If you’ve been named the executor (or personal representative) of an estate, one of your biggest responsibilities may be selling the deceased’s home. This is a common part of the probate process—the court-supervised method of settling a person’s estate. And yes, a Realtor can absolutely help you navigate the sale.

As an experienced Realtor in Columbia, SC, I’ve worked with many families facing this exact situation. Here’s how I can support you:

1. Navigating the Legal Steps
Before you can sell the home, the probate court must grant you legal authority via Letters Testamentary. I’ll coordinate with your probate attorney to make sure all required documents, disclosures, and timelines are followed correctly during the listing and sale.

2. Determining Fair Market Value
You’re obligated to sell the home for its fair market value. I provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to estimate this based on local data. If an official appraisal is needed, I’ll help you coordinate that too.

My goal is to help you price the home accurately—not too low (which can raise questions from heirs) and not too high (which can stall the sale).

3. Preparing the Home for Sale
Many probate homes are dated, cluttered, or in disrepair. I assist with organizing:

Cleanouts and junk removal

Minor repairs and landscaping

Staging, cleaning, and donation pickups

You don’t need to live nearby or manage it all on your own—I have local vendors ready to help.

4. Managing Showings and Offers
Probate sales often involve multiple heirs and emotional decisions. I act as a neutral party, keeping communication professional and clear. I also disclose the home’s probate status to buyers, manage expectations, and ensure we only work with serious offers.

If court confirmation or a “Notice of Proposed Action” is required, I’ll walk you through every step.

5. Closing the Sale and Reporting to the Court
Once sold, proceeds must be used to pay debts and distributed to heirs as required. I’ll ensure:

All paperwork is complete

Funds are disbursed properly

You have what you need to report the sale back to the court

Let a Local Expert Help
Probate sales are more complex than traditional real estate transactions—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to guide you with knowledge, care, and local expertise.

For guidance, contact Delaney@TheHighlandCompanyRE.com.