PROBATE PROGRAM
THE PROBATE PROCESS
Start
File Petition for Probate
Notice of 1st Court Hearing Date Published in Newspaper
5 - 6 Weeks
Hearing Date
2 Months
Within 90 Days of Letters
- Letters Issued by Court
- Order for Probate
- Duties & Liabilities of PR
- Issue Bond
Send Notice To
- Franchise Text Board
- Dept of Health Care Services
- Victims Compensation Board
6 Months
Within 120 Days of Letters
- Gather Assets
- File Inventory & Appraisal Form
- Notice to Creditors
- Allowance/ Rejection of Creditors Claim
Taxes
- Prop 58 & 193
- Capital Gain
- Estate Taxes
(Form 706)
Petition for Final Distribution
(Accounting)
Court Hearing
END
12 Months
- Receipt on Distribution
- Ex Parte Petition for Discharge
- Case Closed
Probate & Trust Home Sales in North County San Diego
Matthew “Matt” Sorensen, Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker Realty, helps homeowners sell probate, trust and inherited properties in Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos and Vista. Services include pricing, property preparation, marketing, negotiation and management of the sale.
Local experience includes La Costa, La Costa Greens, Rancho Carrillo and Calavera Hills. The Power Probate Program offers market-listing and off-market options, estate-sale coordination and vendor referrals. Discuss current services, fees and written offer terms with Matt.
Discuss an inherited-home sale: (858) 204-6288 or Matt@RealtorMatt.com
Getting started
- Confirm ownership and authority with your attorney and title or escrow team.
- Review property condition, value, occupancy and your goals with Matt.
- Compare sale strategies, preparation costs, written offers and estimated net proceeds.
- Prepare the property, review offers and coordinate required approvals.
- Complete the real estate closing; estate administration may continue afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Do all inherited homes require probate?
No. Ownership and applicable transfer procedures affect the path. Your attorney can review the deed and estate or trust documents.
What should I bring to the first conversation?
Start with the address, condition, occupancy, your goals and the name of the executor, administrator or trustee. Ask your attorney or escrow team which authority documents are required.
Can we sell as-is or choose an off-market cash offer?
Discuss available options with Matt. Compare written offers with an MLS listing using price, preparation costs, fees, contingencies and timing. A cash offer does not remove legal requirements.
How long does a sale take?
Timing depends on property readiness, buyer terms and required approvals. The home sale and estate administration have separate timelines. Any timeline below is an illustration, not a promise.
How are costs and proceeds evaluated?
Request an itemized estimate of mortgage payoffs, negotiated brokerage compensation, escrow and title charges, preparation costs and applicable estate expenses. Sale proceeds can differ from final distributions to beneficiaries.
Who handles legal and tax questions?
Your attorney handles estate and trust legal advice; a qualified tax professional advises on taxes. Matt handles the real estate side and can discuss vendor and legal referrals. Ask your adviser about current Proposition 19 rules before relying on historical Proposition 58 or 193 references.
How do I start selling an inherited home in Carlsbad?
Call (858) 204-6288 or email Matt@RealtorMatt.com to discuss property value, selling options and next steps.
PENDING · PROBATE LISTING SPOTLIGHT
1773 Green Briar · Fallbrook
Listing agent: Matthew Sorensen · Coldwell Banker Realty
4 bedrooms · 2.5 bathrooms · approximately 2,484 sq. ft. on 0.89 acres.
This single-story probate property is pending as of October 10, 2026. Listed at $1,050,000; the asking price is not a closed sale price.
POWER PROBATE PROGRAM
With the Power Probate Program Matt has streamlined the process to make sure you have the flexibility and options to best suit your probate situation and not have to wonder what the bottom line will look like.
Package rates cover listing-side compensation. Buyer-agent compensation is separate.
Option #1
2% PACKAGE
Included
- Home Cleanup/prep and staging consultation by expert designer
- Marketing Material - Flyers, brochures, signage, online presence in mls and over 70 syndicated online housing websites
- Arrange logistics and set up Estate Sale for personal items
- Buyer accompanied showings in person by Matt and his team
- Advice and consultation by Matts extensive list of vendors for Maintenance, Attorneys and other vendors to support the sale
Option #2
2.5% PACKAGE
Included
- Staging consultation by expert designer
- Marketing Material - Flyers, brochures, signage, online presence in mls and over 70 syndicated online housing websites
- Arrange logistics and set up Estate Sale for personal items
- Advice and consultation by Matts extensive list of vendors for Maintenance, Attorneys and other vendors to support the sale
Option #3
3% PACKAGE
Included
- This will be an off market Sale not posted on the MLS
- All cash close with guaranteed highest price to pool of strong buyers familiar with poor condition homes and probate process
- 7-14 day close
- No Inspection
- No repairs
- AS-IS Sale
SERVICES OFFERED
- Expert Real Estate Advice
-
Top rated legal references
(Taxes, Trusts, Probate) -
Home Repair and Maintenance
We can supply top contractors for Home Improvement, Landscaping, Maintenance and cure safety concerns
- Cash Offers
- Senior Living Placement Services
- Estate Sale Services, Buy and Sell personal items
MEET MATT
MEET MATT
Matt Sorensen has been a high producer in the San Diego Real Estate arena since 1999. Alongside the traditional real estate sales he has done, Matt has been trained and experienced as a Senior Specialist and Probate Expert.
His extensive track record of real estate transactions gives his clients comfort that he can manage any unforeseen issues that may arise during the process.
The expectations and results you can have as a client are a smooth transaction and more money after the sale to beneficiaries due to Matt's foresight to avoid costs that can dig into beneficiary proceeds with an inexperienced agent.
Matt has the backing of Coldwell Banker, a reputable nationwide broker that has been around since 1906. Coldwell Banker has the resources and reputation to protect both its agents and clients from any pitfalls along the way as well.
