Understanding the Importance of Date of Death Appraisals – Woodland Hills
Managing an estate after the loss of a loved one involves a variety of legal and financial steps—many of which require precision and care. One of the most crucial steps is securing a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which determines the fair market value of a property as of the date the decedent passed away. In Woodland Hills, where real estate values range from charming mid-century homes to luxury estates in gated communities like Walnut Acres or Westchester County Estates, an accurate and certified appraisal is essential for estate planning, probate, and tax purposes.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we provide timely, court-ready Date of Death appraisals throughout Woodland Hills and the surrounding San Fernando Valley.
A Date of Death appraisal—also known as a retrospective appraisal—establishes the market value of a property as of the specific date a person passed away. It uses historical market data and comparable sales to reflect what the property would have sold for at that point in time.
In a complex market like Woodland Hills—where factors such as school district, lot size, and mountain or valley views significantly impact property value—local expertise is essential to delivering an accurate and defensible report.
If the total estate value exceeds the federal exemption threshold, a certified appraisal is required for estate tax filings. A DOD appraisal provides the documentation needed for IRS compliance and helps protect heirs and executors from legal and financial complications.
Heirs receive a step-up in tax basis, adjusting the inherited property’s value to its fair market value as of the decedent’s death. This minimizes future capital gains taxes. A certified DOD appraisal legally establishes this new basis.
When an estate involves multiple beneficiaries, a professional appraisal ensures fair, unbiased valuation. It helps determine buyouts, cash distributions, or sales by providing an accurate property value.
Los Angeles County courts require USPAP-compliant appraisals for probate cases and trust distributions. A DOD appraisal supports estate inventories, asset allocation, and legal documentation requirements.
You’ll need a Date of Death appraisal if:
You're the executor, trustee, or administrator of an estate
The estate includes real estate to be sold, transferred, or refinanced
A CPA or estate attorney has requested a retrospective valuation
You need to establish a stepped-up basis for capital gains tax planning
The estate is in probate or undergoing trust administration
There are multiple heirs or contested value scenarios
Even if no sale is planned, an accurate appraisal ensures legal and financial clarity.
We gather detailed information about the property, including square footage, lot size, location, upgrades, view, and condition. If the home is inaccessible, we use public records, MLS listings, and historical images.
We research comparable sales from the time of the decedent’s passing. In Woodland Hills, this might include sales from Walnut Acres, College Acres, or homes near the Woodland Hills Country Club.
We use this standard method to compare similar properties and adjust for any differences, arriving at a market-supported valuation.
Our final report complies with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is accepted by the IRS, courts, attorneys, and CPAs.
At Pacific Home Appraisers, we offer a full range of real estate appraisal services in Woodland Hills, including:
Divorce Appraisals – Neutral valuations for equitable division during divorce proceedings
Expert Witness Testimony – Defensible reports and litigation support for disputes over real estate value
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Pre-listing, refinancing, estate planning, gifting, portfolio analysis, and more
Every report is tailored to your unique needs, with the accuracy and integrity you can count on.
Woodland Hills is a diverse and dynamic market. Property values can shift significantly between South of Ventura Blvd, the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, or residential areas near Pierce College. We bring deep local market knowledge and over 5,000 completed appraisals to every assignment.
Our team provides:
Reliable 5–7 day turnaround
48-hour rush service available upon inspection
Court-ready, IRS-compliant documentation
Responsive communication with attorneys, CPAs, and families
Yes. Retrospective appraisals can be completed at any time using historical data from the date of death.
No. County assessments are used for property tax purposes and don’t reflect actual market value. The IRS and courts require a certified appraisal from a licensed professional.
A DOD appraisal is still necessary to establish a tax basis, support estate filings, and prepare for future decisions involving the property.
If you're managing an estate, handling a trust, or need a certified appraisal for tax or legal reasons in Woodland Hills, trust the professionals at Pacific Home Appraisers to deliver accuracy, transparency, and peace of mind.
?? Call: 818-880-1466 ?? Email: kiani105@yahoo.com ?? Visit: www.pacifichomeappraisers.com
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