So, You Want To Be A Probate Specialist Selling Real Estate?

So, you want to be a probate specialist selling real estate? There is always some sort of issues with title and or the heirs. These matters can take months to get straightened out. Meanwhile, you are talking with the attorney and the seller regularly moving toward having keys made and meeting the locksmith, that is once you have the court orders.

Next, you hope you can get in to evaluate the property, except when squatters are living in the property as per the photo below. This is a real photograph after calling 911 at one of my new probate properties. The Sacramento Police department showed up, and they were so very caring and helpful. Do not ever go inside with squatters as you do not know if they have weapons or are on dangerous narcotics. Always call the men and women in blue as this needs to be handled by the professionals.

Call The Police

Let’s assume you have been able to obtain a listing agreement, now the appointments with various vendors are the next phase. The heirs often need to come and take whatever mementos they want, and this can be a recipe for disaster. Things are often stolen or somehow missing, so now the fun starts. There may be items that need to be sold, items that need to be donated, or things that need to be dumped. This phase can be very time-consuming. Many probates are hoarder houses. Also, rat infestation is often prominent. Baiting and trapping is a process. The clock is ticking. The hours invested grows each day.

Squatters

Utilities are often turned off, or squatters have utility services on. There is never a shortage of items on the probate checklist. This is only the tip of the iceberg, as it can take months and months to get the property ready. There are dozens of vendors to be scheduled. Then later that you are inching closer to putting the property on the MLS. This is not a race, as your patience will be tested time and time again. There are often abandoned vehicles as well.

You can’t make this stuff up

I could talk for days on this subject with hundreds of crazy stories, but I think the photos give you a general idea. If you have questions about your Probate or Trust property, please call Weintraub and Wallace Realtors with RE/MAX Gold real estate. We can be reached at 916-233-6759.

—–JaCi Wallace