Certified desktop appraisals for estate settlement, IRS filings, and stepped-up cost basis. Serving Berkeley and all of Alameda County.
A date-of-death appraisal determines the fair market value of real property as of the date a property owner passed away. If you're handling an estate that includes property in Berkeley, you may need this appraisal for establishing the stepped-up cost basis for inherited property, handling estate tax disputes with the IRS, resolving trust distributions among beneficiaries, or settling an estate after a loved one passes away.
Our desktop appraisal service provides a USPAP-compliant valuation prepared by a California Certified Residential Appraiser — accepted by the IRS, probate courts, and estate attorneys statewide.
The Berkeley real estate market currently shows a median home value of approximately $1.1M, with prices trending up 3.6% year-over-year. The average price per square foot in the area is around $638, and homes are spending an average of 20 days on market before going under contract. The housing stock in Berkeley consists primarily of single-family homes, condominiums, and planned developments.
These market dynamics directly affect date-of-death valuations. Whether the date of death was recent or years ago, understanding Berkeley's market conditions at that specific point in time is critical to establishing an accurate and defensible value.
With over 52,331 housing units, Berkeley is one of the largest residential markets in Alameda County, giving appraisers a deep pool of comparable sales data.
Properties in this area typically sell within 20 days, reflecting an active market with current transaction data readily available.
The quiet cul-de-sacs of Berkeley feature relatively homogeneous housing stock, which supports more precise comparable analysis.
Provide the property address, date of death, and your contact information through our online order form.
We analyze MLS records, public data, and market trends specific to Berkeley to identify the best comparable sales as of the date of death.
Receive your completed appraisal report, typically within 3–5 business days. The report meets USPAP standards and is accepted for IRS and legal purposes.
Learn more about how our process works or review our transparent pricing.
Our desktop date-of-death appraisals for properties in Berkeley start at a flat rate. The exact fee depends on property complexity and the type of report needed. Visit our pricing page for current rates.
Most desktop appraisals for Berkeley properties are completed within 3-5 business days from the date we receive your order. Rush delivery is available for time-sensitive estate matters.
No. Our desktop appraisal methodology uses MLS data, public records, aerial imagery, and market analysis to determine the property's fair market value as of the date of death — no physical inspection required. This is accepted by the IRS and courts for estate purposes.
We analyze recent closed sales from the MLS serving Alameda County, public records, and market databases. With approximately 52,331 housing units in Berkeley, there is typically strong comparable data available for accurate valuation.
Yes. Desktop appraisals prepared by a certified appraiser following USPAP standards are accepted by the IRS for estate tax filings, stepped-up basis documentation, and Form 706 submissions.
We regularly complete retrospective appraisals for properties in Berkeley with dates of death going back many years. Historical MLS data and public records allow us to establish fair market value for past dates with confidence.