What is the process for an executor to sell property?

First, an executor must be officially appointed by the probate court. From there, the process is typical of a real estate sale. The executor will usually have a home inspection done and hire a real estate agent. Some agents have a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist certification which can be helpful in navigating a court-regulated probate sale. In some states, the home must be listed in the newspaper.

Some states also have other specific rules governing probate sales. In California, for example, the home must be sold within a certain number of days.

When there is no will or it’s contested, once an offer is received and accepted, there will be a waiting period to get a court date to finalize the sale. Some states even require complicated bidding on probate homes.

Because selling a home in probate as an executor can be difficult with complex probate laws to follow, it’s usually advisable to work with a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist who is experienced with probate sales.