What do I do with a house I just inherited?
Who can decide, what it costs to keep, and the four real choices before anyone lists it.
Families & Executors
Sell after authority—not after the entire probate finishes.
Inherited Property, Handled with Procedure
Once Letters of Administration (or equivalent court authority) are in place, you can often move forward with listing and sale. Waiting for the entire probate to close is not usually required—and delaying can add carrying costs, vacancy risk, and family stress.
- Court-aware listing strategy that respects probate and trust sale requirements in California.
- Confidential estate-valuation framing so marketing supports the estate’s goals without unnecessary drama.
- Guidance for executors, administrators, and trustees on timing, showings, and as-is condition.
- Coordination with your estate attorney so legal work stays with counsel and the property work stays with the broker.
- Clear communication with family members who need process—not sales pressure.
Bill Gross has worked California real estate since 1986 and focuses on probate and trust property sales in Los Angeles. He is a licensed broker—not a Probate Referee—and does not perform probate appraisals.
Questions families ask first
What does a successor trustee have to do first?
The order of work after you are named: secure the house, tell the beneficiaries, then the money.
Do I owe tax if I sell an inherited house?
A worksheet for the step-up, not a tax bill. Take the numbers to a CPA.
Probate seller checklist
14 practical points for California executors and families preparing to sell inherited property.
Get Probate Cash
Need liquidity before the estate sale closes? Open Get Probate Cash for advance options while the probate process continues.
Wondering what probate and the sale will cost? Try the California probate cost calculator (estimate only).
Talk Through Your Inherited Property
Schedule a Google Meet consultation to review authority, timing, and next steps for the property.
Book Consultation Get Probate Cash
Direct Contact:
(310) 210-0008
bill@thelaprobateexpert.com