What is a probate sale?

Dear William,

How do I buy a property that says it is a probate sale? No one seems to know when I talk to them about it.

Tanner L, Culver City, CA

Hi Tanner,

We deal with probate on a regular basis and it’s always a sensitive matter. From belongings going to estate sales to being sensitive to privacy, our job is to create some emotional stability, provide solutions all while living in the emotional roller coaster of losing someone you love.

If the property still has an existing living owner and the other person on title has deceased, you will need to provide escrow with a original copy of the Certificate of Death in order to sell the property. There are more details in this scenario that we can talk about more on the phone.

If the property has only one owner and the owner is now deceased, here’s the reality: the probate sale is going to go one way or another. The first way is whether or not the property require a court confirmation (still call me!), then a legal counsel will make a final decision on what that price will be so write an offer and see what happens. Most importantly, work with an agent that understands both scenarios so that if you really want the property, it will definitely be yours!

William

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