Selling a House in Probate, a Trust, or an Inheritance in Clark County
When someone passes away, the house is usually the biggest asset and the biggest headache. I help executors, trustees, heirs and their attorneys sell estate property in Vancouver and across Clark County — start to finish, with as little of the burden landing on you as possible.
Call 360-761-1000 for a free, no-pressure estate discussion & valuation.
Selling a House in Probate
In Washington, the personal representative (executor) named by the court has the authority to sell estate real estate. If the court granted nonintervention powers, the sale can usually proceed without a judge approving it. If not, the court may need to confirm the sale. I work alongside your attorney to keep the timeline, paperwork and pricing on track, and I keep you and the heirs updated at every step.
Why Work With a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
I’m a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) and a Washington Managing Broker (License #24709), licensed since 2003. I serve Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, La Center and the rest of Clark County. Estate sales come with moving parts most agents don’t handle every day: court timelines, multiple heirs, out-of-state family, and a house full of belongings. I bring a trusted bench of estate-sale companies, clean-out crews, locksmiths, handymen, inspectors, attorneys and CPAs, so one call gets the whole process moving.
Selling a House Held in a Living Trust
When a home is held in a trust, the successor trustee can usually sell it under the terms of the trust, with no probate court involvement. The trustee still owes duties to the beneficiaries, so pricing and documentation matter. I provide a clear market valuation, handle the sale, and give you a record you can share with beneficiaries and counsel.
Selling an Inherited Home
Whether the house passed through probate, a trust, or a transfer-on-death deed, inherited homes come with the same questions: sell as-is or fix it up? What about the furniture, the garage, the shed full of 40 years of stuff? Do all the siblings have to agree? I’ll walk you through your options with real numbers and line up the people to handle the clean-out and prep, so you don’t have to fly in or take weeks off work.
Facing a Trustee’s Sale (Foreclosure)?
If a Notice of Trustee’s Sale has been recorded on a property, the clock is running. In Washington, there are at least 90 days between that notice and the sale date. Selling before the auction can protect your equity and your credit. Call me early. The more time we have, the more options you have.
Free Guide: The Executor’s Checklist
Get my printable checklist of an executor’s duties during probate, from securing the house to closing the estate. Call 360-761-1000 or Contact me Marcus and I’ll send it over.
Frequently Asked Questions...
Do all the heirs have to agree to sell?
In probate, the personal representative has authority to sell, though keeping heirs informed prevents disputes. In a trust, the successor trustee decides under the trust’s terms. If the heirs own the house directly, generally all owners must sign.
Can the house be sold before probate is finished?
Usually yes. Once the personal representative is appointed and has letters testamentary, the house can typically be listed and sold while the rest of the estate is still being settled.
Should we sell as-is or fix it up first?
It depends on the house and the market. I’ll show you the likely price both ways so you can decide whether repairs pay for themselves. Many estate homes sell best with a clean-out and light cosmetic work.
Do heirs pay taxes when selling an inherited house in Washington?
Inherited property usually receives a “stepped-up” tax basis, so selling soon after inheriting often creates little or no capital gain. The sale itself is subject to Washington’s real estate excise tax. Confirm your situation with a CPA or estate attorney.
We live out of state. Can we still sell?
Yes. Most of my estate clients never set foot in Clark County during the sale. Documents can be signed remotely, and I coordinate access, vendors and showings locally.
Do you work with probate attorneys?
Yes. I regularly work alongside estate attorneys, professional fiduciaries and CPAs, and I can refer you to trusted local professionals if you need one.