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Probate & trust sales

Selling a loved one's home, the right way.

We help executors, trustees and families sell a loved one's home the right way.

What is a probate sale?

When the house goes through the court

When someone passes away and their home is not in a trust, it often goes through probate. Probate is the court process that settles the estate. The person in charge is called the executor (if there is a will) or the administrator (if there isn’t). They usually need to sell the home to pay bills and split what is left.

Probate sales follow special rules. Some need a judge to approve the sale, and other buyers can show up in court and bid more. Others can be done with less court time. Your attorney decides which way your estate goes. We make sure the real estate side follows it.

Full authority or limited authority

  • Full authority: the executor can usually sell without a court hearing. Heirs get a written notice first and have time to object.
  • Limited authority: the court has to confirm the sale. The judge holds a hearing, and other buyers can make higher bids right there. We prepare buyers for this so the sale doesn’t fall apart.

What is a trust sale?

Selling a home held in a trust

If the home is in a living trust, the trustee can usually sell it without going to court. That is often faster. The trustee still has a duty to get a fair price and to keep the heirs informed. We help trustees do both, and we give you the paperwork to show it.

Settling an estate?

Call Angela for a free talk. We will explain the steps, give you a price opinion and work with your attorney.

Angela Artiga, Broker · CA DRE #01734864 · Certified Probate & Trust Specialist · Se habla español

How we help

How we help

  • A price opinion in 1 day, with the sales to back it up, that you can share with your attorney and family
  • Securing the home: locks, checks, utilities and insurance reminders
  • Help with the clean-out. Angela helps and sends out people she trusts for hauling, donations and cleaning
  • Repairs if they pay off, or selling as-is if they don’t
  • Marketing to the right buyers, including investors when a fast as-is sale makes sense
  • Court confirmation and overbid sales
  • Regular updates for heirs who live out of town

Why Angela does this work

Angela is a Certified Probate & Trust Specialist and a Registered Legal Document Assistant, and she worked for years with law firms. During COVID she helped many families sell or transfer a loved one’s home. She saw how many of those homes ended up in probate, and how much families needed someone to walk them through it. She also helps families plan ahead, so the next generation has an easier time.

Questions

Common questions

Do we have to fix up the house before we sell?

No. Many estate homes sell as-is. We will tell you which small fixes are worth it and which are not. You decide.

How long does a probate sale take?

It depends on the court and the type of authority. A full-authority sale can move about as fast as a normal sale. A court-confirmed sale adds a hearing date, which can take a few weeks or more. We will give you a timeline at the start.

Do all the heirs have to agree?

Heirs get notice and can object, but the executor or trustee runs the sale. Your attorney can explain your exact case. We keep everyone informed so there are fewer surprises.

What if family still lives in the home, or there are lots of belongings?

That is very common. We go at a kind pace, help plan the move-out and help with the clean-out, with people we trust.

What does it cost to get started?

Nothing. There are no upfront fees. You pay nothing until the home sells.

Can we sell before probate is finished?

Usually the executor needs court papers (called Letters) before selling. We can start the planning and price work now so you are ready.

Do you give legal advice?

No. We are real estate agents, not attorneys. We work alongside your attorney and follow their lead on the legal side.

Free tools

Helpful tools for executors and trustees

Interactive checklist

Where am I in probate?

Check off the steps that are done. We'll show you what comes next. Every case is different, so your attorney has the final word.

Your checkmarks are saved only on this device. This is general information, not legal advice.

Calculator

What will I walk away with?

See about how much money is left after the sale, once the loan and the costs are paid.

Sale price
Loans paid off
Commission
Escrow, title and fees
County transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000)
Repairs, clean-out and other
About what you walk away with
Each person gets about

Some cities add their own transfer tax on top of the county's. Not counted here: income or capital gains tax.

This is a rough estimate to help you plan. It is not a quote, an appraisal or tax advice. Angela can give you real numbers for your home.

Printable checklist

Papers you'll need

Check off what you have. Print it or bring it to your first meeting with Angela.

Papers for a probate sale

We'll take care of the house.

You have enough on your plate. We will handle the home sale and keep you informed every step.

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