Sell a probate house the simple way.
Selling a house tied up in probate has its own rules and its own stress. We buy probate properties for cash, work alongside the estate's attorney, and fit the sale to the court's timeline.
Get My Free Cash Offer →Selling during probate, made simpler
When someone passes and leaves a house, the property often has to move through probate before it can be sold. The personal representative carries the responsibility, and the house may sit empty, accruing taxes, insurance, and upkeep, while the process plays out.
We buy probate homes for cash, as is, and coordinate with the estate's attorney so the sale lines up with what the court allows. We are buyers and not attorneys, so your estate counsel always confirms what is permitted, and we work within it.
How selling your house works
Tell us about the property
Share the address and where things stand with the estate. It takes about 2 minutes and there is zero obligation.
Get a fair cash offer
We review the home and the local market, then present a fair cash offer with a clear explanation of how we got there.
Close on your schedule
We coordinate with your attorney, handle the paperwork and closing costs, and you choose the closing date.
We work with the estate, not around it
You do not need to clean the house, fix anything, or make trips back and forth across the state. Take any keepsakes and personal items you want, and leave everything else exactly where it is. We deal with the cleanout, the condition, and the logistics.
If the estate is still in probate, that is normal and not a roadblock. We regularly coordinate with the personal representative and the estate's attorney so the sale lines up with the court's timeline. We are buyers and not attorneys, so your estate counsel always confirms what is permitted in your specific case, and we work around it.
Cash sale vs listing your home
Selling to us
- Buy as is, belongings can stay
- Zero commissions or fees
- No showings during a hard time
- We coordinate with the attorney
- Stop the monthly carrying costs fast
Listing on the market
- Full cleanout before photos
- Repairs and updates to compete
- 5 to 6 percent in commissions
- Weeks of showings from a distance
- Carrying costs pile up while it sits
What to do when you need to sell a house in probate in Massachusetts
If you are responsible for a house that is going through probate, here is a plain walkthrough of how it actually works in Massachusetts, so you know your options before you decide anything.
1. Confirm who has authority to sell
In Massachusetts, the personal representative named in the will, or appointed by the Probate and Family Court, is the person with authority to sell estate property. If no representative has been appointed yet, that step usually comes first. The court oversees the process to protect the heirs and creditors.
2. Understand the timeline
Massachusetts probate can take several months to over a year depending on whether it is informal or formal, whether the will is contested, and how quickly filings move. A house can sometimes be sold during probate once the representative has authority, which is why many families do not wait for the entire estate to close.
3. Account for the carrying costs
While probate runs, the house still costs money: property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. An empty home can also attract vandalism or fall into disrepair. These ongoing costs are a major reason families choose to sell sooner rather than later.
4. Decide between listing and a cash sale
A traditional listing may bring the highest price if the house shows well and the estate can wait. A cash sale is faster and removes the repairs, showings, and uncertainty, which matters when heirs are spread out or the estate needs to settle debts. Your estate attorney confirms what the court allows.
We recently bought a three family in Brockton from an out of state heir who inherited it after a parent passed. The house needed major updates and had years of deferred maintenance. We closed in 14 days, handled the full cleanout of belongings, and coordinated directly with the estate attorney. In another case, we took over a vacant inherited condo in Quincy that had sat empty for over a year with unpaid HOA fees, closed in 12 days, and covered the back fees at closing.
What we take care of for you
- Full cleanouts and junk removal, so you take only what you want and leave the rest
- Liens, back taxes, and municipal liens paid off directly at closing from the purchase price
- Seller side closing costs covered, so you walk away with cash and nothing deducted
- Any condition and any situation, no repairs or updates required from you
We buy with cash and control the timeline, so we move fast. We have closed in as few as 7 days, and most sales close in 10 to 21 days once we have a signed agreement and a clear title path. You still pick the date that works for you.
Helpful Massachusetts probate resources
We are buyers, not attorneys, so for the legal side we point families to these:
- The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, which oversees estate administration in each county
- A licensed Massachusetts probate or estate attorney, who confirms what the personal representative can do and when
- The Massachusetts Court System self help resources for probate, available through mass.gov
- A CPA or tax professional for questions about estate or inheritance tax implications
This is general information about the probate process in Massachusetts and is not legal or tax advice. Every estate is different. Always confirm the specifics of your situation with a licensed Massachusetts attorney and the Probate and Family Court.
From homeowners we've helped
"I had to sell my house in Medford fast and contacted Sell My Mass House. They gave me a great cash offer with no repairs and no commissions or fees. We closed in just over a week, exactly when I needed. They made it easy."
Carole R.Medford, MA"I inherited a house that needed a lot of work. Sell My Mass House bought it as is, handled everything, and we closed quickly. Made a difficult situation much easier. Great local company."
Shant C.Watertown, MA"I reached out because I was moving out of state for a new job. They gave me a cash offer in a day and we closed in nine days. No repairs, no stress. Very straightforward."
Kathryn D.Revere, MA"Knowledgeable, down to earth, and easy to work with. Other companies seemed interested only in closing a deal, but they made us feel like VIPs every step of the way. Highly recommend."
Andrew L.Everett, MA"Had an amazing experience with Sell My Mass House and could not recommend them more. They are incredibly helpful and want to make sure you are in the best position."
Gage M.Revere, MA"What I liked most is they actually want to help you get what is best for you, rather than have you sell and get out the door as fast as possible. Thank you."
David A.Methuen, MAProbate property FAQ
Can I sell the house before probate is complete? +
What if there are several heirs? +
Do we need to empty the house first? +
Is this legal advice? +
If listing would net you more, we will say so
A cash sale is about speed and certainty, but it is not always the best fit. If your home is in good shape and you have time, listing it on the open market may put more money in your pocket. We work with a licensed local real estate brokerage that lists homes for top dollar, and with your permission we will pass your information along so they can reach out and give you that option. No pressure either way. We would rather you get the right outcome than the fast one.
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Get a fair offer on the probate home
Free, no obligation, and no pressure. Sell when the family is ready.