Date of death
Date of Death Appraisals for California Property
Date-of-death appraisals of commercial and residential property for trustees, heirs, attorneys and CPAs statewide. An independent opinion of market value as of the day the owner died, supported by the market data from that time.
Rush commercial appraisals in 5 to 7 business daysStatewide California
What is included
- Market value as of the date of death
- Stepped-up basis support for your CPA
- Estate tax filing support (Form 706)
- Trust administration and equalizing shares
- Commercial property of any type, plus related residential
- Appraisals done months or years after the date of death
Who it is for: Successor trustees, executors, heirs, estate attorneys and CPAs.
Why the date matters
A date-of-death value is a retrospective appraisal: the market, the comparables and the condition of the property all have to reflect that date, not today. Leases in place, deferred maintenance and occupancy on the date of death all matter.
It is also separate from the valuation a court-appointed probate referee prepares in a formal probate. Private date-of-death appraisals are commonly used for trust administration, basis, estate tax filings and disputes. Your attorney can tell you which you need.
What to have ready
The exact date of death, the property address, the purpose (trust administration, basis, Form 706 or a dispute), and the attorney or CPA on the estate. For income property, leases, the rent roll and operating statements from around the date of death help.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Talk to your attorney or CPA about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a date-of-death appraisal?
An independent opinion of a property's market value as of the date the owner died. It is commonly used for stepped-up basis, estate tax filings, trust administration and disputes.
Is it the same as a probate referee appraisal?
No. In a formal California probate, a court-appointed referee values real property for the court inventory. Private date-of-death appraisals are used for trusts, tax basis, estate tax filings and disputes.
Can it be done years after the date of death?
Yes. A retrospective appraisal values the property as of a past date using market data from that time.
How long does it take?
It depends on the property and how quickly records arrive. Rush commercial appraisals take 5 to 7 business days. Call (805) 990-9700 for a timeline.
Related
Estate and Trust Appraisals
Trust administration, estate and basis appraisals for trustees, attorneys and CPAs.
Learn more →Retroactive Appraisals
Value as of a date in the past for estates, divorce, tax and litigation.
Learn more →Date of death appraisal in California: a guide
From Appraisal Insights.
Read the guide →Attorneys and CPAs: scope it on a call.
Call or text (805) 990-9700 to scope a date-of-death, divorce or retroactive appraisal with the appraiser who will do the work.