Estate Planning Appraisals in Los Angeles

Recover records from the effective date

For a Pasadena mixed-use property, seek the rent roll, leases, expenses, and condition records that existed at the requested date. Current renovations or occupancy may differ. List those changes so present-day observations are not silently treated as historical facts.

Form 706 filing and valuation documentation

The IRS Form 706 instructions state a filing threshold of more than $15,000,000 for 2026 deaths of U.S. citizens or residents when gross estate, adjusted taxable gifts, and the specified exemption are combined, and also address portability elections. Schedule A asks how real estate values were determined and for copies of any appraisals. This does not mandate an appraisal of every property. Your adviser decides applicability.

Inherited-property basis is a separate tax question

For property inherited from a decedent, IRS Publication 551 describes date-of-death fair market value as one possible basis rule and lists alternative valuations and exceptions. A Pasadena property's lifetime transfer or trust funding is a different question from inheritance. Ask your tax adviser which rule applies to the property and interest. The appraisal supplies a value opinion for an agreed date; it does not determine the recipient's tax basis.

Estate Planning Appraisals in Los Angeles

Professional commercial property valuations for trusts, estates, and wealth transfer strategies

Supporting Wealth Transfer and Succession Planning

Common Estate Planning Appraisal Purposes

Date of Death Valuations

Retrospective valuations require careful attention to the market conditions, comparable data, and economic factors that existed on the specific valuation date. We research historical market data, identify sales and rentals that closed around the date of death, and analyze the economic conditions that influenced value at that time.

Fractional Interest Valuations

We work closely with estate planning attorneys and CPAs to ensure our fractional interest valuations reflect the specific ownership characteristics, governing documents, and transfer restrictions that impact value. Properly supported discounts can significantly reduce gift and estate tax liability when substantiated by qualified appraisals.

Trust Administration Support

Trustees and trust administrators frequently require appraisals for various trust administration purposes. Initial valuations establish the basis for trust assets. Periodic revaluations may be needed for trust accounting, distribution decisions, or fiduciary reporting. Trustees must act prudently in managing trust assets, and professional appraisals provide the objective evidence of value that prudent administration requires.

We understand the unique needs of trust administration and provide appraisals that help trustees fulfill their fiduciary duties. Our reports clearly communicate value conclusions to beneficiaries and other interested parties while providing the documentation that trustees need for their records.

Working with Estate Planning Professionals

When potential IRS examination is a concern, the quality of appraisal documentation becomes particularly important. Our appraisals provide the level of detail, market support, and reasoned analysis that withstands scrutiny. We prepare every appraisal as though it might be subject to review, ensuring that our conclusions are thoroughly documented and defensible.

Need an Estate Planning Appraisal?

Contact us today to discuss your estate planning valuation needs.

What to gather before calling

You do not need every document to start. Use the Los Angeles County Assessor mapping guidance to identify the AIN and reconcile address aliases. The Assessor's maps are not surveys or legal descriptions, and an assessed value is not an appraisal conclusion.

From the first call to the report

1. Identify the estate or trust use and the real estate interest.
2. Confirm the effective date and recipient instructions with your adviser.
3. Review the engagement terms and assemble historical records and access information.
4. Kevin analyzes the property and market evidence for the stated date.
5. Deliver the report to the agreed recipient for the identified use.