Selling a house in probate can feel overwhelming. However, with my guidance, the process becomes much easier.  If you’ve inherited a home or are responsible for an estate, you may be wondering:

✔️ Can I sell a house in probate?
✔️ What steps are required?
✔️ How do I get the highest possible price?

This guide explains everything you need to know about selling a probate home with Susan Bastedo in Ocean County, NJ. Susan will ensure you avoid mistakes, save time, and maximize your profit.

Understanding Probate and How It Affects Property Sales

Probate is the legal process of handling a deceased person’s estate. It ensures that debts are settled and assets are distributed correctly. Before selling a home, the probate process must be completed.

Types of Probate:

➡️ Informal Probate – A quick process when the will is valid and undisputed.
⚖️ Formal Probate – Court involvement is necessary when the will is missing, contested, or if the estate carries debt.

If you are an executor, administrator, or heir, you can sell a probate home. However, state regulations must be followed to ensure the transaction is legally binding.

Can You Sell a House in Probate?

Yes, selling a probate home is possible, but it depends on the situation. The sale may be handled by:

✔️ The executor – If a will names an executor, they manage the sale.
✔️ The administrator – When no will exists, the court assigns an administrator.
✔️ The court – If no heirs assume responsibility, the court may order a sale.

In most cases, selling the home is necessary to pay debts, taxes, or distribute assets among heirs. However, before closing, the sale must be approved by the probate court.

Why You Should Work With a Probate Real Estate Expert

Selling a probate home is different from a standard real estate transaction. Many sellers turn to investors or wholesalers for a quick sale, but this often results in a lower profit.

🚨 The Risks of Selling to Wholesalers & Investors without an experienced Realtor 🚨

🔸 Wholesalers inflate prices – They purchase the home at a discount and resell it for profit.
🔸 Investors make lowball offers – Their goal is to buy as cheaply as possible.

💡 The Better Option: Work With Susan Bastedo, a Probate Realtor

As a licensed Realtor, real estate investor, and PSA-certified Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), I provide:

✔️ Accurate home pricing – Ensuring your home sells for market value.
✔️ A seller-first approach – Unlike investors, I work for YOU to secure the highest price.
✔️ Access to serious buyers – Whether you need a quick sale or top dollar, I connect you with the right buyers. I have a network of investors, or CASH BUYERS, willing to pay top dollar for your property and can close within weeks.

Working with a probate specialist helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a profitable and quick sale.

Step-by-Step Outline, When Selling a Probate Home With Susan in NJ

Selling a probate home involves a legal process.   Here’s how we would move forward:

🔹 Step 1: Obtain Executor or Administrator Appointment
 We will complete some forms to begin the probate process and return them to the County Surrogates’ office.  Once processed, they will provide you with a letter of administration granting permission to sell the property.  This process takes a few days and it has a small cost.  **If there is no will will an insurance bond is required by the Surrogate Court to proceed.   The one-time cost is determined by the value of the property.

🔹 Step 2: Select the Best Selling Method

• I can list it on the MLS – Best for properties that have been updated within the last five to ten years and no repairs are needed. The sale will take three to six months, once we are under contract.
• I can present the listing to my cash buyers –  I belong to a network of investors who pay cash.   You will have NO out-of-pocket expenses. or upfront costs, no probate cost.   You will not be expected to make any repairs.  You will not pay closing costs. The entire process is completed within a few weeks.
• 🔹 Step 3: Accept an Offer – I will present you with every offer, and help you choose the best one. Once an offer is accepted, we will be under contract.

🔹 Step 4:  The process of being under contract – I will submit the contract to the title company. The title company will ensure that no liens or encumbrances are tied to the property,  and that the deed is transferable by the sale.

                    If we list on the MLS, there will be a 3-day attorney review followed by a 10-day inspection period.  The buyer will have ten days to inspect the home and have it appraised by the buyer’s lender.  You will have the remainder of the time to make any repairs or replacements uncovered by the inspection.

                     If we sell to a cash buyer, there will be a 5-day inspection period for the buyer to perform their due diligence of the property and make payment arrangements with the title company. You will NOT be expected to repair or replace anything.  You can pick the closing date.

 🔹 Step 5: Complete the Transaction
Once approved, the title transfers, and proceeds are distributed according to probate laws in New Jersey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Probate Property 

🚫 Accepting a Low Offer Too Quickly
Many sellers rush the process and lose thousands of dollars.

🚫 Selling to Wholesalers Without Understanding Their Process
Wholesalers profit by reselling the home at a higher price, leaving you with less.

🚫 Skipping a Professional Appraisal
An incorrect valuation can lead to selling below market value. 

🚫 Delaying the Probate Process
Waiting too long increases property taxes, legal fees, and maintenance costs.

🚫 Hiring a Realtor Without Probate Experience
General real estate agents may not understand the legal complexities of probate sales, which can cause unnecessary delays.

🚫 Thinking there is no money to be made because of debt or a REVERSE MORTGAGE –  This is  NOT true.

Need Help Selling a Probate Home in Forked River? Let’s Talk!

Selling a house in probate doesn’t have to be difficult. With me, you can simplify the process and maximize your return. I will be there with you from step 1!

📞 Contact Susan today for expert guidance on selling your probate property in NJ!

Cell (609) 205-0578

Email: yournjrealtorsusan@gmail.com