Certified desktop appraisals for estate settlement, IRS filings, and stepped-up cost basis. Serving Santa Clara and all of Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, you may need this appraisal for establishing the stepped-up cost basis for inherited property, settling an estate after a loved one passes away, resolving trust distributions among beneficiaries, or filing IRS Form 706 (Estate Tax Return).
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 Santa Clara real estate market currently shows a median home value of approximately $538,405, with prices trending up 5.4% year-over-year. The average price per square foot in the area is around $388, and homes are spending an average of 34 days on market before going under contract. The housing stock in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara's market conditions at that specific point in time is critical to establishing an accurate and defensible value.
With over 50,229 housing units, Santa Clara is one of the largest residential markets in Santa Clara County, giving appraisers a deep pool of comparable sales data.
The Santa Clara market sees consistent transaction activity year-round, ensuring comparable sales data stays current for accurate appraisals.
The quiet cul-de-sacs of Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County, public records, and market databases. With approximately 50,229 housing units in Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara 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.