If you’ve inherited a property or have been named executor of an estate that includes Florida property and aren’t sure where to start, read on. The details of probate, the certificate of trustee, the FIRPTA taxes, selling the car, and a dozen other extras all fall under those things a professional realtor helps with that you won’t find elsewhere. You won’t find them with discount brokerages, large teams of realtors, or those gimmicks that often lure sellers in with low commissions. If you want real, trustworthy help, hire a true professional who will be there every step of the way.
Cleaning Out Personal Items
Two years ago I got a call from a very kind woman who had recently inherited a neat little house here in Sarasota. She had never been to the house until her loved one, her aunt, had passed, and she was in town to clean out her aunt’s personal belongings and get the house ready to sell. She didn’t know anyone in town and had no idea where to start. Fortunately for both of us, she saw several of my real estate signs in the neighborhood and decided to start with me. I’m so glad she did!
Two Countries and a Pandemic
To complicate matters, both this new client and her aunt were residents of Canada. Her aunt had been living part-time in Sarasota for 15 years. They would need to go through probate not only in Canada but the U.S. as well. As if that wasn’t enough, shortly after we started the probate process, Covid struck and stopped almost all travel between the U.S. and Canada. This meant the government offices in both countries as well as the attorney’s offices were intermittently closed as well. The process dragged on, and on, and on.
An Extra Pair of Eyes and Ears
What we first thought might be a 6-8 month process turned into two years. As tough as it must have been for the family, it gave us plenty of opportunities to chat and get to know one another. I kept an eye on the house, checking it regularly to make sure the air conditioning was working, the lawncare company was keeping things neat and tidy, the pest control company was visiting regularly, and a myriad of things were taken care of.
Professional Realtors Go the Extra Mile
The details of probate, the certificate of trustee, the FIRPTA taxes, selling the car, and a dozen other extras all fall under those things a professional realtor helps with that you won’t find elsewhere. You won’t find them with discount brokerages, large teams of realtors, or those gimmicks that often lure sellers in with low commissions. If you want real, trustworthy help, hire a true professional who will be there every step of the way.
A Happy Ending
I’m very happy to report that once we did finally list the house, it sold on the first day and for more than my sellers thought possible. I am thankful for loyal sellers like these who trust me with such a sensitive and complicated sale.
I love a story with a happy ending, don’t you?