Contra Costa County
Date of death during a rising market
When the valuation date falls in a rising market and later sales may overstate what the property was worth then.
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 rising market is one of the timing and documentation situations that regularly shows up in estate work here.
Rising-market dates need the same discipline in reverse so later strength is not imported into an earlier value.
For this Contra Costa County situation, confirm the exact effective date so later market strength is not imported into the earlier opinion.
Rising-market dates create the opposite trap: later comps that look too strong. The effective-date window has to control the sales evidence.
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.