're managing a trust, estate, or probate in Huntington Beach, count on Pacific Home Appraisers for accurate, timely, and professional real estate valuations.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Tags: #HuntingtonBeachAppraiser #DateOfDeathAppraisal #EstateValuation #ProbateAppraisal #TrustAppraisal #RetrospectiveAppraisal #DivorceAppraisal #ExpertWitnessAppraiser #RealEstateAppraisalHuntingtonBeach #PacificHomeAppraisers