Real estate investing in probate properties can be a profitable niche for investors. While there is no special training involved, investors need to learn the process of researching public records and become educated about probate laws.Real estate investing in probate provides investors with the opportunity to buy discounted properties in good condition while alleviating financial burdens of decedent estates. Probate is required for all estates that are not protected by a trust. The average duration of probate is 7 to 8 months.When probated properties are secured by a mortgage note, the decedent’s estate is responsible for paying costs associated with the property. This includes mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance, homeowner’s association dues, and required maintenance. If the estate is financially incapable of paying expenses, the property could fall into foreclosure.If the house is owned outright, the estate is responsible for remitting property taxes and insurance premiums throughout the probate process. The home must be maintained and properly secured. This can be challenging for estate administrators who live out of town and can add additional costs to the estate. Common expenses include lawn and pool care, or hiring subcontractors to perform maintenance.Estate administrators can elect to sell the property if it is causing financial harm to the estate. If the estate does not have sufficient funds to cover outstanding debts, the probate judge can order the property sold.The process for selling probate homes depends on the type of probate used. The most common is known as ‘court confirmation’ and all aspects of estate management must be approved by a judge. The second is governed under the Independent Administration of Estate’s Act (IAEA) which allows estate executors to engage in estate management duties without court supervision.In order to buy probated properties investors must determine which probate process is being used. Properties can be purchased directly through the estate executor when IAEA is effective. Bids must be presented through the court when court confirmation is required.To locate probate real estate investors must research public records. When a person dies their last will and testament is recorded through probate court. The Will contains information about estate assets, beneficiaries, and contact information for the estate administrator.Once investors locate estates with real estate holdings they make note of the property address, than search property records to determine if the house is secured by a mortgage note or owned outright.Property records reveal the appraised property value, along with year built, lot size, and square footage. The lien holder’s name is included if a mortgage is attached. Investors can also determine if creditor or tax liens are attached to the property.Real estate investing in probate homes can be a lengthy process, but can yield substantial savings. As when buying any investment property, investors must engage in due diligence to ensure the property is worth the purchase price. It is recommended to work with a probate lawyer to ensure real estate documents are properly recorded and to ensure the buying process adheres to state probate laws.

Houses don’t sell themselves. The process of preparing homes for sale, referred to as “staging,” involves significant work for homeowners. It is essential that a residence have the right appearance to attract potential buyers. Explore the preliminary tasks involved in ensuring that someone wants to make an offer on your dwelling.Increasing Curb AppealThe outside of your house is the first glimpse potential buyers will have of the residence. Therefore, it’s essential that homes for sale make an excellent first impression on everyone who sees them. Perform yard work to make your lawn look neat and manicured. Mow and trim the lawn, trim bushes and hedges, remove weeds, plant flowers, add mulch, and eliminate clutter. Paint exterior surfaces, such as the siding and trim, on any structures and fences. Check all gutters and downspouts, clean them out, and firmly re-attach them, if necessary. Place a new welcome mat at the front door.Eliminating ClutterMany realtors recommend that homeowners eliminate about 30 percent of their personal decor and accessories from the entire interior area of their residence. The key is to make homes for sale as clutter-free as possible. When potential buyers tour a residence, they need to see interior spaces that they could envision their own possessions in, instead of seeing your setup. Remove all personal photos from the rooms. Clean out closets to make them neat and orderly.Focusing on the Most Important RoomsCarefully assess the living areas of your house in order to see them through the eyes of potential buyers. Paint the walls and ceilings in neutral colors to help your house appeal to a wide range of people. Replace flooring if it appears worn and clean the carpets, if any. Replace window coverings, if necessary, and make sure that all blinds, shades, and curtains are straight and clean. Clean the light fixtures. Remove old and faded furniture. The goal should be to create areas that appear spacious, up-to-date, clean, organized, and bright.Bathroom TipsHomes for sale need spotless bathrooms. Place trash bins out of sight. Spruce up the decor with updates such as a new shower curtain and new matching towels hanging on the towel bars. Stash personal items such as curling irons, blow dryers, and reading material. Refresh caulking around showers, sinks, and bathtubs. Clean all fixtures so that they sparkle. Set out some pretty soaps and candles to make these areas more inviting.Bedroom RecommendationsPeople appreciate spacious bedrooms, so eliminate excess furniture in the bedroom to give the illusion of space. Clean out your closets so they look neat and orderly. Place an attractive quilt or comforter on each bed. Adding a vase of fresh flowers to a dresser is a nice touch.Staging homes for sale is an integral part of the sales process. A realtor can help you with suggestions and recommendations. By viewing your residence through the eyes of the people touring it, you can make it more appealing and attractive. The goal is to help people imagine themselves in the house in order to get them to make an offer.