Some of the most meaningful work I do is helping families sell a home after losing a loved one. It’s my specialty: probate sales, living trust sales, and step-up basis appraisals.
First, the basics. If the home was held in a living trust, the successor trustee can generally sell without court involvement. If there was no trust, the sale may need to go through probate court, which adds steps and timelines. Either way, heirs should understand the step-up in basis: the property’s tax basis is generally adjusted to its market value as of the owner’s date of death, which can dramatically reduce capital gains tax when you sell. Documenting that value with a proper appraisal matters — it’s money in the family’s pocket.
Second, the reality. Estate sales are rarely tidy. I once helped a family from out of state settle their father’s estate: three homes, one with complicated back-tax issues, one needing multiple repairs, and two with tenants in place. I served the notices, worked directly with the tenants, helped relocate them — even found one a new place to live. Early-morning texts and late-night calls included. That family’s gratitude is why I do this work.
If you’re facing an inherited property in the San Fernando Valley or Santa Clarita — whether it’s tidy or tangled — call me at 818-356-6356. I’ll walk you through the process step by step, and if necessary, hold your hand through all of it. That’s my word.
Quick Answers
Do all inherited homes go through probate in California?
No — homes held in a living trust can generally be sold by the successor trustee without court involvement. Without a trust, probate may be required.
What is a date-of-death appraisal?
An appraisal establishing the property’s market value when the owner passed, used to document the stepped-up tax basis and reduce capital gains for heirs.
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