Handling a deceased estate

As we are frequently asked to assist with this often daunting and upsetting task by our local community, we thought the following, albeit brief information, would be useful.

An executor or administrator is usually named in the will of the deceased. They are responsible for dealing with the estate and have to apply for legal authority to do so, this is called probate.

Several valuations will be required for the sale of the property. Most solicitors accept a free of charge market appraisal supplied by an estate agent, but some may request a formal RICS valuation from a qualified surveyor.

A property can be listed for sale before probate is officially granted, however, we advise it is at least applied for. You cannot complete on the sale until probate is granted and this usually takes a minimum of 12 -16 weeks, around the same time as selling a property once a buyer is found. There is a time frame in which to deal with the estate and sell property, this is called the executor’s year.

At Wishart Estate Agents, As well as residential property sales, we’re experts in the sale of probate properties. Specialising in this delicate area with care and attention has gained us a strong reputation with local solicitors, who gladly recommend us to their clients as the go to agent for probate sales.

We find most buyers are familiar with the concept of a deceased estate. Offered for sale with no onward chain and often requiring renovation, there are many advantages to purchasing this type of property.

If you’d like further guidance on this matter, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01904 404558. We’re very experienced in handling these matters and do so with the care and attention they deserve, in order to make the process as easy as possible for you.