Date of Death Appraisal

A retroactive valuation establishing what a property was worth on the date of the owner's passing. Required for estate tax filings, trust distributions, and most court-related estate matters in Orange County.

Who Is This For

Attorneys managing estate filings, CPAs handling trust distributions, and families navigating an inherited property all eventually need the same thing: a certified appraisal that establishes the property's value on a specific date in the past.

That date is fixed. The appraisal has to get it right — and the documentation has to hold up under scrutiny.

What a Date of Death Appraisal Is

When a property owner passes away, the IRS and California courts require that the property's fair market value be established as of the date of death — not today's value, not an estimate, but a defensible retroactive appraisal tied to a specific date.

This involves analyzing historical comparable sales, market conditions, and property data from that point in time. It is a specialized type of appraisal that requires access to historical market data and experience with how values move across OC neighborhoods over time. Mat has been doing this work in Orange County since 2002.

How It’s Used

A date of death appraisal is typically required for:

  • Estate tax filings — establishing the taxable value of the estate at the time of death

  • Trust distributions — determining fair value for distributing real property among beneficiaries

  • Step-up in basis calculations — resetting the cost basis for inherited property to reduce future capital gains tax

  • Court proceedings — providing a certified, defensible value for probate and estate litigation

Why It Matters Who Does This

A retroactive appraisal is only as credible as the appraiser's track record and knowledge of the local market. Mat holds a California State Certified Residential Appraiser license (BREA License #AR029995) and has appraised Orange County properties through multiple market cycles. When a filing or a court proceeding depends on the number, the appraiser's credibility is part of the report.

Turnaround

Most inspections scheduled within 72 hours. Reports delivered within 72 hours of the site visit — plan for approximately one week under standard turnaround.

Need it before a listing appointment or an offer deadline? Rush scheduling and rush reporting are available. Additional fees may apply — ask when you reach out.

Pricing

Residential appraisals: $550–$900 depending on property type and square footage.

Rush service and printed hard copy available as add-ons.

Commercial appraisals quoted on request.

  • "I'm a CPA... I have a need for really fast turnaround. Mat knew what I needed, and he was able to see me that day. I got an accurate appraisal in half the time of other appraisers I've used."

    —Sean, CPA, Irvine, CA

  • "We needed an appraisal for my father's estate. Mat came out the next day and sent us a detailed report the following day."

    —Cathy, Laguna Hills, CA

  • "I flip homes in Orange County and I probably call Just Appraisals every other week for an over the phone consult or a full appraisal."

    —Adam, Huntington Beach, CA

  • "Their service and attention to detail was way above and beyond what I was expecting and have received from other appraisers. As someone who has been involved in purchasing nearly 1,000 properties I was truly impressed by their level of service and client relations."

    —Greg, Laguna Hills, CA

  • "I have used his services on several occasions and he has consistently come through beautifully."

    —David Kennedy, Newport Beach, CA

How To Get Started

Fill out the request form and we'll follow up with a confirmation and a quote.

REQUEST DATE OF DEATH APPRAISAL

Are You An Attorney or CPA?

There's a page built specifically for professionals who refer clients for appraisals.

→ See How We Work With Attorneys

Not Sure If You Need One?

Call us directly at 714-409-6123 and describe your situation.

Most inspections scheduled within 72 hours, reports delivered within 72 hours of the site visit. Rush service available.