Can You Sell a House Before Probate In California?

Can You Sell a House Before Probate In California?

Experiencing the death of a loved one can be devastating.

Next comes the lengthy, challenging process of managing the belongings of the deceased, also referred to as probate.

Occasionally, the inherited property serves as a continual reminder of the loss, so it’s natural to desire to sell the property as soon as possible. You may even ponder if there’s a way to avoid probate entirely.

So, can you sell a house before probate?

To answer that, we put together a guide to demystify the probate process and help you in the process of selling inherited property.

What is the Probate Process in California?

Probate is a legal process that involves the review, administration, and distribution of a person’s assets after death.

Probate seeks to accomplish the following:

• Establish a will’s validity.
• Provide a complete inventory and determine the appraised value of a decedent’s assets.
• Locate and contact all the other beneficiaries.
• Determine whether the deceased person has enough assets to cover liabilities.
• Ensure that all of the deceased person’s debts and taxes are paid off.
• Ensure that the assets of a deceased person go to its intended beneficiaries or creditors even if a will is absent.

On average, the whole process takes six to nine months and probate fees can cost between 3% to 7% of the estate’s value.
All in all, the process consists of four phases:

Pre-Petition Phase

During this stage, your main task is to gather the required paperwork (such as the deceased’s will, death certificate, and probate petition form) to initiate the probate process.

Appointment Phase

Probate starts once the will, death certificate, and probate petition form are submitted to the county court where the deceased lived. Then, the court picks someone, usually a family member listed in the will or a neutral third party, to oversee the estate.

Administration Phase

The executor then sends out a notice to all creditors, beneficiaries, and heirs to notify them that the estate is in probate.

Bank accounts, bonds, stocks, fancy stuff like art, cars, and watches, and real estate all make up the probate estate.

After tallying up everything and settling debts (sometimes by selling the real estate), the probate process moves towards closing.

Closing Phase

The executor will use the remaining funds to settle the court fees, attorney’s fees, and taxes.

In the final stage of probate, it is time to distribute assets (or any residual value left from the property sale) amongst the heirs and beneficiaries.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

Probate law can be complicated.
They vary by state. Sometimes, the property may not need probate.
So, it’s smart to talk to a probate lawyer who can explain the probate process. Plus, they can advise if you can sell the house before probate finishes.

Can You Sell a Deceased Person’s House without Probate?

Technically speaking, the answer is yes.
You can absolutely look for buyers or enlist real estate agents to sell the inherited property. There’s no legal block preventing you from accepting a cash offer or attempting to sell the house before probate finishes.
But to finalize the deal, you must complete the probate process to sidestep legal issues and confirm ownership of the property you’re selling.

What are the Ways to Avoid Probate on a Deceased Person’s Estate?

Inheriting property can be a lengthy process, prompting questions about avoiding delays while staying within the law.
Smart planning can help sidestep the complexities of inherited real estate. Here are your choices:

Living Trust

If there are multiple beneficiaries, this is the way to go.

A living trust is a legal arrangement that designates someone as the beneficiary and the property owner as the trustee. For example, you could be the beneficiary while your parents act as the trustees.

Living trusts can either be:

• Revocable – a trust that can be amended within the trustee’s lifetime
• Irrevocable – a trust that cannot be changed

When the trustee passes away, the estate’s ownership automatically transfers to the beneficiary. 

But, keep in mind, a living trust only helps avoid probate, not taxes. So, you still need to fulfill all tax responsibilities during an estate sale.

Jointly Owned Property with Right of Survivorship

This is also known as joint tenancy. It means that if one of the co-owners dies, the property automatically goes to the other owner, who then has complete legal control over the property.

Tenancy by Entirety or Community Property Law

This option is only available to married couples.
Tenancy by entirety is like joint tenancy, where the surviving spouse gets complete ownership of the property when the other dies, skipping probate.
Not every state recognizes tenancy by entirety, especially in community property states, where they use terms like community or marital property instead.

Death Deed

In some states, you can skip the probate process via a Transfer upon Death deed.
This document transfers ownership of property directly to the inheritor, skipping the troubles and costs of probate. Like a living trust, it doesn’t shield you from taxes and expenses when selling the inherited property.

Independent Administration of the Estate Act (IAEA)

If you’re the personal representative, you can sell a property before probate finishes as long as you follow the law.
Remember, you can’t have a personal stake in the property, so you can’t sell it to yourself. You also need to inform everyone involved in the estate about the sale.

Frequently Asked Questions: Selling Probate Property In California

Is it Required to File a Will in Court?

What Happens if a Person Dies without a Will?

How Soon Can Probate Begin, and Is There a Time Limit
To Initiating the Probate Process?

Can Probate be Completed without the Involvement of Probate Court?

What Happens if There are Not Enough Liquid Assets to Pay Off Debts?

Are There Assets that Don’t Need to Undergo Probate?

Is There a Threshold Amount for an Estate to be Exempt from the Probate Process?

Do I Need Probate to Sell My Mother’s House?

Closing Thoughts: Do You Need Probate To
Sell a House in California?

In its core, probate is about protecting the assets of someone who has passed away and ensuring they go to the rightful inheritors.

The question “Can you sell a house before probate?” has a straightforward answer: yes, if probate isn’t necessary.

Whether you want to sell a house before or after probate, most homeowners aim for a quick sale.

At JiT Home Buyers, we assist you in achieving just that!

We eliminate the hassle of working with real estate agents and their fees, connecting you directly with local cash buyers who know your area well. This ensures you receive the most precise offer! Moreover, we can close the deal in as little as seven days—and we cover all closing expenses for you!

To receive a fair cash offer for your property, fill out the online form below to begin.

For a fast, no-obligation consultation, feel free to call us at (510) 473-5885, and we’ll gladly assist you!

The Easiest Way To Sell Your House Fast In California

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