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Writer's pictureDenise Davis

How a Probate Real Estate Agent Can Help You Sell Your Property?

Updated: May 7


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Denise Knows Probate!


Probate sometimes requires you to sell the decedent's (the person who died) home to help pay off debt. This can be both emotional and complicated as many legal and financial factors must be considered during the process.


Fortunately, working with an experienced and knowledgeable probate real estate agent can make this undertaking more accessible, efficient, and significantly less stressful for all parties involved.


This blog post will discuss how a professional probate real estate agent can help streamline your selling process and ensure that everything goes smoothly from start to finish.


We'll also look at the advantages of enlisting their services and provide some tips for selecting the best fit for you. Ready to learn more? Read on!


[Need help with probate? We offer helpful probate services and will work with you to find the plan that meets your needs. Learn more.]


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What is a Probate Real Estate Agent?


A probate real estate agent is specialized in the probate process and the sale of probate estates. The probate process requires the executor or administrator of an estate to file an inventory form of all of the decedent's assets and debts. Some of the assets may be sold to help pay the decedent's creditors and the remaining funds will go to beneficiaries and heirs.


If the sale of the assets does not create enough money to pay off the decedent's creditors the executor of the estate may petition the courts to sell the real estate to aid in paying off the creditors.


In North Carolina it is not required that you sell real estate but as mentioned above if the other assets do not bring in the funds needed, the house may have to be sold.


A probate real estate agent can assist with selling the deceased individual's property during this process.


How can they help you sell your property?


Man holding toy house and writing down notes

A probate real estate agent can help you sell your probate property in several ways.

  • They understand the probate process which can sometimes be handled differently than your traditional way of selling a home

  • They will guide you through each step of the process to ensure that everything is done correctly and quickly.

  • They have extensive experience working with probate attorneys, appraisers, financial institutions, title companies, and other professionals involved in probate sales.

  • They ensure that all tasks related to the sale are handled on time.

  • Probate real estate agents can help you determine a fair market value for your property so that it is sold at its highest price possible.

  • They can also provide helpful insights into current market conditions, which can help you set the right price for your property.

How to Find the Right Probate Real Estate Agent for Your Needs?


couple holding hands while looking at small house models and paperwork

Finding the right probate real estate agent for your needs is crucial to ensure a successful sale. Here are some tips for selecting the best fit:

  • Look for an experienced and knowledgeable probate real estate agent.

  • Ask questions about their experience with probate sales, as well as what services they offer.

  • Find out if they have worked with other clients who have gone through similar circumstances or have similar goals as yours.

  • Check references and reviews from past customers. This will help you get an idea of their service quality.

  • Ensure that the agent understands the local market, laws, and regulations related to probate sales in your area.

If you don't have an experienced probate real estate agent in your network, a probate attorney can recommend a real estate agent. Once you've found a few potential agents, meet with them to discuss your goals and expectations. This will give you a better idea of the level of service they can provide and whether or not they are the right fit for you.


Identify a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES):


Man holding key and real estate contract laying on table beside gavel and pen.

When looking for a probate real estate agent, consider finding someone certified as a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES). This certification indicates that the professional has gained extensive knowledge in handling probate sales.


A CPRES is a professional who can guide you through a probate property sale. These agents may be better positioned to help you navigate through any complexities of the process and make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible.


What is the difference between a Traditional home sales and probate home sales?

The main difference between traditional home sales and probate home sales is that in the latter, the sale must be approved by a court. This means that there are additional requirements that must be met for each step of the process.


Additionally, probate estates must rely on something other than marketing tactics, such as staging or open houses, to attract buyers, as these activities may need to be approved by the court.


Probate real estate agents can help you navigate these complexities and ensure everything is done according to legal requirements.


Tips on Working with Your Probate Real Estate Agent:


Realtor showing couple a house.

Once you've chosen a probate real estate agent, there are some tips on how to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible:

  • Make sure all documents related to the sale are organized and up-to-date.

  • Be clear about your goals and expectations for the sale so that your agent can work towards achieving them.

  • Provide feedback when necessary to ensure you are on the same page throughout the process.

  • Trust in your agent's knowledge and expertise in probate sales.

  • Communicate openly with your agent, so they can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

  • Keep track of deadlines and remain organized throughout the entire process.


Process of Selling Your Property with a Probate Real Estate Agent:


Once you've chosen a probate real estate agent and discussed your goals, selling your property begins. The steps may vary depending on the situation but generally involve:

  • Complying with court requirements for approval of any marketing activities.

  • Marketing the property through various channels to attract potential buyers.

  • Negotiating offers and preparing contracts once an offer is accepted.

  • Finalizing paperwork with the buyer and closing on the sale.

Your probate-selling real estate agent can help guide you through this process and ensure legal regulations are all met.


Benefits of Hiring a Probate Real Estate Agent:


female realtor showing couple a house

When selling your property, there are several benefits to hiring a probate real estate agent. They can help you:

  • Navigate the complexities of probate law and court requirements.

  • Efficiently manage all paperwork associated with the sale.

  • Maximize the value of your property by using marketing tactics approved by the court.

  • Negotiate with potential buyers to ensure you get the highest price for your property.

  • Help close the sale promptly without any legal issues or delays.

Having a probate real estate agent on your side will make it much easier to sell your property quickly and at a fair price. With their expertise and knowledge of local laws, they can help you navigate any challenges and ensure everything is done to the highest standards.


Conclusion:

Selling property via probate can be a complex and time-consuming process, but having an experienced probate real estate agent on your side can make it much more manageable.


With their expertise in handling probate sales and knowledge of local regulations, they can help you navigate any challenges and ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.


The right agent will also help you maximize the value of your property by using marketing tactics approved by the court and negotiating with buyers to get you the highest price for your home.


Overall, if you are looking to sell a probate property, hiring a real estate agent knowledgeable with the probate process is highly recommended.


North Carolina Probate Solutions

Hello, I'm Denise Davis. The owner of North Carolina Probate Solutions and a licensed realtor with EXP Realty in Greenville NC. I chose to specialize in probate because I am also a registered nurse who have worked with hospice and palliative care patients and families and I understand the difficulties of dealing with death and probate.


I know probate can be both emotional and frustrating and can add additional stress to an already stressful time in life.


I understand the probate process and what is required to bring the process to completion. If there is something that I do not know, I work with experienced attorneys, contractors, accountants, inspectors and many other professionals who I can turn to, to get you the answers you need.


If you need to sell your loved ones home to pay off debt or to distribute funds to the heirs and/or beneficiaries lets talk to see how I can help you. I provide options, so whether it's listing your home on the market or getting you a fast cash offer I can help you.


If you find yourself having questions or needing guidance with probate matters, please feel free to reach out to me!





Denise Harper Davis Certified Probate Real Estate Agent

Denise Harper Davis


Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist


Licensed Realtor


252-902-9006



* NOTE: North Carolina Probate Solutions and the author of this article is not a licensed attorney or CPA. This post should not be considered legal or tax advice. Always consult an estate attorney or tax professional when needing legal answers and legal advice.


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