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kate_sept2004/Getty Images May 04, 2022 TJ Porter is a contributing writer for Bankrate. TJ writes about a range of subjects, from to . Michele Petry is a senior editor for Bankrate, leading the site’s real estate content. Bankrate logo

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You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. When someone dies, they leave behind an estate that contains all of the assets they owned during their life, such as cash, investments and real estate. The legal process through which these assets are sold, or , is called probate. If you’re looking to buy a home, you may run across probate sales. These can be unique opportunities to purchase a property.

What is a probate sale

Typically, a deceased person leaves behind a will that outlines what they want done with their possessions. However, sometimes the terms of a will are unclear, or the person dies without a will, leaving the person’s family to decide how to handle their assets. The courts can also get involved: In real estate, a probate sale is the sale of a home under the supervision of probate court.

Should you buy a probate sale

Probate sales can be complicated, and they’re very different from most real estate transactions. So it’s important to understand the pros and cons before buying a home through a probate sale.

Benefits

Homes in a probate sale are often priced lower than they would be otherwise Probate sale opportunities may not be available through the usual real estate market channels Fewer people are typically interested in probate sales, meaning there’s less competition to buy the home

Risks

The purchase process can take much longer Many probate-sale homes are in poor condition and need repairs Additional regulations around probate sales can make the transaction more complicated

How to buy probate real estate

The first step, of course, is to find a home that’s being sold via a probate sale. This can be tricky, because they often don’t get listed through the usual channels. Though it’s morbid, one option is to check obituaries and local records to see if any recently deceased people owned property in locations you’re interested in. Another is to look through local papers for notices to creditors or notices of petition to administer estates. These can give you a head start on finding properties that are about to go up for sale. Needless to say, make sure to exercise tact and courtesy if you speak to a family member. The probate process can take many months, so be prepared for a long wait. You’ll likely work with the executor of the estate, a or the court to make an offer on the home. One thing to keep in mind is that probate real estate is usually . The previous owner may have been elderly or had health issues that made maintenance difficult. That means that a is essential, and that you should be ready for unexpected costs to pop up.

Finding comps

Before you make an offer on any home, you need to get a sense for what the property is worth. The best way to do that is . Look for houses in the same neighborhood that are of similar size, number of bedrooms and more. Recent sales data can be very helpful in determining how much to offer for the property.

Finding a probate real estate agent

Probate sales are complicated, so a specialized real estate agent with experience can help guide you through the process. To find a probate real estate agent, your best bet is to ask a probate attorney. There’s a good chance they’ve handled probate sales in the past and can connect you with the real estate agents that they’ve worked with. You can also reach out to to see if any of their agents specialize in probate sales.

Can probate be avoided

Yes, it’s possible to avoid probate for your own estate . One of the most common ways to avoid the probate process is by . If you start a trust and add assets to it, the assets in the trust will skip the probate process. Another way to avoid probate is to own real estate jointly. If you and a spouse jointly own a home and one of you passes away, the surviving spouse will typically retain full ownership of the home and not have to deal with probate. (This can depend on the intricacies of the , so it’s smart to consult an attorney.)

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean when a sale is subject to probate

When a home sale is subject to probate, that means that the terms of the sale must be approved by the probate court managing the estate that owns the property. This can slow down the process of buying the home.

How long does a probate sale take

The probate process can take a long time. It is not unusual for probate sales to take a year or longer to complete.

How much does the probate court keep from an estate sale

The costs of probate can vary widely, and some states place a limit on the fees charged. It isn’t unusual to see fees of 3 to 5 percent for estate sales.

Are probate sales cash only

Probate sales are not necessarily cash only. However, like any other real estate transaction, a cash offer can be more appealing to the seller.

Do I need a probate sale lawyer

Buying real estate is complex, and probate sales only make the process more complicated. Hiring an attorney who is familiar with the process can be a big help.

Can a house be sold while in probate

Yes, the can sell a house that is in probate. The proceeds from the sale will first go toward satisfying the estate’s debts and probate costs, and what is left can then be distributed to heirs.

Bottom line

Is a probate sale the right choice for you? If you’re looking to buy a home on the cheap and you have time to wait, it might be. They can be complex, and the homes involved , but you have a chance of scoring a great deal. If you’re a or need a home quickly, you should probably avoid probate sales.
SHARE: TJ Porter is a contributing writer for Bankrate. TJ writes about a range of subjects, from to . Michele Petry is a senior editor for Bankrate, leading the site’s real estate content.

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