The Probate Home Sale, Step by Step — The Alan Donald Team
The Probate Home Sale,
step by step
Selling an estate property doesn't have to feel overwhelming. This roadmap shows every stage of the journey — including the detours — from opening probate to closing day.
Open the Estate & Prepare the Property
The court authorizes you to act — then we assess what the home needs before it goes to market.
Open Probate
The estate is filed with the probate court.
Receive Letters Testamentary
The court grants you legal authority to sell as personal representative.
Decision to Sell the Property
Heirs and the personal representative agree the home should be sold.
Realtor Walkthrough
We tour the property together and evaluate its condition and value.
Is the property ready to sell?
↩ Once the work is done, we return to the checkpoint — now ready to sell.
List & Market the Home
Professional presentation and full MLS exposure — then we read the market's response.
Sign Listing Paperwork
The listing agreement and probate disclosures are completed.
Photography & Listing Copy
Professional photos are taken and compelling marketing copy is written.
Launch in the MLS
The home goes live to thousands of agents and buyers.
Adequate market response?
↩ We reassess weekly until showings and offer activity meet the target.
Offers, Negotiation & Contract
We negotiate on the estate's behalf until terms are agreed and the contract is binding.
Receive Offers
Offers are compared on price, terms, financing strength, and timeline.
Negotiation (1st round) — agreed terms?
Ratified Contract
All parties sign — the home is officially under contract.
Earnest Money Deposited
The buyer's good-faith deposit is placed in escrow.
Due Diligence to Closing
Inspections and appraisal are the last two checkpoints. Most contracts clear both — and when they don't, negotiation usually saves the deal.
Buyer Due Diligence
The buyer inspects the home and reviews all documents.
Repairs requested — negotiation (2nd round) — agreed terms?
Appraisal Completed
The buyer's lender confirms the home's value supports the loan.
Appraisal at value?
↩ If terms can't be reached, the contract terminates and we relist with lessons learned.
Closing & Funding
The sale records, funds disburse to the estate, and your work as personal representative for this property is complete.
If a contract terminates
Earnest money is handled per the contract, and the home goes back on the market — often stronger for what we learned.