If You're Selling a Probate Property
Selling probate property as an executor is a little bit different from the usual sales process and understandably can be very stressful for many vendors.
Here at Jones Robinson Estate Agents, we are specialists in handling probate property sales, and we appreciate the emotional and legal complications, and will walk you through every part of the process.
What you should know
Here's a rough guide to selling a probate property
In order to sell a probate property, you’ll need to obtain a legal document called a ‘Grant of Probate
This confirms the validity of the Will and names the executor who has the legal authority to sell the house. Obtaining a Grant of Probate can take 12 weeks plus, so bear this in mind when looking to sell the property.
In order to apply for the Grant of Probate, you will need to obtain a valuation of the deceased’s property.
This needs to calculate the value of the property at the date the owner died, not the current selling price. We can help you do this by looking at the sold prices of comparable properties in the local area at the correct time and compile a report. This will also help you to demonstrate the true value of the home to any beneficiaries.
At this stage, you should also check the property’s title. You should be able to do this with the Land Registry. You should ask your solicitor to find out if there are any restrictions on the property.
Once you've got the initial legal documents in place, selling a property after a death can be simpler than you may think. Buyers are often attracted to the property being chain free, moving timescales are more flexible and developers often see probate properties as a renovation opportunity.
When it comes to selling a probate property, here's what we do
- We'll help you obtain a valuation of the probate property
- We'll prepare a full suite of marketing material
- We'll contact our database of waiting buyers
- Viewings are usually accompanied and our key holding service enables us to show people around without disturbing you
- We'll endeavour to give you feedback within 48 hours and report back regularly
- Offers will be passed on immediately and we'll work very hard to achieve the right price for the estate
- When an offer is agreed we check out everyone in the chain, not just your buyer, to ensure the sale is proceedable
- Our progression team will chase up mortgage lenders, solicitors and other estate agents involved in the chain to make sure everything runs smoothly in a timely manner
- You are guaranteed our support all the way to a successful completion