retrospective commercial real estate appraisals

Date of Death

this is what we do

DATE OF DEATH Commercial Property Appraisals

When a property owner passes away, the IRS requires a fair market valuation of their real estate assets as of the date of death. This is known as a date of death appraisal, or retrospective appraisal, and it’s a critical component for filing IRS Form 706 and settling estate taxes. At SM RE Inc., we specialize in accurate, defensible commercial property appraisals tailored for estate planning, tax reporting, and fiduciary responsibilities across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the broader Southern California market.

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What is a date of death appraisal?

A Date of Death Appraisal—also called a retrospective appraisal—determines the fair market value of a property as of the exact date a property owner passed away. This valuation is required by the IRS when filing Form 706 for estate tax purposes and is commonly used by attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and executors of estates.

Unlike a typical current-market appraisal, a retrospective appraisal looks backward in time and relies on market data available on or around the decedent’s date of death. This may include comparable sales, market trends, and income analysis relevant to that historical period.

At SMRE Inc., we tailor every report to meet IRS standards and legal requirements—delivering credible, well-supported values that can withstand scrutiny from auditors or legal proceedings.

When Is a Date of Death Appraisal Required?

A Date of Death Appraisal is typically required in the following situations:

Estate Tax Reporting
To complete IRS Form 706, which calculates estate taxes owed on inherited real estate.
Trust Administration
Trustees often need to establish a property’s historical value to distribute assets fairly and legally.
Probate Proceedings
Courts may require a retrospective appraisal during probate to confirm asset valuations.
Capital Gains Tax Calculation
Establishing a stepped-up basis to minimize future capital gains taxes upon sale of inherited property.
Family Disputes or Equalization
To equitably divide real estate assets among beneficiaries or resolve potential conflicts.

These appraisals are often critical to protecting clients from legal issues, tax penalties, or valuation disputes. That’s why it’s essential to work with a Certified General Appraiser who understands both IRS expectations and Southern California market dynamics.

What Property Types Can Be Appraised?

At SM RE Inc., we perform retrospective (date of death) appraisals for a wide range of commercial real estate assets, including:

Multi-Family
Industrial
Retail
Office
Mixed-Use
Land

We understand the nuances of each property type and use current and historical market data to ensure your valuation is defensible, well-supported, and compliant with IRS and court standards.

Why Choose SM RE Inc. for Date of Death Appraisals?

Choosing the right appraiser is critical when it comes to estate planning, probate, and IRS compliance. Here’s why attorneys, fiduciaries, CPAs, and estate executors across Southern California trust SM RE Inc.:

Certified General Appraiser with deep expertise in commercial real estate valuation
Experience with legal, tax, and probate-related appraisals
Reports prepared to IRS standards and fully defensible in audits or court
Fast turnaround and responsive service tailored to professional clients
Local market knowledge spanning Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and the South Bay
Support for Form 706, Form 709, and 1041 valuation needs

We don’t just deliver numbers—we deliver confidence, credibility, and compliance.

Ready to Get Started?

If you need a date of death appraisal for commercial real estate, SM RE Inc. is here to help. We specialize in accurate, defensible valuations that meet IRS, legal, and fiduciary standards.

Whether you’re a CPA, attorney, executor, or trustee, we’ll guide you through the process with professionalism and urgency.

📞 Call us at (310) 650-8798
📧 Email: sam@smreusa.com
📍 Serving: Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and Southern California