PRIMARY SPECIALTY
Date-of-Death & Estate Appraisals
We provide expert valuation services for executors, trustees, and estate attorneys. Our assessments ensure accurate property valuations for probate, tax purposes, and fiduciary responsibilities, providing the integrity and clarity needed for complex estate planning.
25 Years of Trusted Appraisal Experience
With over 25 years of experience in California real estate appraisal, DRC Appraising has built a reputation for accuracy, integrity, and dependable service. As a licensed real estate broker and experienced residential appraiser, I bring a broad understanding of the real estate market to every assignment while maintaining an independent and objective approach to valuation.
Service Area
DRC Appraising provides residential appraisal services throughout Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and surrounding communities in Southern California.
Date of Death & Estate Appraisal
Trust & Estate
Appraisals
Pre-Listing Appraisals
Non-Lending Appraisals
Expert valuation solutions tailored to the unique needs of California estate planning and real estate transactions.
Our Appraisal Services
Accurate valuation of real estate for estate executors, attorneys, and tax professionals, including date-of-death valuations for establishing a step-up in tax basis and six-month alternate valuation dates when applicable.
Valuation of real estate held in trusts for trustees, beneficiaries, and attorneys, providing well-supported values for estate planning, administration, and tax purposes.
Independent appraisal of residential properties to help sellers establish a well-supported listing price and make informed decisions when preparing to sell.
Appraisals for purposes other than mortgage lending, including estate planning, divorce, tax matters, legal proceedings, and other private needs.
Understanding Your Estate Appraisal Options
Date of Death Appraisal:
When a property owner passes away, the value of the real estate may be important for estate administration and tax purposes. Understanding the different valuation dates can help you and your tax professional determine which appraisal may be needed.
Step-Up in Tax Basis:
A step-up in tax basis is not a separate type of appraisal. In many cases, the value of inherited property is adjusted for tax purposes based on its fair market value as of the date of death. A professional appraisal can provide the documented value needed by the estate and its tax professional.
Six Month Alternate Valuation
Under certain circumstances, an estate may be eligible to use an alternate valuation date six months after the date of death. The value of the property may be higher or lower than it was on the date of death, depending on changes in the market. Your attorney or tax professional can determine whether the estate qualifies and whether this option should be elected.
Why Would I Need Both?
In some situations, an executor may order both a Date of Death Appraisal and an appraisal reflecting the six-month alternate valuation date. Having both valuations provides the estate and its tax professional with documented values for each applicable date, allowing them to determine the appropriate valuation method under the tax rules.
Because every estate is different, we recommend consulting with your attorney or tax professional regarding which valuation dates apply to your situation.