What Should I Expect When Selling a Home Through Probate in Southern Minnesota?

Probate Can Feel Overwhelming — But With the Right Guidance, It Doesn’t Have To

Selling a home during probate is very different from a traditional home sale.
There are court timelines, legal requirements, communication with attorneys, and often emotional family coordination.

As a Southern MN Realtor who regularly works with probate attorneys and out-of-state families, I help ensure the process is handled professionally, neutrally, and efficiently.

Step 1 — Confirm Whether Probate Is Required

In Minnesota, probate is typically required when:

• The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

• There is no Transfer on Death Deed (TODD)

• There is no joint tenant surviving

• Assets exceed certain thresholds

• There is no Trust holding title

If you’re unsure, I can coordinate with your Minnesota probate attorney or recommend one.

Step 2 — The Court Appoints a Personal Representative (PR)

The Personal Representative (executor) is legally responsible for:

• Signing listing paperwork

• Authorizing repairs

• Communicating with beneficiaries

• Reviewing offers

• Signing closing documents

If you live out of state, that’s completely fine — you can act as PR from anywhere.

Step 3 — Inventory & Property Valuation

The probate court requires:

• An inventory of assets

• A fair market valuation of the home

I provide a Probate Market Valuation Packet that includes:

• CMA (Comparable Market Analysis)

• Suggested pricing tiers

• Repair recommendations

• As-is vs updated value

• Estimated net sheets

• Market timing analysis

This packet can be given to the probate attorney or filed with the court if required.

Step 4 — Preparing the Property

Because probate often involves delayed maintenance, I coordinate:

• Clean-outs

• Contractor bids

• Safety repairs

• Junk removal

• Carpet replacement

• Deep cleaning

• Lawn/snow service

Whether the goal is as-is or fully prepared, I ensure the home is ready for photography and showings.

Step 5 — Marketing the Home to the Right Buyers

Probate listings require strategic visibility, especially when the property:

• Needs updates

• Has dated mechanicals

• Has been vacant

• Is being sold by adult children

• Is being handled by a PR in another state

I use:

• Professional photography

• Drone aerials

• Floor plans

• Zillow Showcase (huge advantage for probate listings!)

• Google + social media ads

• AI-optimized listing descriptions

• Investor and flipper outreach

• Relocation buyer targeting

Probate homes often attract out-of-state buyers and investors — Zillow Showcase helps your listing stand out immediately with premium visual placement.

Step 6 — Negotiating With Fairness & Neutrality

Probate sales often involve multiple beneficiaries.
You need a Realtor who can:

• Communicate clearly

• Keep emotions neutral

• Present facts objectively

• Provide weekly updates

• Work professionally with attorneys

• Handle all offer details

• Protect the estate’s financial interest

This is one of the reasons attorneys consistently refer me for estate and probate sales — I maintain professionalism, calm direction, and transparent communication throughout the entire process.

Step 7 — Simplified Closing for Out-of-State Family

Most probate closings can be handled remotely via:

• Remote online notary

• Mobile notary

• Mail-away documents

You will not need to travel unless you prefer to.

The Bottom Line

Selling a probate property can feel complicated, but with organized systems, clear communication, and intelligent marketing, your family can navigate the process with confidence.

At The Zoet Group | Real, I bring structure, compassion, and expertise to every estate and probate sale — because Smarter Real Estate Starts Here.

Sonja Zoet | The Zoet Group | Real
Smarter Real Estate Starts Here