🏡 Probate Real Estate Guide

By Joseph White, Realtor® SRS, ABR

Century 21 Professionals | Serving Oakland & Macomb Counties
📞 586-230-7996 | 📧 myrealtorworld@gmail.com

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate. If the person owned real estate in their name alone, the property must go through probate before it can be sold or transferred.

When Is Probate Required to Sell a Home?

Probate is required if:

• The deceased was the sole owner of the property

• The property was not held in a trust or joint ownership

• No Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) was recorded

Key Players in a Probate Sale

• Personal Representative (PR) or Executor: Appointed to oversee the estate.

• Probate Attorney: Assists with legal documents and court filings.

• Probate Realtor: Helps price, market, and sell the property appropriately.

The 6 Key Steps to Selling a Home in Probate

1. Get Appointed as PR (Personal Representative)

• Must be formally approved by the Probate Court before listing or selling the home.

2. Hire a Probate-Savvy Realtor

• Choose someone familiar with local court requirements and probate disclosures (like me).

3. Assess the Property

• Walkthrough, determine condition, locate title, deed, HOA docs, etc.

• Optional: cleanout, maintenance, minor repairs, staging.

4. Get Court or Heir Approval

• Some estates may require court approval or signatures from multiple heirs before listing or accepting offers.

5. List and Market the Home

• Professionally market to attract buyers. Includes:

  • Local MLS

  • Digital and print ads

  • Targeting investors or families based on condition

6. Accept Offer and Navigate Probate Closing

• Accept offers with probate-specific language (some may require longer timelines).

• Coordinate with title, attorney, and court as needed.

• Distribute proceeds per court or will instructions.

Common Questions

❓ Can I sell before probate is complete?
Sometimes — if you have “Letters of Authority” from the court, you may list and accept offers with conditions.

❓ How long does probate take?
In Michigan, simple cases may take 4–6 months. Complex estates or those with disputes can take longer.

❓ Who pays for the repairs, taxes, or cleanout?
The estate does — I can recommend affordable contractors and estate cleanout services.

Why Work With Me?

✅ Certified Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
✅ Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)
✅ Local Expertise in Oakland & Macomb Counties
✅ Probate-Specific Listing Strategies
✅ Sensitive to Family Dynamics and Timing

Let’s Make This Easier.

📞 Call/Text: 586-230-7996
📧 Email: myrealtorworld@gmail.com
🌐 Website: Coming Soon

Let’s talk about your situation in confidence. I’ll walk you through each step and handle the details.