There is no doubt that the probate process is incredibly difficult. When families lose a loved one, there is often no roadmap for what comes next, especially when it comes to real estate. Not long ago, our team received a call from the children of a Seattle homeowner, let’s call him Grandpa Joe, who had recently passed away. We had sent Joe a letter months earlier, expressing our interest in purchasing his home. We had no idea he had since passed. But his children found the letter while sorting through paperwork and decided to reach out.
They were now responsible for Joe’s estate, which included his home which hadn’t been updated in decades. The roof needed repairs, the kitchen was straight out of the 1970s, and deferred maintenance had begun to show. They didn’t have the time or money to take on major renovations, or the emotional capacity to handle a drawn-out listing process. But they also didn’t want to let the property go for less than it was worth.
As luck would have it, Grandpa Joe’s home was in a pocket of the city that was set to be rezoned. Because of that, we were able to present the family with a strong cash offer, one that was actually higher than the county’s assessed value. They took some time to think it over, weighing their options carefully. A few weeks later, they accepted.
We went under contract with solid earnest money, and we’re now on track to close in the coming months.
We went under contract with solid earnest money, and we’re now on track to close in the coming months. It was a true win win. Grandpa Joe’s family was able to move forward with no work needed on their part (other than saving any heirlooms they wanted for keepsake), while receiving a strong offer that honored their family home.
Stories like this one are more common than you might think. When a loved one passes away, it can be overwhelming to take on their estate, especially when a home or property is involved. Unexpectedly inheriting a home may seem like a blessing at first, but it often comes with a long list of responsibilities, complications, and unanticipated costs.
This is where a direct sale to a local cash buyer can make sense.
Not sure what to do with a house you just inherited? Reach out to Georgia Buys and discover how an as‑is cash offer could make this transition easier for you and your family.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for handling real estate in probate. But in many cases, families find that working with a company like Georgia Buys provides clarity and relief. Here’s why:
No Repairs or Renovations Required
Homes that go through probate are often outdated or in disrepair. Traditional buyers usually expect a home to be “market ready,” which means families would need to invest time and money into fixing it up. With Georgia Buys, you do not need to touch a thing. We purchase homes as-is, even if the roof is leaking, the plumbing is original, or the walls are covered in old wallpaper.
Faster Timelines, Fewer Headaches
Traditional sales can drag on for months with showings, inspections, contingencies, and negotiations. For grieving families trying to move forward, that process can be exhausting. We offer flexible closing timelines that work for you, whether that is 30 days or a few months down the road.
Competitive Offers, Even Above Assessed Value
Many sellers assume a cash buyer means a low offer, but that is not always the case. Because we understand zoning, development potential, and the local market, we can sometimes offer more than the assessed value. That is exactly what happened with Grandpa Joe’s home.
In many situations, cash offers are very competitive with what you would actually net from a traditional on‑market sale. Once a seller pays their agent and the agent of the buyer, and cleans or repairs the property to prepare it for listing, the final earnings often end up looking very similar to a cash offer, and in many cases, the cash offer can be stronger while requiring significantly less work from you.
Guidance Through Probate and Paperwork
Navigating probate is no small task. While we are not attorneys, we have worked with dozens of families and know what steps need to happen to keep things moving.
We are happy to work alongside your attorney or guide you toward helpful resources that can simplify the process. And if you are in need of a good probate attorney, we would be happy to recommend a few. They have never represented us, only the sellers we work with, and we know them to be both thorough and fair.
Compassion-First Approach
Selling a home that belonged to a sibling, parent, or grandparent is emotional. We do not treat your sale like a transaction. We treat it like a transition. Whether you need time to go through belongings or help understanding your options, our goal is to be helpful, not pushy.
If you have recently lost a loved one and inherited their home or property, here are a few steps you can take:
Are you managing a home that’s tied up in probate? Let our team show you options that can help you move forward quickly and with far less stress.
At Georgia Buys, we know that selling a home after a loss is not just about money. It is about peace of mind, honoring memories, and making the best decision for your family’s future.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to talk. Whether you need help navigating probate, want to understand your home’s value, or are simply curious about your options, give us a call.
You do not have to go through this alone.
Editor’s note: This article is for educational purposes only, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Georgia Buys always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation.
