7 Tips for Working with a Realtor on a Probate Sale

1. Be honest. Your Realtor will ask for your help with disclosures about the real property. If you don’t know the answer, say so; but if you know something about the property, tell your Realtor. Hiding information will only serve to undermine your transaction.
2. Ask for what you need. Probate and trust sales are often conducted at a distance, with the seller and the real property in different cities. If you will be traveling, unavailable or have any other timing or communication needs, discuss them with your Realtor immediately.
3. Listen to your Realtor’s advice. By choosing a Realtor with extensive experience in probate, trust and conservatorship sales, you can be assured of getting sound advice regarding price and marketing. Sellers usually want to set the price as high as possible, but you will probably get more buyer interest, more offers and a higher selling price by setting the price at or below market.
4. Ask questions. Your Realtor should explain the probate process, documentation, offers and court requirements in terms that are clear and understandable. But if you have questions about any aspect of your transaction, ask!
5. Stick with the deadlines. Court-ordered sales have a very specific timeline. If your Realtor asks you for information or documentation, supply it as quickly as possible.
6. Be responsive. You should expect your Realtor to answer the phone and reply to your phone and e-mail messages quickly. You’ll help your transaction enormously if you do the same.
7. Let your Realtor represent you. Sellers often have sentimental attachments to their loved one’s home; they may want to talk with potential buyers. We understand the impulse, but the seller’s presence makes buyers (and their agents) uncomfortable, causing them to hurry through the property and not give it proper consideration. Your Realtor is the person who can best represent your property and help you find the seller that will care for it as much as you do.

The Sanborn Team has been representing clients in the sale of real property for more than 30 years. We’re good at what we do — to make it easier for you. Call us today: 310-777-2858.

No excuses. Just great service.