Navigating Probate Real Estate in Maryland: A Straight-Talk Guide

sharonmezei0
Oct 7
2 min read

By Sharon Mezei, REALTOR®, GRI, CPRES, RCS-D — ExecuHome Realty

What “probate real estate” really means

Probate is the legal process to transfer a decedent’s assets. When a house is involved, timelines, approvals, and documentation matter. Courts oversee the estate, an Executor/Personal Representative (PR) manages it, and the property must be inventoried and valued before sale.

For PRs: your first moves

Confirm your authority (Letters of Administration or Will).
Gather key docs: deed, mortgage statements, insurance, HOA, taxes, utilities, and a current valuation.
Map the timeline with your legal/financial advisors and a probate-trained , Maryland Realtor so nothing stalls at closing.

Why PRs call me

Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES): I speak the process and anticipate potential snags.
Document-ready sales: I help you assemble what the Orphan's Court, title, and buyers actually need.
Equity protection: Pricing, prep, and disclosure aimed at preserving the estate’s value while attracting buyers.
Coordination with counsel: I stay in my lane, keep everyone in sync, and keep you out of avoidable delays.
Maryland know-how: Local rules, local vendors, local outcomes.

Selling a probate property: the simple sequence

Verify authority and estate status.
Get valuation and disclosure items lined up.
List with clear probate terms and buyer instructions.
Manage offers, approvals, and title clearance.
Close cleanly, remit proceeds to the estate.

Buying a probate property in Maryland

Financing first. Pre-approval prevents dead time.If you're not yet pre-approved, you shouldn't be touring properties.
Probate Estate sales are most often, AS IS, meaning the Estate will make no repairs.
Sharon Mezei REALTOR®, CPRES-Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist in Maryland,ready to assist!
Expect some waiting. Contract review takes time as often there is more than one PR. This adds steps, not drama.
Due diligence is non-negotiable. Inspections, title review, and estate documents.

Quick FAQ

Do all probate sales need court confirmation in MD? No. It depends on estate authority and financials, including debts..So align with advisors early. A call to the clerk of the Orphan's Court can be helpful. Can we sell “as-is”? Yes, but “as-is” doesn’t excuse mandatory disclosures or safety issues.How long does this take? Varies by estate complexity, title findings, and buyer motivation & readiness. Front-loading documents shortens the runway.

Call to action

If you’re a PR, attorney, financial advisor or family member navigating a Maryland estate, I’ll help you sell the home cleanly and protect the estate's equity.Call/Text: 443-226-5007 • Email: sharon@sharonmezeirealtor.com