Date of Death appraisal Services in Citrus Heights

Trusted appraisal Excellence

We Understand Every Situation Can Be Unique

We know that not every property is perfectly maintained. Sometimes, loved ones may have struggled with upkeep or hoarding, or the home may have years of deferred maintenance. At Sactown Appraisals, we approach every home with compassion and without judgment.

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Citrus Heights Date of Death Home Appraisal

When a loved one passes, settling their estate can feel overwhelming. One important step in that process is determining the accurate value of any real estate they owned. This valuation is necessary for estate settlement, inheritance planning, and tax reporting. Sactown Appraisals provides professional Date of Death (DOD) appraisals in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities. Our reports are IRS-compliant, defensible, and delivered with compassion and understanding — because we know this process often comes at an emotional time.

Why You Need a Date of Death Appraisal

A Date of Death appraisal determines the Citrus Heights Fair Market Value (FMV) of a property as of the date the property owner passed away. It’s a retrospective appraisal, meaning we establish what the property was worth on a past date, not what it’s worth today.

Estate tax filings

In California, while there is no state-level estate tax, accurate appraisals are still essential for documentation, probate filings, and future capital gains considerations.

Inheritance planning

When real estate is passed down to heirs, an accurate valuation is essential for inheritance and tax planning. One of the primary goals of this process is to establish a “stepped-up basis” for the inherited property

Fair estate distribution

When multiple beneficiaries inherit an estate, it’s essential that the property and assets are divided fairly and accurately. Attorneys, executors, and accountants rely on these appraisals.

Call Today! 916.743.5219

Serving Citrus Heights and Nearby Areas!

Expert real estate appraisal services in Citrus Heights, CA, with knowledge of local neighborhoods like Sunrise Ranch, Sylvan Meadows, Greenback Woods, and Mariposa Grove. I offer accurate, reliable valuations backed by experience and familiarity with key areas such as Rusch Park, Sunrise Marketplace, and Arcade Creek Park Preserve.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Understanding the Stepped-Up Basis for Inherited Homes in Citrus Heights

The IRS has published an excellent page answering common questions.
Frequently Asked IRS Questions on Estate Taxes

When you inherit a home in the IRS allows something called a stepped-up basis—a rule that resets the property’s tax basis to its fair market value (FMV) as of the date of the original owner’s death. While this rule can significantly reduce taxes on past appreciation, you may still owe capital gains tax if the home’s value increases after you inherit it and you later decide to sell.

Example:
Your parents bought their home for $75,000 years ago. When they pass away, the home’s fair market value at the date of death is appraised at $450,000. That $450,000 becomes your stepped-up basis—the value is your starting point for calculating capital gains when you decide to sell the home later.

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Pay No Capital Gains Tax

If you sell the home away for $450,000 or less, you owe no capital gains tax, because the sale price matches the stepped-up value.

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When You Owe Taxes

However, if you keep the home for a few years and later sell it for $550,000, you’ll owe capital gains tax on the $100,000 increase in value since inheritance.

Over 20 Years of Appraisal Experience

Properties Appraised and Counting

Fair
Market Value Expert

Certified Real Estate Appraiser

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5 Over 78 Reviews

Chris F 1 day ago

SACTOWN APPRAISALS, Bart Nathan provided me with an appraisal for a home in the Greenhaven/Pocket area of South Sacramento. Bart was professional and wasted no time in collecting the information he needed onsite. A very detailed report was received within a couple of days. Thanks!

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Emily Ardelean 3 weeks ago

Very professional; it was a pleasure to work with you. Thank you. Amy Ardelean

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Shirley Warnken 4 weeks ago

Very helpful, pleasant, and professional. Great communication along the way! Very happy with his service and would definitely recommend Sactown Appraisals!!

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Toni Martin 4 weeks ago

Bart was easy to schedule and was able to fit into our schedule in a timely manner. He was on time for the appointment and very pleasant & professional. We also feel confident in his evaluation. Would highly recommend him.

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Kerry Kuhl 1 month ago

Right on the money for our appraisal Thank you!

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Mark Krausse 1 month ago

Bart/Sactown Appraisals was great. Ready availability, knowledgeable, on time, and timely with the report. Will use again!

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Why Citrus Heights Residents Trust Sactown Appraisals

We specialized DOD estate settlement appraisals tailored for the Citrus Heights area.

Accurate, IRS-compliant valuations

Defensible reports for attorneys and tax authorities

Timely, reliable service for executors and heirs

Knowledge of Citrus Heights market trends

Compliance with IRS real estate valuation regulations

Clear, understandable reports for executors, attorneys, and heirs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the appraisal IRS-compliant?

Yes. Our reports meet all IRS Real Property Valuation Guidelines

What documents do I need to get started?

Tpically the property address, the date of death, access information, and any known improvements. We handle the rest, including all market research and property verification.

Will the IRS accept a Zillow estimate instead of an appraisal?

No. The IRS requires a credible, defensible appraisal performed by a licensed real estate appraiser—not an automated online estimate.

Do you provide both Date of Death and Alternate Valuation Date appraisals?

Yes. For IRS Form 706, we can complete both the Date of Death valuation and the six-month Alternate Valuation Date if requested.

What if the property was in poor or unusual condition at the time of death?

We research the home’s condition on the date of passing using photos, MLS history, interviews, and inspection findings to ensure the valuation reflects its true market condition at that time.