Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Pacific Palisades
Settling the estate of a loved one in Pacific Palisades comes with emotional challenges—and critical responsibilities. One of the most important steps during this process is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal. This retrospective valuation determines the fair market value of the property as of the date the decedent passed away and is essential for estate tax filings, probate court documentation, and equitable distribution among heirs.
Whether the property is a luxury estate in the Riviera, a coastal home in Castellammare, or a private retreat in Rustic Canyon, Pacific Home Appraisers offers expert valuation services tailored to the high-value and complex nature of Pacific Palisades real estate.
A Date of Death appraisal, also called a retrospective appraisal, is a professional estimate of the property's market value as of the exact date of a person’s passing. Rather than using today’s market conditions, this appraisal reflects values based on historic data and comparable sales from that specific period.
In upscale areas like Pacific Palisades, this type of appraisal must be performed by a professional with local expertise who understands how location, views, lot size, and architecture influence value.
The IRS requires an accurate, certified real estate valuation for estate tax purposes when a property owner passes. If the estate exceeds the federal exemption limit, an official Date of Death appraisal helps determine tax obligations and supports filings.
When a property is inherited, its tax basis is adjusted to its value on the date of death. This step-up can drastically reduce capital gains tax if the property is sold later. Without a qualified appraisal, heirs could face financial and legal consequences.
An unbiased, third-party appraisal ensures that all beneficiaries receive their fair share of the estate—especially in cases where the real estate is the largest asset. It’s a critical document when one heir wants to keep the home while others need to be compensated.
Courts in Los Angeles County often require a USPAP-compliant Date of Death appraisal to validate the value of estate property. Whether in probate or trust administration, this valuation plays a central role in the legal process.
A DOD appraisal is necessary when:
You’re managing a probate or trust estate
The estate involves real estate subject to tax reporting
The property will be sold, refinanced, or transferred
Multiple heirs or beneficiaries are involved
You need to establish a stepped-up tax basis for capital gains
An attorney, CPA, or court requests an official value
An appraiser collects information about the home’s size, amenities, condition, and improvements. If access is not possible, public records, listing history, and photos are used.
The appraiser analyzes comparable sales that occurred around the date of death—typically 90 days before and after—to determine market trends at that point in time.
This method adjusts for differences between the subject property and comparable sales to determine the home’s value as of the retrospective date.
The final appraisal report is prepared in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is suitable for submission to probate courts, CPAs, and the IRS.
While Date of Death appraisals are a core service, Pacific Home Appraisers also offers a wide range of real estate valuation services in Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities, including:
Divorce Appraisals – Equitable valuations for marital property division
Expert Witness & Litigation Support – Court-ready appraisals and testimony in disputed real estate cases
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Refinance, pre-listing, insurance, gifting, tax appeal, portfolio management, and more
Our team understands that every appraisal has a unique purpose, and we tailor each report to meet the specific requirements of the intended use.
From cliffside homes in Castellammare to estates near the Palisades Village, Pacific Palisades real estate demands deep market understanding. Property values can vary dramatically within just a few blocks depending on ocean views, privacy, school district, or lot size.
With over 5,000 appraisal assignments completed, Pacific Home Appraisers is the trusted choice for accurate, defensible valuations across West Los Angeles.
Yes. A DOD appraisal is retrospective by design. We use historical sales data and records to determine the value, even if the appraisal is ordered months or years later.
No. Assessed values are for property tax purposes and often do not reflect actual market value. The IRS and courts require a certified appraisal from a licensed professional.
Even if the property will be retained, an appraisal is still necessary to establish a stepped-up basis, support estate filings, and avoid future tax issues.
If you're navigating probate, managing a trust, undergoing a divorce, or in need of a certified appraisal for any other purpose in Pacific Palisades, let Pacific Home Appraisers provide the accuracy, integrity, and professionalism your case deserves.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
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