FAQ · Torrance, California
Frequently asked questions
Short answers about appraisals for estates, probate, divorce and taxes. Don't see your question? Call us.
Someone has died
Does every probate property in California need a formal appraisal?
Ask the attorney handling the estate. They can say whether a formal appraisal supports the value your matter needs. Probate appraisals
Do you do retrospective (date-of-death) appraisals for the IRS?
Yes. A retrospective appraisal values the property as of a past date, such as the date of death. Your tax adviser should confirm which date and what use apply. IRS step-up appraisals
We're divorcing
What should I confirm before ordering a divorce appraisal in California?
With your attorney, settle the valuation date and what the report is for. Agree who hires the appraiser, who receives the report and who may rely on it. An appraisal gives an opinion of value. It doesn't decide either spouse's share or the terms of a buyout. Divorce appraisals
Can an appraiser provide court testimony?
Sometimes, when needed. Talk it through with us and your attorney before you engage us, since testimony, depositions and added support are scoped separately. Estate appraisals
I have a deadline
How long does an appraisal take in Torrance?
It depends on access to the property, how complex it is, and the research and reporting needed. We don't publish a fixed number of days. Tell us your deadline and get a delivery estimate for your property before you rely on it. For tight deadlines, see rush appraisals.
How do I schedule an appraisal?
Call (424) 435-2474 or use the contact form. Give us the property, the purpose and your deadline, and we'll talk through scope, fee, access and timing.
I want to know the cost
How much does a home appraisal cost in Torrance, CA?
It depends on the property, the purpose and the deadline, so we quote each assignment in writing. For a benchmark, the VA's fee for Los Angeles County is $750 for a single-family home, effective May 1, 2026 (VA fee table, PDF). That is a price guide, not our price. See what an appraisal costs in Torrance, or request a quote.
What information do I need to provide for a quote?
The property address, approximate square footage, property type (single-family, condo and so on), the purpose (estate, probate, divorce or other) and your deadline.
I'm just getting started
What does a real estate appraiser do in Torrance?
A licensed appraiser gives an independent opinion of what a home or condo is worth, written to USPAP standards. Tell us what the value is for and the date it should reflect. Residential appraisals
What's the difference between an appraisal and a CMA in Torrance?
A CMA is a broker's pricing opinion. An appraisal is an independent opinion of value, written by a licensed appraiser to USPAP standards, for a stated purpose and effective date. Ask whoever will receive the report which one they need.
What areas do you serve?
Properties in Torrance. Send the full address and we'll confirm. See the service area.
What happens during the property inspection?
It depends on the agreed scope. It can include measurements, photographs and notes on condition and features. Ask what access and preparation your assignment needs.
Will I receive a copy of the appraisal report?
Not automatically. Before the work starts, agree who is hiring us, who receives the report and who is named as an intended user. Another party doesn't get a copy unless that is set up.