Jay Mattlin, Real Estate Broker with Key Realty

Probate can be confusing, and small mistakes often lead to big financial losses. Here are the top errors I see—and how to avoid them:

1. Letting the Home Sit Too Long – Vacant homes lose value and may draw attention for the wrong reasons. (Page 14)
2. Skipping the Appraisal or CMA – This is critical for proper estate planning. (Page 5)
3. DIY Listing – Probate sales require court paperwork and experience. (See page 6 regarding opportunistic agents)
4. Ignoring Emotional Stress – It's more common than most expect. (Page 11)

Learn how to avoid these pitfalls and protect your family's legacy in The Ultimate Guide to Handling an Estate.

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Short answer: It depends. Selling a home before probate is finalized in Ohio may be possible, but there are conditions.

What you need to know:

• Executor Appointment – The probate court must officially appoint an executor. (See page 9 for choosing a point person)
• Court Approval – Judges may allow listings in some cases, but approval must be clearly documented.
• Family Coordination – Make sure all heirs are informed. Poor communication often causes delays. (See page 7)

While you wait for formal approval, you can begin preparing the home for sale. Pages 14–15 of The Ultimate Guide to Handling an Estate explain what improvements are worth it.

For detailed next steps and example timelines, read the full guide here:

One of the hardest parts of losing someone is sorting through their belongings. If you're preparing to sell a probate property, a cleanout is often the first step.

Here's how cleanout services can help:

• Compassionate Approach – Professionals understand this isn't just 'junk removal'—it's emotional. (See page 11 on handling emotions)
• Efficient Sorting – Keepsakes, donations, and items to discard are organized respectfully.
• Deep Cleaning & Staging – Gets the home market-ready faster, boosting value and appeal. (See page 14 for preparation tips)

Bonus tip: Some services even manage Facebook Marketplace listings or estate sales.

Download The Ultimate Guide to Handling an Estate for more guidance on cleanout decisions and how to...

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If you've been named the executor of an estate, one of your most important responsibilities may be selling a home. It's a big job—but you're not alone.

Here's what you need to know about executor duties related to real estate:

1. Secure the Property – Change locks if needed, and make sure the home is safe and insured. (See page 9)
2. Get the Home Appraised or a CMA – An accurate value is essential for court filings and pricing the property. For the differences between an appraisal and CMA, see page 5.
3. File for Probate – Before you can sell, you'll need legal authority from the probate court.
4. Coordinate Cleanout and Maintenance – Hire professionals to handle belongings, repairs, or landscaping. See pa...

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Inheriting a home you don't plan to live in can feel more like a burden than a gift. Here's what to do, based on advice from The Ultimate Guide to Handling an Estate:

1. Verify Ownership Type – Is probate required? Pages 3–5 explain how to determine this.
2. Assess the Property – Get a CMA or appraisal (page 5). If repairs are needed, prioritize cost-effective ones (page 14).
3. Discuss with Family – Decision-making can be tricky with multiple heirs (see pages 7–9).
4. Plan the Cleanout – A cluttered home will sit longer. Get help and don't overdo it (page 14).
5. Move Forward with Help – Probate real estate is complex, so lean on professionals.

Fo...

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