Ginette is often asked, “What’s the difference between a trust sale and a probate sale?” Both mean that the homeowner has passed away, and the estate is now selling the home. The big difference lies in if and how the court may be involved.
What Is a Probate Sale?
Probate is the court-supervised administration of a decedent’s estate. The probate proceeding involves “proving the will” (if there is a will), appointing the personal representative, determining the decedent’s assets subject to probate, paying outstanding debts, and disbursing funds to the beneficiaries. In some cases, the decedent’s estate includes real property that must be sold under the court’s supervision.
The answer to the question, “What’s the difference between a Trust sale and a Probate sale?” Many homeowners will place their home into a trust so that when they pass away, the plans for settling the estate (and the plans for the house), are easily known by the trust's instructions. Between the two, when people Sell Trust property, it is the more straightforward transaction for the seller to sell the home. However, while this requires no particular court action on the buyer's part, it has several essential details, legal forms, and particulars that must be followed by the letter. Having a trust, enables the estate to bypass the court system and therefore saves significant time and money for the estate. In a trust sale, there is usually one trustee who is the decision maker and has the authority to sell the home, though sometimes several siblings may all be trustees and, therefore decision-makers as well.
Why Do Some Probate Properties Not Require Court Confirmation?
If a probate property is a Trust Sale or the Executor/Administrator of the estate has been granted “full independent powers” under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA), the sale may not require court confirmation. If the Administrator has full independent powers, they may elect to list the property for sale. Once an offer is accepted, the estate’s attorney mails out a Notice of Proposed Action stating the terms of the proposed sale to all the heirs. The heirs then have 15 days to object to the sale. If there is no objection within 15 days, the deal goes through without any court hearing required. (Regardless of the details of the probate transaction, sellers are strongly encouraged to work with an attorney to sell probate property and a Realtor proficient in Probate sales to protect the estate’s best interests.)
Should I Make Repairs Before Listing a Probate Property for Sale?
No. In California, probate properties are sold “as-is.” If you make repairs, you may inadvertently conceal something about the property's condition. Even a coat of paint can unintentionally hide a defect. Except for removing personal possessions, clearing out trash, and cleaning up the entryway and yard, it is essential to leave the property in its present state and let the buyers do their inspections and satisfy themselves as to the property's condition.
Is the Paperwork Different in a Probate Sale Than in a Traditional Real Estate Transaction?
Yes. In most real estate transactions, the seller must disclose information about the property, including defects, construction conducted without a permit, evidence of pest or water damage, etc. Because sellers of real property through probate, trust, or conservatorship may never have lived in the property being sold, particular disclosure forms consider this. Probate and trust sales require special disclosures, listing agreements, and purchase contracts. The California Association of Realtors has standardized forms specifically for probate transactions in California.
When Is a Notice of Proposed Action Mailed to All Heirs?
When the property has an accepted offer, simply stating the terms of the proposed sale. The heirs have 15 days to review the notice and pose any objections. The sale may proceed without a court hearing if there are no objections.
How Do You Determine the Minimum Bid in Court at the Court Confirmation Hearing?
A statute sets the minimum first overbid price in the Probate Code. Calculating the overbid assumes that there is an accepted offer on the property. The minimum overbid amount is 10% of the first $10,000 plus 5% of the balance of the accepted offer. The overbid must be presented in person by cashier’s check (no personal checks). If a property is highly desirable, there may be more than one over-bidder. In that case, an overbid above the minimum would be to the advantage of the potential buyer.
