Answers to the 10 questions families ask most
1. Do I have to pay off the mortgage before I can sell the property?
No — you can sell the property and use the sale proceeds to pay off the existing mortgage at closing.
2. What happens if the property is already in foreclosure?
We will contact the bank on your behalf to explain your situation. This allows the lender to understand the circumstances and, in many cases, provides additional time to dispose of the property — or allows us to begin negotiations if the property is in pre-foreclosure.
3. Do I need to go through probate before I can sell?
Not necessarily — it depends on the county and applicable rules. In many cases, a property can be sold “subject to” existing mortgages and liens without requiring probate first.
4. What is the difference between an administrator and an executor?
An executor is the person named in a valid will to carry out the deceased’s wishes and manage the estate, including the sale of real property. An administrator is appointed by the court when there is no will (or no executor named or willing to serve), and functions in much the same capacity but under closer court supervision.
From a buyer’s perspective, this distinction matters because it affects how quickly a transaction can move and what documentation will be required at closing. A sale being handled by an executor with full authority under a will typically proceeds more predictably, since the executor’s power to sell is already established. A sale through an administrator may require additional court approval or a court-ordered sale process, which can add steps and time to the transaction. Either way, our team verifies the seller’s legal authority upfront and manages all necessary court or estate documentation, so buyers can move forward with confidence that the sale is properly authorized and title will be clean at closing.
5. What if my siblings and I don’t agree on what to do with the property?
This is one of our specialties. For example, if there are four heirs and three want to sell while one cannot be located or is unwilling to sell, we can purchase the interests of the three willing heirs directly. From there, we handle all remaining issues so you don’t have to.
6. Am I responsible for the deceased’s debts tied to the property?
No, you are not personally liable for those debts. However, resolving them is necessary in order for you to receive proceeds — whether from us or from the bank. Our team conducts a full title and lien search and reports our findings back to you.
7. Will I owe taxes on the sale of an inherited property?
Any taxes owed are satisfied at closing. You will receive a full breakdown of amounts owed along with the corresponding satisfaction paperwork.
8. What if the property needs repairs I can’t afford?
That’s not a concern — we specialize in distressed real estate, regardless of condition, whether the property is dilapidated, structurally compromised, or otherwise in disrepair. We handle it.
9. How long does this whole process take?
Timelines vary depending on the specifics of each case, but our team’s expertise allows us to move quickly — it’s one of the things we’re known for.
10. What if the property is vacant, or has a tenant living in it?
If the property is occupied, our team manages the eviction process. If it’s vacant, we secure it — including closing all windows and changing locks — to prevent break-ins.
11. Do I have to deal with the bank/servicer myself?
No. Our team handles all communication with the bank. You’ll receive weekly updates, and if you’d like to check on progress at any point outside of those updates, you’re welcome to contact the bank directly to confirm status.