How To Sell a Probate Home in California

By Dave Knight

Dave Knight, our Specialist, started his career in real estate back in 2007 and quickly became a top-producing Agent at Keller Williams.

Most people are shocked to learn how much money can be lost when a probate property is sold the wrong way. I recently worked on a case where the difference between what was offered and what the property was really worth was more than half a million dollars. That’s real money that should’ve gone to the beneficiary, and it shows why understanding the probate process matters so much.

The wrong way to sell a probate. A nonprofit organization reached out to me after the executor of an estate presented them with an offer. They were the sole beneficiary, but something didn’t feel right. When I reviewed the property, I found it was worth at least $500,000 more than what they were offered. This shows how easy it is for an estate to leave huge sums on the table if the sale isn’t handled correctly.

What do you need to know about probate? When a homeowner passes away with a will but no trust, the executor named in the will takes charge of the estate. That executor has a duty to protect the estate and make sure the beneficiary gets the full value of the property. They can’t sell a home at a discount to a family member or friend and plan to profit later. The probate process creates accountability and requires that the property be sold at fair market value so the beneficiary isn’t cheated.

The accountability step. If the executor has full authority, they can make business decisions about the sale. They hire a real estate agent, list the home at the right price, and negotiate the strongest offer. Once the buyer removes contingencies, the attorney issues a Notice of Proposed Action. That document is sent to all beneficiaries, who then have fifteen days to review and object if they believe the home is being sold for too little. If there’s an objection, the sale stops until it’s resolved. This safeguard ensures fairness and transparency throughout the process.

The right way to sell a probate. In the case I handled, the attorneys saw that trust had broken down between the executor and the beneficiary. They recommended that I step in so the property could be marketed and sold for maximum value. This ensured the nonprofit beneficiary received the full amount they were owed, rather than leaving money unclaimed.

Selling a probate home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or uncertain. With the proper guidance, you can protect the estate, secure the best value, and make sure beneficiaries get what they’re owed. If you’re facing a probate situation and want to be sure it’s handled the right way, call or text me at 626-408-2890 or email me at daveknight@kw.com. I’d be happy to talk through your options and help you create the best plan for your situation.