When someone in the family passes away, their property is dealt with by a local court. It’s easy if the deceased leaves behind a will. This isn’t always the case.
If you’re tasked with the disposal of the remaining property of a deceased relative, you might be wondering what the next steps are. Should you hire someone else, or can you do it all on your own?
Hiring a probate Realtor is not required, but it’s often necessary. You’re allowed to process everything yourself, but ultimately, it’s wiser to leave it to the professionals. Here’s why:
A probate Realtor takes care of the confusing paperwork
A probate Realtor is a real estate agent who has undergone specialized training from the U.S. Probate Services. They’re also known as Certified Probate Real Estate Specialists (CPRES).
Dealing with a property in probate involves complex paperwork. If you have no experience in this area, these papers may well be gibberish. This is where a specialist steps in. They’ll help you decode a lot of the necessary papers, including forms, documents, and disclosures that need to be filled out and signed.
A probate Realtor understands probate law
Since the property needs to be assessed by a court, handling probate real estate requires knowledge of local law. In the absence of a will, state law dictates who among the heirs receives which assets, and in what order. This is called intestate succession.
Hand over the work to a specialist. Then, you’ll be able to take a step back and save yourself the confusion of doing work that’s out of your capacity.
A probate Realtor has the technical knowledge other Realtors don’t
If you plan on selling a home in probate, hire a certified probate agent — they know things other agents don’t.
Apart from distinct terms and contracts, a probate sale goes by unique pricing rules, timing requirements, and notice actions. Then, there are state laws to consider. Your average agent may have some know-how in this area, but nothing beats the expertise of a probate Realtor.
This is especially necessary for court documents and proceedings, which leads us to the next part of the blog:
A probate Realtor helps you handle court processes
In some cases, a probate sale may require court confirmation.
A probate specialist is well versed in court protocols. Moreover, they probably have a good working relationship with probate attorneys, paralegals, clerks, and administrators. This is much easier than having to start from scratch by yourself.
How to find the right probate Realtor
Looking to hire a probate Realtor? Here are a few ways to narrow your search:
- Make sure you’re hiring a certified probate agent, not just a regular agent looking to take on a probate sale. There’s a reason specialists undergo training and examination to earn their title.
- Check their references. If your candidate is a certified probate Realtor, they likely have a network of other probate professionals they’ve worked with in the past.
- Ask about their experiences. Were they able to increase home value for their client’s property? How soon were they able to close a deal on their previous home? Communicate any concerns you may have from the start.
Want to buy a home in Newport Beach, CA or neighboring communities? The team of Jennifer Toyama from Yoshikane-Toyama Real Estate Group will be happy to lend a hand. Call us at 714.501.7132 or contact us here.