Table Of Contents
• Selling a House in Probate Hawaii
• What is a Probate Property?
• Can a House Be Sold While in Probate?
• How Does a Probate Sale Work?
• 3 Ways to Sell a Probate Property in Hawaii
➥ Probate Real Estate Agents
➥ Real Estate Investor
➥ Cash Home Buyer
• How Long Does a Probate Sale Take?
• What if the Probate Property in Hawaii Needs Repairs?
• Final Thoughts: Selling a Probate Property Hawaii

Selling a House in Probate Hawaii

When someone dies and leaves a home behind, the process of selling the property can be complicated. In some cases, the home must go through probate before it can be sold. If you’re faced with this situation, it’s important to understand what you need to do in order to get your house on the market.

What is a Probate Property?

When someone passes away, their estate – including any real estate they owned – must go through the probate process. This is a legal procedure that involves identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s assets, paying off any debts or taxes owed, and distributing the remaining property to beneficiaries named in their will.

The probate process can take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate and any potential disputes among heirs. During this time, it is possible to sell a probate property but there are certain steps that must be followed.

Can a House Be Sold While in Probate?

Yes, a house can be sold while in probate. In fact, it’s often necessary to sell the property in order to pay off any debts or outstanding expenses and distribute the proceeds to beneficiaries.

There are specific requirements and procedures for selling a probate property, including obtaining court approval and hiring a real estate agent who has experience with these types of sales. It’s important to work with an experienced professional who can guide you through the process and ensure everything is done correctly.

How Does a Probate Sale Work?

When a loved one dies, their estate must go through a legal process known as probate in order to be distributed to the deceased’s beneficiaries. This process can be time-consuming and complicated, and often requires the help of a professional estate lawyer. One of the many tasks an estate lawyer will handle is selling the deceased’s house.

Probate sales are different than regular home sales. There are often more restrictions on who can buy the property, and the sale must be approved by a judge. Because of this, it is important to have an experienced lawyer handling the sale. They will be able to navigate the complicated legal process and make sure the sale goes smoothly.

Formal Probate Sale

A Formal Probate Sale is a process where a house is sold through the court system. This type of sale is typically used when a person dies and they have owned the house inside of their estate. The house will be placed on the market and potential buyers will make offers to purchase the property. The court will then review the offers and select the best one.

1. Appointment of Executor

Before a house can be sold during probate, an executor or personal representative must be appointed by the court to handle the estate’s affairs. This individual will have the legal authority to manage and sell the property on behalf of the deceased’s estate.

2. Real Estate Appraisal

The house will need to be appraised in order to determine its current market value. This information is necessary for the executor to make informed decisions about selling the property and setting a fair asking price.

3. Petition to Begin the Sale and Listing of the Property

The executor must file a petition with the court to begin the sale process and list the property on the market. This petition will include information such as the house’s appraisal value, any liens or debts on the property, and potential offers from buyers.

4. Court Hearing and Approval of Sale

A hearing will be held in front of a judge, who will review the petition and determine if it is in the best interest of the estate to sell the property. The judge may also approve the sale price and terms offered by the buyer.

Informal Probate Process

Informal probate is a process where the will is presented to the court and the property is distributed according to the will. If there is no will, the property is distributed according to state law. The process usually takes two to four months.

1. Appointment of Executor

Similar to a formal probate sale, an executor must be appointed by the court to handle the deceased’s estate. This individual will have the legal authority to sell the property on behalf of the estate.

2. Filing of Probate Forms

The executor must file all necessary probate forms with the court and have the property appraised to determine its market value.

3. Issuance of Letters of Testamentary

Once the probate forms have been filed and approved by the court, the executor will receive Letters of Testamentary. This document grants them the legal authority to manage and sell the property on behalf of the estate.

4. Listing the House for Sale in Hawaii

The executor can then list the house for sale on the market and handle the sale process. The proceeds from the sale will go towards paying off any debts or liabilities of the estate, with the remaining assets being distributed to beneficiaries according to the will or state law.

3 Ways to Sell a Probate Property in Hawaii

Probate Real Estate Agents

A probate real estate agent has specialized knowledge and experience in handling the sale of property during probate. They can advise on the legal process, assist with obtaining necessary documents and approvals from the court, and market the property to potential buyers.

Real Estate Investor

A real estate investor can purchase the property directly from the estate, allowing for a quick and hassle-free sale. They may offer less money for the property, but it can be an attractive option for those looking to sell quickly without having to go through the formal or informal probate process.

Cash Home Buyer

A cash home buyer can also purchase the property directly from the estate, usually offering a quick closing and a fair price for the house. They may also handle any necessary repairs or upgrades before reselling the property on the market.

How Long Does a Probate Sale Take?

The length of the probate sale process can vary depending on factors such as whether it is a formal or informal probate if there are any disputes or challenges to the will, and the efficiency of the executor in handling necessary paperwork and approvals. In Hawaii, the average time for a formal probate sale is six to nine months, while an informal probate sale can take two to four months. It is important to work with experienced professionals, such as a probate real estate agent, to ensure a smooth and timely sale.

What if the Probate Property in Hawaii Needs Repairs?

If the probate property in Hawaii needs repairs, the executor can use funds from the estate to make necessary updates before listing the house on the market. If there are not enough funds available, they may negotiate with potential buyers to include the cost of repairs in their offer or sell the property as-is. It is important to disclose any known issues or defects to potential buyers during the sale process to avoid any legal issues down the line.

Final Thoughts: Selling a Probate Property Hawaii

Selling a property during probate can be a complicated and time-consuming process. It is important to work with experienced professionals, such as a probate real estate agent or cash home buyer, to ensure a smooth and successful sale. Keep in mind that any necessary repairs or updates to the property can be handled using funds from the estate before listing on the market, or negotiated with potential buyers during the sale process. With proper guidance, selling a probate property in Hawaii can go smoothly and efficiently.

Hawaii Resources To Sell Your House