Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Los Angeles
Settling the estate of a loved one involves both emotional challenges and important legal steps. A key part of this process is securing a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which determines the fair market value of real estate as of the date the decedent passed away. In a vast and diverse market like Los Angeles, where property values vary significantly from Brentwood to Boyle Heights, a certified and locally experienced appraiser is essential for accurate reporting, tax filings, and legal compliance.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide certified, USPAP-compliant Date of Death appraisals across Los Angeles County, supporting attorneys, CPAs, families, and trustees with timely, professional valuation services.
A Date of Death appraisal, also known as a retrospective appraisal, is a formal report that estimates a property’s value as of the date of the owner’s death. This valuation is based on market conditions and comparable sales from that specific period—not the current market.
Los Angeles presents a uniquely complex real estate landscape, including beachside homes in Venice, hillside estates in Hollywood Hills, mid-century homes in the Valley, and luxury penthouses downtown—each requiring hyper-local valuation expertise.
If the estate’s total value exceeds the federal exemption limit, the IRS requires certified appraisals of all real estate holdings. A DOD appraisal ensures your tax filings are accurate and protects you from penalties or audit exposure.
When heirs inherit property, a step-up in tax basis allows them to reduce future capital gains by adjusting the property’s tax value to its market value on the date of death. A DOD appraisal formally documents this value for IRS and tax planning purposes.
In cases with multiple beneficiaries, a neutral, third-party appraisal ensures that the real estate component of the estate is divided fairly—whether one heir keeps the property or it’s sold to divide proceeds.
Los Angeles County probate courts require a USPAP-compliant appraisal to document real estate values in estate inventories and accountings. A DOD appraisal fulfills this legal requirement and supports trust administration and final settlement.
You’ll need a Date of Death appraisal if:
You are the executor, administrator, or trustee of an estate
The estate includes real property in Los Angeles
You are working with a CPA or estate attorney on tax filings
The property will be sold, gifted, or transferred
The estate involves multiple heirs or beneficiaries
You need to establish a stepped-up tax basis
Even if the property isn’t for sale, a DOD appraisal ensures compliance, transparency, and financial accuracy.
We gather all relevant property data—square footage, location, features, condition, zoning, and improvements. If access isn’t possible, we use MLS records, archived photos, and public data sources.
We identify and analyze comparable property sales from the date of death. In Los Angeles, these comps may come from Beverly Hills, Silver Lake, Larchmont, West Adams, Encino, or many other distinct submarkets.
This method adjusts for differences between the subject property and similar homes to arrive at a supportable market value.
We provide a detailed report that adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), accepted by courts, the IRS, and financial institutions.
In addition to Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers provides:
Divorce Appraisals – Objective property valuations for equitable division
Expert Witness Services – Court testimony and litigation support for real estate disputes
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including pre-listing, refinancing, estate planning, gifting, and tax appeals
We customize every report to meet your legal and financial needs.
With over 5,000 completed assignments, Pacific Home Appraisers has deep experience navigating Los Angeles’s diverse and competitive real estate markets. From Pacific Palisades to Koreatown, and from Downtown LA to the San Fernando Valley, we understand the market factors that influence property value.
We offer:
Standard delivery in 5–7 business days
Rush service within 48 hours available upon inspection
Professional communication with attorneys, CPAs, and families
Clear, defensible reports for legal and tax purposes
Yes. We use historical sales data from the relevant date to create an accurate retrospective appraisal, regardless of how much time has passed.
Yes. Even if the home isn’t being sold, the appraisal is needed to document the stepped-up basis and satisfy probate or tax requirements.
No. Assessed values are for property tax purposes and are typically much lower than market value. They are not accepted by courts or the IRS in place of a certified appraisal.
If you’re managing a probate case, trust, or estate in Los Angeles, trust Pacific Home Appraisers for accurate, timely, and court-ready valuation services.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Tags: #LosAngelesAppraiser #DateOfDeathAppraisal #EstateValuation #ProbateAppraisal #TrustAppraisal #RetrospectiveAppraisal #DivorceAppraisal #ExpertWitnessAppraiser #RealEstateAppraisalLosAngeles #PacificHomeAppraisers