Our Process
Selling probate and trust property means working within the strict guidelines of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — while still getting the estate the strongest possible result. Here is how we do both.
1. A complimentary valuation
We begin with an accurate, current market valuation of the property — comparing it room for room and amenity for amenity to similar homes sold nearby in the past six to twelve months. It's complimentary, carries no obligation, and we can usually provide it within 24 hours to any executor, administrator, trustee, or attorney who requests it. From this valuation, we arrive at a suggested listing price that is appropriate and realistic for the neighborhood.
2. Preparing the property
If you don't live nearby — or simply have enough on your plate — or, just don’t want to do it — we coordinate and oversee everything it takes to get the home ready: cleaning crews, contractors, painters, and handymen; estate sales, charitable donations, and the transfer of furnishings; gardening, junk removal, locksmiths, utilities, and pool service; and professional staging. You pay the estate's vendors directly, but our coordination and oversight are free to you.
3. Working within the court's authority
Once the court has confirmed the estate's real property, named the representative, and issued Letters of Administration, that representative — with limited or full authority — may hire us to sell the property under the court's guidelines. We handle the probate-specific forms and requirements that ordinary sales never touch, and keep communication with your attorney to what's truly necessary to keep legal costs down.
4. Marketing that reaches everyone
We prepare and professionally photograph the home — still images and 3-D virtual tour — then market it fully: a broker open house and public open houses, multiple private showings to qualified buyers, listing on the MLS, and syndication to more than 150 domestic and international sites including Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and Realtor.com.
5. Court confirmation, if required
When the court or the representative's limited authority calls for court confirmation, we appear in court to facilitate the final sale — present at the hearing, working to secure the highest proceeds for the estate.
6. A clean close
Our legal and title representatives ensure every transaction closes with title clear of liens and encumbrances — a clean, complete handoff for the estate.
What's included when you list with us
Complimentary Comparative Market Analysis of the property
Preliminary title report
Professional photography — still and 3-D virtual tour — for print and internet marketing
Marketing flyers emailed to potential buyers and their agents
At least one broker open house and two public open houses
Listing on the MLS, syndicated to 150+ sites including Zillow, Trulia, Redfin and Realtor.com
Coordination and oversight of all vendors and property preparation
What's NOT included when you list with us
Lockboxes. Where some agents take a listing, install a lockbox, and wait for the property to sell itself, we feel that personally presenting a home in its most valuable light is our job. At Aronsohn & So, we don't use lockboxes —a team member personally shows the property to every qualified buyer, in a timely manner.”
