Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Westlake Village
When a loved one passes, managing their estate involves both emotional and administrative responsibilities. One of the most important steps in the estate settlement process is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which provides the fair market value of a property as of the date the decedent passed away. In high-value communities like Westlake Village, where homes range from lakefront estates to gated country club residences, a certified DOD appraisal is essential for estate tax reporting, probate court compliance, and equitable asset distribution.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we offer professional, accurate, and timely Date of Death appraisals across Westlake Village, serving families, attorneys, CPAs, and estate professionals with trusted local expertise.
A Date of Death appraisal—also referred to as a retrospective appraisal—determines a property’s value as of the specific date of the owner’s passing. It relies on historical real estate data and comparable home sales to estimate what the property was worth at that time, rather than its value in the current market.
In a refined and nuanced area like Westlake Village—with neighborhoods such as North Ranch, Westlake Island, First Neighborhood, and Three Springs—property values can vary greatly. Local expertise is crucial for producing an accurate and court-compliant valuation.
If the estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, the IRS requires certified appraisals of all real estate. A DOD appraisal ensures that tax returns are supported by accurate valuations and helps prevent audit exposure or penalties.
Heirs benefit from a step-up in basis, which adjusts the inherited property's value to its market value as of the decedent's death. This significantly reduces capital gains taxes when the property is eventually sold.
In estates involving multiple heirs, a neutral, third-party valuation helps ensure fairness—especially when one party retains the home while others receive financial compensation.
Ventura and Los Angeles County courts require a USPAP-compliant appraisal for probate filings and trust accounting. A certified DOD appraisal meets this requirement and supports the legal transfer of property.
You’ll need a DOD appraisal if:
You are the executor, trustee, or administrator of an estate
The estate includes real estate to be reported, sold, or transferred
A CPA or estate attorney requests a valuation for tax or legal purposes
You need to establish a stepped-up basis for capital gains tax protection
The property will be shared among multiple beneficiaries
Probate court filings require accurate asset documentation
Even if the home isn’t being sold, the appraisal is critical for long-term planning, tax compliance, and fairness among heirs.
The appraiser evaluates the home’s square footage, layout, upgrades, amenities, location, and overall condition. If access is unavailable, prior listings, MLS data, public records, and photographs are used.
The appraiser identifies comparable sales from the time of the decedent’s passing, adjusting for differences in size, features, location, and market conditions.
This standard method is used to determine the most accurate value based on nearby comparable sales.
The appraisal is prepared according to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is accepted by courts, the IRS, legal professionals, and financial institutions.
Alongside Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers offers a full suite of real estate valuation services, including:
Divorce Appraisals – Impartial, defensible valuations for property division
Expert Witness Appraisals – Legal reports and testimony for litigation or value disputes
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including refinance, pre-listing, trust updates, gifting, and property tax appeals
Each report is carefully tailored to meet your legal, financial, or personal requirements.
From lakefront homes to golf course estates, Westlake Village is a premium market with intricate value drivers. With over 5,000 completed appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers combines detailed local insight with deep industry experience to provide accurate, defensible appraisals.
We offer:
Standard 5–7 business day turnaround
Rush delivery in 48 hours available upon inspection
Clear communication with attorneys, families, and financial professionals
Fully certified, court-ready and IRS-acceptable reports
Yes. A DOD appraisal can be completed months or years later using historical market data and comparable sales from the time of passing.
Yes. A DOD appraisal establishes the stepped-up basis for tax purposes and is often required by courts or financial advisors.
No. Assessed values are for property tax purposes only and are not accepted by the IRS or probate courts. A certified, USPAP-compliant appraisal is required.
If you're handling a trust, probate case, or estate in Westlake Village, trust Pacific Home Appraisers to provide professional, accurate, and timely appraisal services.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
Tags: #WestlakeVillageAppraiser #DateOfDeathAppraisal #EstateValuation #ProbateAppraisal #RetrospectiveAppraisal #TrustAppraisal #DivorceAppraisal #ExpertWitnessAppraiser #RealEstateAppraisalWestlakeVillage #PacificHomeAppraisers