Contra Costa County
Date of death during a declining market
When the valuation date falls in a falling market and current prices are a poor substitute for that earlier moment.
In Contra Costa County, timing and documentation problems span west-county stock, Lamorinda hillsides, central suburbs, inland communities, and Discovery Bay, each with its own sales history and records quirks. Date of death during a declining market is one of the timing and documentation situations that regularly shows up in estate work here.
Declining-market effective dates need period sales from that downturn, not today’s Lamorinda or inland asking prices.
For this Contra Costa County situation, confirm the exact effective date; period sales from that downturn matter more than current asking prices.
Declining-market dates are exactly why current prices fail as substitutes. Period evidence from that downturn has to carry the analysis.
James provides independent residential appraisal for appropriate retrospective and current assignments. He does not provide legal, tax, title, or estate-administration advice; effective dates and intended use should be confirmed with the attorney, CPA, and other Core 4 professionals.