The Independent Probate Administration Act allows Executors to sell real property owned by the estate, provided that they notify all beneficiaries at least 15 days prior to the sale. As long as there are no objections from the beneficiaries, the sale can continue without their approval. Once the executor is appointed, an estate arbitrator is also appointed to assess the assets of the estate, including real property. If the executor can sell the property for more than 90 percent of its appraised value, then they don't need to get permission from the beneficiaries or the court.
During the probate process, the executor is in charge of managing the estate and may need to sell the property to help cover debts and obligations. To sell a home during the probate process, the executor will need to follow specific procedures, such as not accepting less than 90% of the appraised value of the home. When a person prepares their Last Will and Testament, they can specifically order and authorize the executor to sell part or all of their real estate. If there are any limitations on the sale, these can be detailed in the will.
This is a safeguard to protect the heirs of an executor who sells real estate at a price below market value to their friends. Succession usually takes between eight months and two years, depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Being an executor of an estate is a lot of work, accentuated by the fact that you often have little time to fulfill the wishes set out in the will through the probate process. Nothing can happen with the estate until this step is completed, so if you plan to sell a property, you will have to wait until the petition is filed and the executor is appointed.
This is especially important for properties that will require court approval for the sale, or when there are beneficiaries who are likely to object to the sale. Harber points out that the distribution of profits may be different depending on whether or not an estate is going through succession. According to estate planning attorney Adam Ansari, it is legal for an executor to buy a home rather than sell it, as long as they buy it at a fair market value and all beneficiaries agree to its terms. The estate will be distributed among beneficiaries only after it pays off all debts and court approves its petition. The estate will also be used to pay off previous year's decedent's taxes plus any applicable estate taxes.
In these cases, or if they cannot obtain 90 percent of appraised value, then executor has to go to court to obtain consent for transfer of property. To perform this vital work efficiently, there needs to be an excellent general understanding of what you are responsible for and what is within your rights as executor. An executor of an estate is a person appointed either by testator of a will or by court to administer estate of a person who has died. As with everything related to probate laws, each state has different ways of determining which estates qualify for summary estates. While this is a difficult time for all deceased's loved ones, it can be particularly difficult if you are appointed executor of an estate. To learn more about Executors Selling Estate Property In CA, a free assessment of your needs is your next best step.
