What to Know About Selling a Probate Property
- Joshualee
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
By Josh Lee | Realtor | Probate-Savvy Advisor
Selling a home is emotional in any situation but when it involves probate, there are often extra layers of complexity, paperwork, and uncertainty.
If you've recently inherited a property or are helping manage the estate of a loved one, you may be facing a process you didn’t expect and aren’t sure how to navigate.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ve guided families through probate sales with care, clarity, and step-by-step support. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Probate Sale?
A probate sale happens when the sale of a home is overseen by the court because the owner passed away without a trust in place (or sometimes without a will). The court steps in to ensure the estate is handled fairly and legally.
The good news: you can still sell the home but there may be a few extra steps depending on how the estate is structured.
What Makes a Probate Sale Different?
Here are a few keyways probate differs from a traditional home sale:
You’ll Need Court or Executor Approval In most cases, an executor (named by the will or court) is authorized to sell the property. Sometimes, court confirmation is required to accept an offer.
Disclosures May Be Limited Since the seller didn’t live in the home; standard disclosures (like known defects or repairs) may not be available. This can impact how buyers approach inspections.
Timeline & Rules Vary by Case Some probate sales are straightforward, especially if an executor has full authority. Others may require court dates, overbidding periods, or specific offer terms.
How I Help Families Through Probate
When I work with families going through probate, my focus is on making the process feel clear, calm, and manageable. I can help with:
Walking you through the process and timeline
Recommending experienced probate attorneys (if needed)
Coordinating clean-out, repairs, staging, and listing prep
Marketing the home to the right buyer pool (including investors and first-time buyers)
Navigating paperwork and communication with the court or attorney
Helping reduce stress so you can focus on what matters most
What You Can Do Now
If you’ve recently inherited a property or are starting the probate process, here are 3 first steps:
Confirm who has legal authority to sell the home (this may be you or a court-appointed administrator)
Start gathering documents like the will, death certificate, mortgage statement, and utility bills
Reach out to a local agent familiar with probate so you’re not trying to learn it all while doing it
Let’s Talk (No Pressure, No Obligation)
If you’re unsure where to start, I’d be honored to guide you. I’ve helped families through all kinds of real estate situations, and I’m happy to be a resource whether you’re ready to sell or just need help understanding your options.
Email me directly joshua_lee@kw.com
Free Seller Guide: Navigating Probate Sales
Selling a probate property doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Download my free Probate Seller Guide to walk you through the entire process step-by-step. This comprehensive guide covers everything from legal considerations to pricing strategies, helping you feel confident every step of the way.
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Josh Lee
San Mateo Realtor | Probate-Savvy | Calm, Clear Guide in Complicated Times
(650) 881-2972
Let’s connect and talk about how I can help you with your probate property sale!
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