The first step to searching for probate real estate property is to check the obituary section of local newspapers in the place where you want to make your real estate investment.

After that, you must check where the courthouse is since you will be making your research here. Once you have located the courthouse, you can then pay it a visit so that you can check the probate court records which are open to the public.

This step is essential as it can help you find out about the probate real estate property or properties owned by the person who just passed away.

Once you have accessed the probate court records, check if the property deed in question is in mortgage or not at the time of the owner’s passing.

If the property is in mortgage then there is a high chance that the heirs are interested in putting up the property for sale in order to resolve money matters and concerns.

While still in the courthouse, the next thing you have to find out is who the executor of the estate is. This person will be the one to deal with in case the property is up for sale. This information is normally included in the probate court records so acquiring it would not be difficult.

Once you have gotten all the needed information from the courthouse, your next task is to drive by the probate real estate property of interest.

This should be done before you directly approach the executor. A quick drive can help you determine whether you want to pursue your interest in the property. Delaying direct contact with the executor is advisable since the family is still dealing with the loss of their loved one. A more detailed inspection can wait after you have spoken to the executor at a later time.

It is quite common that the beneficiaries, the inheritors and even the executor are not aware that the probate real estate property can be sold while the probate process is still in the works. You can inform the executor that selling off the property is entirely legal.

You can further explain that many do this in order to aid estates in dealing with financial issues brought about by mortgage payments, taxes and even utility bills on the probate real estate property. While discussing this information, though, you have to remember that your manner must be respectful because the executor of the estate is usually a close relative of the deceased.

I’ll share more with you soon…

Warm Regards,

Mark Walters~
3rd generation real estate investor