ESTATE AND PROBATE SALES
I'm truly sorry if you’ve recently lost a loved one. Managing an estate while grieving can feel overwhelming, and it’s something most people aren’t prepared for. Over the years, I've had the honor of guiding many through the estate and probate process, and it has become one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
I know how difficult it is to face both a property and the belongings left behind. That's why I provide full support and service throughout the estate sale process, coordinating everything from furniture and clothing donations to cleanouts, junk removal, handyman work, and carpentry services. With open communication at every step, I ensure the property is prepared for the market in a thoughtful and efficient way. A loved one's property is a significant gift, and I take seriously the responsibility of helping you maximize its worth.
While I can't take away the grief, I can make the process of selling an estate property less overwhelming. My role is to guide the real estate process with expertise and compassion, giving you space to focus on what matters most.
What to Expect in an Estate Sale
Step 1: Initial Meeting
We meet at the property or, if that feels too emotional, at my office. I will review the current real estate environment, provide a market valuation, and discuss my professional recommendations to maximize the property's value. We will also discuss the various options for selling the property - and what you and your family are most comfortable with. This step includes learning your goals and how I can best help you achieve them.
Step 2: Preparing the Property
During this phase, my team and I will work on the items we discussed in step #1 to get the property fully prepared for market. This includes junk removal, carpentry/painting, professional cleaning, professional photography, and any other items/projects needed to highlight the property in its best state. This is a critical step for success, and often, the most overlooked part of the estate sale process.
Step 3: Going on Market
The property will be listed/marketed in the manner which we agreed on in step1. This could include being publicly listed on MLS or being privately marketed. During this time it will be "show ready" so that any potential buyers can see the property. It will continue to be marketed until we receive an offer that meets the goals we discussed in step 1.
Step 4: Preparing for Closing
In this step, I will guide you through "next steps" post accepting an offer. Purchase and sale will be drafted and signed, furniture and personal items remaining will be removed, and final reading will be ordered. I facilitate most of this process to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that we meet all contract deadlines AND that the buyer's side of the transaction is also meeting their deadlines.
Step 5: Closing
Going into closing day I ensure that the property is empty, broom swept (the standard "condition" for closing), facilitate the final walkthrough (buyers and their buyer's agent), coordinate the exchange of keys and ensure that everything goes smoothly while keeping you in the loop at all times.
Step 6: Sold
Once closing is completed and paperwork has been recorded with the relevant registry of deeds, you will receive the proceeds for the sale of the property. Both your estate attorney and your real estate attorney will have worked with you as to where these proceeds will go and how they are to be handled according to the terms of the estate.
