How to Sell a Probate Property in Texas When You Live Out of State: A Guide for Executors & Administrators in Austin & San Antonio
If you’re an executor, administrator, or personal representative managing a probate property in Austin or San Antonio, Texas, but you live out of state, you may feel overwhelmed by the complexities of the probate process.
How do you sell the property legally, efficiently, and for the highest possible price when you aren’t physically in Texas?
The key is understanding Texas probate real estate laws and working with an experienced probate real estate broker in Austin or San Antonio who can handle everything on your behalf.
This comprehensive guide will cover:
✔️ How the Texas probate process works and what you need to sell an estate property.
✔️ How to manage the home remotely, secure it, and prepare it for sale.
✔️ Common mistakes out-of-state executors make when selling probate property.
✔️ Why selling “as-is” is often the best approach for estate properties.
✔️ How to ensure you get full market value rather than a lowball offer from an investor.
✔️ Why hiring a local probate real estate expert in Austin or San Antonio is essential.
By following these steps, you can successfully sell a probate home in Texas—without having to be in-state.
Step 1: Understand the Texas Probate Process for Real Estate
Before you can sell a probate home in Austin, San Antonio, or anywhere in Texas, you need to legally establish your authority as the executor or administrator.
Do You Have the Legal Authority to Sell the Home?
1️⃣ Obtain Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
2️⃣ Determine Whether Full Probate Is Necessary
3️⃣ Verify Property Title & Liens
💡 Pro Tip: Probate real estate transactions can be complicated, and legal mistakes can delay the sale. Consult with a Texas probate attorney and a local real estate broker experienced in probate sales.
Step 2: Hire a Probate Real Estate Specialist in Austin or San Antonio
Selling a probate home is not like a traditional real estate sale. Working with an agent who lacks probate experience can lead to delays, legal missteps, and lost money.
💡 Kritt Real Estate specializes in helping out-of-state executors sell estate properties in Austin and San Antonio. We handle everything, so you don’t have to travel!
Step 3: Secure & Maintain the Probate Home Until It Sells
If the Austin or San Antonio property is vacant, it must be secured and maintained to protect its value.
1. Change the Locks Immediately
Prevent unauthorized access by rekeying the property and securing all entry points.
2. Maintain Insurance Coverage
Many homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover vacant homes—check with the provider to update the policy.
3. Keep Utilities Active
Electricity, water, and gas should remain on for inspections, cleaning, and buyer showings.
4. Schedule Lawn Care & Maintenance
Overgrown yards and neglected homes attract squatters and code violations.
5. Install Security Cameras or a Smart Lock System
If the home will be vacant for months, consider a remote security system for monitoring
Step 4: Selling ‘As-Is’ vs. Making Repairs – Why Our Approach Is Different
Unlike many real estate agents who push for costly renovations before listing, we take a different approach.
For most probate homes, selling ‘as-is’ is the best strategy. Here’s why:
Why We Recommend Selling Probate Homes ‘As-Is’ in Most Cases
✔️ Saves Time & Money – Making repairs or updates can be expensive, especially when you’re managing the property from out of state. Avoiding renovations means a faster sale with fewer complications.
✔️ Avoids Holding Costs – Every month the home sits unsold, the estate continues paying property taxes, utilities, and maintenance costs. Selling quickly minimizes these expenses.
✔️ Buyers for Probate Homes Expect ‘As-Is’ Sales – Many buyers looking for estate properties expect to make their own updates. Trying to fix up the home first may not increase its value enough to justify the time and effort.
✔️ Eliminates the Hassle of Coordinating Contractors – As an out-of-state executor, coordinating repairs from afar is stressful. Selling ‘as-is’ removes this burden.
✔️ Cash Buyers & Investors Can Close Faster – Many buyers are willing to purchase estate homes in their current condition. A well-priced, as-is home often sells just as quickly as a renovated one.
Step 5: List & Market the Property for Maximum Exposure
Even when selling ‘as-is,’ it’s crucial to get full market exposure to attract the best buyers—not just investors looking for a deal.
📌 Professional listing on the MLS in Austin or San Antonio.
📌 High-quality real estate photography & virtual tours.
📌 Targeted online marketing to attract serious buyers.
📌 Direct outreach to local buyers and real estate investors.
💡 Avoid off-market investor offers! Many "cash buyers" try to take advantage of probate sellers by offering far below market value. A proper marketing strategy ensures you get the highest possible price.
Step 6: Handle Closing & Probate Paperwork
Once a buyer is secured:
✔️ The title company handles title transfer and closing documents.
✔️ The estate receives the proceeds from the sale.
✔️ Funds are distributed according to Texas probate law.
💡 Your probate real estate broker should guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth, compliant transaction.
Work with a Texas Probate Real Estate Expert in Austin & San Antonio
If you’re out of state and need help selling a probate property in Austin or San Antonio, you don’t have to handle everything alone.
At Jeremy Kritt at Kritt Real Estate, we specialize in helping out-of-state executors and administrators sell probate real estate remotely, efficiently, and for the highest price possible.
Let’s discuss your situation and create a custom probate property sale strategy that meets your needs. Call today at (512) 808-3033 🚀
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The probate process varies depending on specific circumstances, and legal requirements may change. Executors and administrators should consult a qualified probate attorney for legal guidance regarding their specific situation.
