Each request starts with three facts: the Torrance property, the use of the value, and the date the value must describe. For several services below, a California or federal rule sets that date.
Divorce Appraisals
A California judge generally splits the community estate down the middle unless the spouses agree otherwise in writing or in court (Family Code sections 760 and 2550); section 2552 measures it near the trial date unless good cause supports another date. We value the home as of the date your attorney gives us.
- Value tied to the date in your case
- Intended users named at the start
- Additions and repairs documented
Estate Appraisals
An heir's federal basis in an inherited house generally begins at its fair market value on the date of death. When a child inherits a parent's home, that same date feeds the Proposition 19 exclusion claim, which the Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor handles.
- Date-of-death and other past dates
- Condition as it was, not after later work
- Reports for heirs, trustees and advisers
Probate Appraisals
In a California probate, the probate referee named by the court sets the inventory value of the house, unless the court has waived the referee (Probate Code sections 8800 and 8901 to 8903). A separate appraisal can help with heirs' basis records or sale planning, if your attorney agrees it serves the case.
- How the referee's inventory value fits in
- Purpose and date confirmed by your attorney
- Records of the house at the date of death
IRS Step-Up and Date-of-Death Appraisals
Past-date valuations for whichever day your tax adviser picks, such as the date of death or the alternate date six months later. A surviving spouse's half of California community property may also receive a new basis; your adviser decides whether it does.
- Sales evidence from the effective date
- Earlier condition documented
- The tax use set by your adviser
Residential Appraisals
Houses, condominiums, townhomes and two- to four-unit buildings across Torrance's six neighborhood districts. Uses include pricing before a sale, refinance planning, mortgage insurance questions and a decline-in-value review with the county Assessor.
- What kind of home it is, and what it has
- The choice the number will inform
- Scope agreed before the inspection
Rush Appraisals
Facing a hearing, filing or rate-lock date? Tell us the date first. We check the calendar, access and research before agreeing to an earlier delivery; the method stays the same.
- Your filing, hearing or closing date
- Access arrangements for the inspection
- A delivery date we have checked against the calendar
Questions Before You Order
Call (424) 435-2474 or write to us through the contact page. Tell us who will read the report and any deadline you face, and ask for a written scope, fee and delivery estimate before anything is booked.