Certified desktop appraisals for estate settlement, IRS filings, and stepped-up cost basis. Serving Santa Monica and all of Los Angeles 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 Monica, you may need this appraisal for settling an estate after a loved one passes away, handling estate tax disputes with the IRS, filing IRS Form 706 (Estate Tax Return), or resolving trust distributions among beneficiaries.
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 Monica real estate market currently shows a median home value of approximately $991,171, with prices trending up 2.9% year-over-year. The average price per square foot in the area is around $679, and homes are spending an average of 24 days on market before going under contract. The housing stock in Santa Monica 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 Monica's market conditions at that specific point in time is critical to establishing an accurate and defensible value.
With over 52,389 housing units, Santa Monica is one of the largest residential markets in Los Angeles County, giving appraisers a deep pool of comparable sales data.
Properties in this area typically sell within 24 days, reflecting an active market with current transaction data readily available.
The tree-lined streets of Santa Monica 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 Monica 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 Monica 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 Monica 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 Los Angeles County, public records, and market databases. With approximately 52,389 housing units in Santa Monica, 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 Monica 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.