What Is a Date of Death Appraisal?

What a date of death appraisal does

A date of death appraisal determines the fair market value of real property as of a specific past date — the date the property owner died. Unlike a current appraisal, this is a retrospective assignment: the appraiser must reconstruct market conditions that existed at that prior point in time using historical sales data, market trends, and documented evidence.

Brandi Hudson (#AR029078) has 25 years of certified residential appraisal experience and provides date of death appraisals throughout Contra Costa and Alameda County that satisfy IRS, probate court, and fiduciary requirements.

When is it required?

• IRS Form 706: Federal estate tax returns require a certified appraisal of real property as of the date of death
• Stepped-up basis calculation: Heirs who inherit property receive a stepped-up cost basis equal to the fair market value at date of death — this affects future capital gains taxes significantly
• Trust and estate administration: Trustees and executors need a credible value to distribute assets equitably among beneficiaries
• Probate court filings: California probate courts require certified valuations for the inventory and appraisement

What makes a retrospective appraisal different

The challenge in a date of death appraisal is that the effective date is in the past. The appraiser cannot rely on current market data — they must identify comparable sales that occurred around the date of death and reconstruct the market as it existed at that time. This requires both technical appraisal skill and deep familiarity with local market history.

For Contra Costa County properties — especially waterfront, canal-front, and Delta-area homes common in Discovery Bay and Bethel Island — local market expertise is critical. These property types require appraisers who understand the unique value factors specific to this market.

What's included

• Property inspection (current condition documented; value opinion tied to effective date)
• Historical comparable sales analysis as of the date of death
• Documented market conditions for the effective date period
• USPAP-compliant report formatted for IRS, probate, and fiduciary use