When a loved one passes and leaves behind a home, one of the first questions families ask is: “Can I sell the estate home before probate is granted?” As Georgetown’s trusted real estate expert with extensive experience in estate and probate sales, I guide executors and families through this exact situation with clarity, confidence, and a proven strategy.

Understanding Probate in Ontario

Probate is the legal process in Ontario that confirms a will’s validity and gives the executor the authority to manage and sell the estate’s assets. For real estate, this step is crucial because lenders, buyers, and lawyers must ensure the person signing the agreement has legal authority.

While the probate timeline can vary—from a few weeks to several months—executors don’t necessarily need to wait until the certificate is issued to begin the selling process.

Can You List the Home Before Probate?

Yes. You can list an estate home for sale in Georgetown before probate is granted. In fact, many executors choose to move forward with preparing, marketing, and listing the property to avoid delays and capitalize on current market conditions.

Here’s the key:
You can list the home and even accept offers, but the transaction cannot close until probate is officially granted.

This still gives families a significant head start. We can generate interest, build momentum, and secure a buyer—all while the legal paperwork is being finalized.

How I Help Executors Navigate Restrictions & Timelines

As a Georgetown realtor with hands-on probate experience, I ensure every step is handled correctly and stress-free. This includes:

• Crafting probate-appropriate clauses for offers

• Communicating clearly with buyers’ agents and lawyers

• Managing expectations around closing timelines

• Strategically marketing the home to attract strong offers

• Preparing the property with minimal effort from the executor

Many buyers are comfortable waiting for probate, especially when the home is priced correctly and marketed professionally.

Why Experience Matters in Probate Sales

Probate sales aren’t “typical” transactions—they require precision, patience, and a realtor who understands both the legal and emotional components. My role is to protect the estate, maximize value, and keep the process moving forward so executors can focus on what matters most.

With deep local knowledge of Georgetown and Halton Hills, I offer a seamless, trusted approach that families rely on during one of life’s most challenging transitions.