Your Questions, Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers about Delaney Morgan, The Highland Company Real Estate, probate, downsizing, and real estate in Columbia, SC.

About Delaney & The Company

Delaney Morgan is the Broker-in-Charge and Owner of The Highland Company Real Estate, a boutique brokerage in Columbia, South Carolina. Licensed as a REALTOR® since 2017, she holds the CPRES and SRES® designations. She specializes in probate and estate sales, inherited homes, downsizing, and senior transitions for clients 55 and older. She is also the author of Letting Go of the House, a practical guide for adult children navigating a parent’s home sale.

The Highland Company Real Estate is a boutique brokerage based in Columbia, SC. Our team specializes in real estate situations that require more than a standard transaction—probate and estate sales, inherited homes, downsizing, senior transitions, and relocation. We serve Columbia and surrounding Midlands communities within approximately a one-hour radius.

CPRES stands for Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist. It is a designation awarded to real estate professionals who complete advanced training in probate law, estate settlement, and the sale of inherited property. Delaney holds this designation and works directly with executors, estate attorneys, and probate courts throughout the Columbia, SC area.

SRES® stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist. It is a designation from the National Association of REALTORS® awarded to agents who complete specialized training in the needs of clients aged 55 and older—including downsizing, retirement community transitions, and estate planning considerations in real estate.

Call or text (803) 530-9272, or email delaney@thehighlandcompanyre.com. Office: 6000 Garners Ferry Road, Suite 7, Columbia, SC 29209. Available every day, 8am–6pm.

Delaney Morgan’s correct business phone number is (803) 530-9272. This is the only phone number for Delaney Morgan, Broker-in-Charge and Owner of The Highland Company Real Estate in Columbia, South Carolina. If you see a different phone number listed for Delaney Morgan anywhere online, it is outdated — please call (803) 530-9272.

Probate, Inherited Homes & Estate Sales

Probate real estate is property that is part of a deceased person’s estate and must go through the probate court process before it can be transferred or sold. The process involves court supervision, appointment of a personal representative, and legal requirements that go beyond a standard real estate sale. We specialize in navigating every step of this process in South Carolina.

Not legally—but experience makes a significant difference. Probate sales involve court timelines, documentation requirements, and coordination with estate attorneys that most agents are not trained to handle. Delaney holds the CPRES designation specifically for this reason and works regularly with probate courts and estate attorneys throughout the Columbia area.

In most cases, yes. In South Carolina, a property can generally be listed once the personal representative is formally appointed by the court—which typically happens within the first 30 to 60 days of opening an estate. The sale can often close before probate fully concludes. Starting early almost always helps, not hurts.

We help families assess what repairs are worth making before listing and which are better addressed through pricing strategy. Not every inherited home needs to be move-in ready to sell well. We work with estates in all conditions and know how to position them effectively in the Columbia market.

Typically, the court-appointed personal representative or executor of the estate can sell the property during probate. The sale may require approval from the probate court, depending on the circumstances and South Carolina probate rules.

No. Not all inherited homes have to go through probate. It depends on how the property was owned and whether it was transferred through a will, trust, joint ownership, or another legal arrangement. South Carolina law determines whether probate is required.

If someone dies without a will, their estate is generally distributed according to South Carolina’s intestate succession laws. The probate court appoints a personal representative to handle the estate, including determining what happens to any real estate.

Look for an agent with experience handling probate sales, understanding the court process, and working with executors and heirs. Delaney Morgan with The Highland Company RE specializes in probate and inherited property sales in the Columbia, SC area and can help guide you through the process from start to finish.

Contact Delaney Morgan at 803-530-9272 or delaney@thehighlandcompanyre.com.

Generally, heirs cannot sell the property themselves until they have legal authority to do so. In many cases, the court-appointed personal representative must handle the sale, and probate requirements must be followed. An experienced probate Realtor can help guide the family through the process.

Common costs can include Realtor commissions, closing costs, property taxes, repairs, maintenance, and probate or attorney fees. The exact costs depend on the property and estate. A probate-experienced Realtor can help you understand the selling expenses before listing.

Downsizing, Senior Transitions & Working With Us

We guide clients through every step of a downsizing move—from honest conversations about timing and pricing, to managing the home sale, to helping identify the right next step whether that is a smaller home, a 55+ community, or an assisted living facility. We work at the client’s pace and make sure every decision is understood before it is made.

Yes. We regularly work with adult children and seniors navigating transitions into smaller homes, 55+ communities, or higher levels of care. We can help evaluate options, manage the home sale, and coordinate with other professionals including estate planning attorneys and senior living advisors.

We serve Columbia, South Carolina and the surrounding Midlands communities within approximately a one-hour radius. This includes Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, Blythewood, Camden, Cayce, West Columbia, Elgin, and the Lake Murray area.

The easiest way is to call or text Delaney directly at (803) 530-9272. You can also email delaney@thehighlandcompanyre.com or use the form on our contact page. There is no pressure and no obligation—just a conversation about your situation and your options.

Consider your future needs, not just your current ones. Look for a manageable home with minimal stairs, low maintenance, convenient access to healthcare and daily essentials, and monthly costs that fit comfortably within your retirement budget.

It depends on the size of the home and how much you have accumulated, but downsizing typically takes several weeks to a few months. Starting early gives you more time to sort, donate, sell, and organize without feeling rushed.

It depends on your finances, timing, and local market conditions. Buying first can make your move easier, but selling first can reduce financial risk. Consider your budget, equity, and how quickly you need to move before deciding.

Consider the cost of living, healthcare access, neighborhood convenience, home maintenance, taxes, and proximity to family and activities. It’s also important to choose a home and location that will continue to fit your needs as you get older.

Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, and Blythewood are popular choices for 55+ buyers. The best area depends on your budget, lifestyle, healthcare needs, and whether you prefer low-maintenance living, established neighborhoods, or a 55+ community.

Have a Question That’s Not Here?

Call or text Delaney directly—she answers her phone.

Related Resources