When a loved one passes away, one of the most common questions I hear as a Georgetown Realtor with experience in estate and probate sales is: “Can we sell the home before probate is granted?” It’s an important question for families navigating both grief and logistics, especially when they want to settle the estate efficiently.

The short answer is: Yes, you can list and market an estate property in Georgetown before probate — but you cannot close the sale until probate has been granted.

This distinction is crucial, and understanding the process helps families avoid delays, surprises, or legal complications.

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What Is Probate and Why Does It Matter in Ontario?

Probate is the court process that confirms the validity of a will and officially appoints the estate trustee (executor). Once granted, the trustee legally gains the authority to transfer or sell real estate.
In Ontario — including Georgetown, Halton Hills, Acton, Glen Williams, and the surrounding areas — probate is required for most real estate transactions involving an estate.

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Can You List the Home Before Probate?

Yes.
Families often want to list the home quickly to avoid carrying costs, maintain market momentum, and take advantage of current market conditions. As your Georgetown estate-sale specialist, I help executors prepare the home, market it strategically, and attract the right buyers — all while probate is being processed.

Important:
You can accept offers conditioned on probate, but the deal cannot close until the certificate is issued. This protects both the estate and the buyer.

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What Are the Benefits of Listing Early?

Listing before probate allows you to:

• Generate interest and secure a buyer without waiting months for court timelines.

• Prepare the home for maximum value, including decluttering, minor repairs, and staging.

• Reduce carrying costs, especially if the home is vacant.

• Stay competitive in the Georgetown market, where timing can influence sale price.

Families are often relieved to learn that they can move forward with marketing instead of sitting idle.

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How Long Does Probate Take in Georgetown?

Probate timelines vary, but in Halton Region an average file can take 8–12 weeks, sometimes longer if documents are incomplete or the estate is complex.
This is exactly why listing early can be so beneficial — it keeps momentum while the legal process runs in the background.

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Why Work With a Georgetown Realtor Experienced in Probate?

Estate sales involve unique considerations: legal timelines, executor responsibilities, beneficiary communication, and “as-is” property conditions.
As a Georgetown Realtor with 20+ years of experience, I guide families step-by-step, coordinate local professionals, and ensure the entire process remains smooth, respectful, and compliant from listing to closing.

If you're navigating an estate sale in Georgetown or the GTA, I’m here to help every step of the way.