Top 7 Questions I Get About Selling a Home in Probate (and My Straightforward Answers)

Top 7 Questions I Get About Selling a Home in Probate
1. Can a home in probate be sold?
 Yes, but it depends on the court and type of probate. Some sales require court approval, while others can proceed more quickly if the executor has full authority.
2. Who has the right to sell the property?
 Only the court-appointed executor (if there’s a will) or administrator (if there’s no will) has the legal authority to sell the property.
3. Do I need court approval to sell a probate property?
 Not always. In states like California, if the estate is under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA), court confirmation may not be required.
4. How long does it take to sell a probate property?
 It typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the probate process, court timelines, and how quickly the property is prepared for market.
5. Do I need to make repairs before selling?
 Not necessarily. Many probate properties are sold as-is, but small repairs or cleaning can help attract more buyers and increase the sale price.
6. Who pays for the repairs or cleanup?
 These costs usually come from estate funds. If there’s no cash available, it may be negotiated with the buyer or temporarily covered by the executor or heirs.
7. What’s the benefit of working with a probate real estate agent?
 A probate-savvy agent understands the legal process, court timelines, disclosures, and how to market the property effectively while ensuring full compliance with probate law.