Frequently Asked Questions

Find Answers to Some of the
Most Frequently Asked Probate Questions

Is probate required in Illinois?

In Illinois, probate is required if the deceased individual owned more than $100,000 in assets in their own name, or if there’s real estate that doesn’t automatically transfer to someone else through co-tenancy or trusts.

What if there’s no will in Illinois?

Illinois intestacy laws dictate who inherits without a will. Generally, the surviving spouse inherits first, followed by descendants, parents, or other relatives.

How long does probate take in Illinois?

Illinois probate can take anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on the estate’s complexity and whether there are disputes between interested parties.

Can I sell the house before Illinois probate is complete?

In some cases, Illinois courts may allow pre-probate sales with heir agreement or court approval.

Who pays property taxes and mortgage on an inherited home in Illinois?

The estate of the decedent is responsible for these costs until the Illinois property is sold or transfered to an heir.

What if there are multiple heirs in Illinois?

All heirs must be in agreement. If an agreement can’t be reached, partition in court might be necessary, forcing a sale and dividing proceeds.

Keeping the inherited house in Illinois?

If you decide to keep the inherited property as a rental or your main residence you can buy out other heirs or establish an agreement on shared ownership and responsibilities.

Selling an inherited house in Illinois that’s in disrepair?

Property condition affects salability, but there is no legal obligation to complete or pay for any repairs. We specialize in selling inherited properties “As-Is”, minimizing your effort and maximizing your return.

Selling an inherited house in Illinois while living out of state?

Selling an inherited house in Illinois while living out of state is a common situation for our clients. Many are busy professionals or out-of-state administrators facing the responsibility of managing a property from afar.

That’s where we come in. We specialize in helping out-of-state clients navigate the process of selling their inherited homes in Illinois. We handle everything from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and successful sale that minimizes your burden.

What about a vacant inherited house in Illinois?

While you navigate the legalities and decide the future of the house, our team can help you manage the present. We offer services like securing the property to deter vandalism and weatherization to prevent potential damage from flooding or frozen pipes.

How much is my Illinois inherited home worth?

Don’t settle for online estimates using automatic valuation models can be wildly inaccurate. We’ve been preparing property valuations for banks and asset management firms for over 10 years. Now, we’re offering the same service to you, completely free. Get a free, accurate valuation report for your property today.

Do I need a real estate agent to sell an inherited house in Illinois?

While you don’t necessarily need an agent, an experienced probate realtor can help reduce the chances of getting unsolicited lowball offers. We keep up with thte current market trends and can strategically price and market your property to attract serious buyers.

What is a probate realtor and how are they different from a regular realtor?

Probate realtors like ourselves are real estate agents with specialized knowledge and experience in handling the sale of properties involved in probate estates. Unlike regular realtors, we understand the legal complexities of probate, and are familiar with the unique challenges of selling inherited property.

How to find a good probate real estate agent in Illinois?

You are at the right place! My team and I have a proven track record selling inherited properties but our commitment doesn’t stop there. We offer a suite of additional services designed to streamline the selling process and maximize your property’s value.

What are the benefits of hiring a probate realtor?

Probate realtors offer numerous benefits. We can streamline the process, maximize the property’s value, work closely with your probate attorney, and ensure a smooth transaction. This helps reducing stress for executors and beneficiaries.

How much does a probate realtor cost?

Probate realtors compensation is commission based, so you won’t owe us anything unless we successfully sell your inherited property. This ensures our interests are aligned with yours – we only get paid when you do.



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