For attorneys: a one-page visual handout. Print it and walk a client through the house's journey in about 60 seconds.
Professional Resources · A Visual Timeline
The House During Probate
From protecting the property to deciding what happens next
Every estate is different. Some of these steps happen at the same time, and timing depends on the property, the estate and applicable probate requirements.
Protect the Property
Secure it. Insure it. Prevent avoidable damage.
Keys, access, utilities, insurance, leaks, mail and regular property checks.
Understand the House
Know what the estate is dealing with.
Ownership, mortgage, liens, carrying costs, condition, contents and who is occupying the property.
The attorney helps determine authority and ownership issues. We help understand the property itself.
Understand the Numbers
What is it worth, what does it cost to hold, and what could the estate net?
Current market value, possible date-of-death valuation, mortgage payoff, carrying costs, expected selling costs and estimated proceeds.
Choose the Direction
The right answer depends on the property, the estate and the family's goals.
The person or people with legal authority need to make the decision with appropriate professional guidance.
The path continues to Stage 5 and Stage 6 below.
Sale path
Your estate attorney and tax/financial professionals can help determine what additional steps may apply.
Your estate attorney and tax/financial professionals can help determine what additional steps may apply.
Use the full Sell, Rent or Keep Decision Framework to compare all three options on the same worksheet.
If Selling, Choose the Sale Strategy
Sell As-Is
Minimal preparation. Often chosen when speed, simplicity or certainty are priorities.
Light Preparation
Cleanout, cleaning and selected improvements where the expected return justifies the cost.
Full Market Preparation
More extensive preparation when the numbers support it.
Belongings First. Improvements Second.
Before cleanout or work begins, identify important documents, family property and potentially valuable items.
Market, Contract & Close
Turn the property into estate proceeds.
What happens to the money after closing belongs to the estate-administration process.
Optional
Get these checklists plus a personal walkthrough
Marc Cormier sends a free next-step checklist with his personal walkthrough of your situation. No cost, no obligation, and it never affects your free checklists and guides above.
Optional: also get Marc’s next-step checklist
The Point
The Goal Is Not to Rush the House
The goal is to protect the property, understand the numbers and make a deliberate decision that serves the estate.
No Obligation, No Pressure
Have a Property You're Not Sure What to Do With?
I can take a look at the property and help you understand the real estate options, including current value, selling as-is, preparing it for the market, carrying costs and likely timing.
Prefer to talk now? Call during business hours, or use the form and you will be taken straight to Marc's calendar to pick a time.
General Information
This timeline provides general real estate information for families dealing with estate property. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Probate requirements vary by estate and jurisdiction. Questions about authority, estate administration, taxes, distributions or court requirements should be discussed with the estate's attorney or other appropriate professional.
