Question: I notice that your website says that members of The Sanborn Team are probate specialists. My brother-in-law is a residential real estate agent and he says we don’t need a specialist, that he’s qualified to handle the sale of our parents’ home. Who’s right?
The Sanborn Team answer: Your brother-in-law is correct: a real estate agent does not require a special license or certification to represent sellers of real property through probate, trust or conservatorship. But an agent’s first-hand probate sales experience can make the process easier and more profitable for the sellers. Here are a few reasons why:
- Probate properties require disclosures that are different from non-probate sales.
- Court proceedings are very detailed and specific and must be followed to the letter.
- It is very common for parties to the sale, including sellers, buyers, agents, and other advisors to have questions and concerns about the probate process. The seller’s agent should be able to provide clear, easy-to-understand explanations.
- The agent should be able to advise prospective buyers (and/or their agents) to make sure they are qualified and come to court with the necessary paperwork to make their offer.
- Aggressive marketing, even after an offer has been accepted, can net additional offers and more money for the estate.
- Inexperienced real estate agents may inadvertently cause delays in, or even cancellation of, the proceedings.
- The probate property may be in a geographic area that is inconvenient or unfamiliar.
The Sanborn Team specializes in the sale of real property through probate, trust and conservatorship. We have decades of experience and have earned the respect of estate planning attorneys throughout Southern California. We have a broad network of skilled agents to assist clients outside the area. We are happy to answer your questions and would be very pleased to explain more about the probate process. Call us today at 310-777-2858.
