Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate the complex legal process of probate. If you’ve inherited a property in Bentonville, Springdale, or anywhere else in Northwest Arkansas, and need to sell, you’re likely asking yourself: “Can I sell this house while it’s in probate?” The short answer is yes—but there’s more to it.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the key steps and considerations for selling a house in probate, especially if you want a quick, hassle-free transaction.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process that settles a deceased person’s estate. This includes:
- Validating a will (if there is one)
- Appointing an executor or administrator
- Identifying and inventorying assets
- Paying off debts and taxes
- Distributing what’s left to heirs
If a house is owned solely by the deceased, it generally must go through probate before it can be legally transferred or sold. This applies even if you’re the intended heir.
Can You Sell a House in Probate?
Yes. If you are the court-appointed executor or administrator, you may have the authority to sell the house. If the will explicitly gives you the power to sell, that makes the process faster. Otherwise, you may need court approval.
A common option for families in this situation is to sell the home to a local cash buyer familiar with probate transactions. At Sell My House Fast NWA, we’ve helped many Arkansas families complete probate sales quickly and with minimal stress.
Why Sell a Probate House Off-Market?
Selling through a traditional agent may take months and require repairs, showings, and buyer financing approvals. Off-market, cash-based sales offer many advantages:
- Sell As-Is: No repairs, staging, or cleanup required
- Faster Closing: We can close in 7–21 days once the court gives the green light
- No Commissions or Fees: We pay all closing costs, and there are no realtor commissions
- No Appraisals: We don’t require third-party valuations or bank financing
Probate can be stressful—selling your house shouldn’t be.
What Are the Steps to Sell a Probate House in Arkansas?
- Confirm You Have Legal Authority
If you’re named in the will as the executor, or appointed by the court, get that documentation ready. - File for Probate
Start the process with your local probate court. Once the estate is opened, the house can eventually be sold. - Get a Home Valuation
You can use online tools, a local real estate agent, or request a no-obligation cash offer from us here. - Secure Court Approval (if needed)
If your authority to sell isn’t specified in the will, the court will need to approve the transaction. - Sell the Property
Once approved, you can close with a cash buyer like us in as little as 7 days, even if the home has deferred maintenance or difficult tenants.
Need Probate Help?
While we’re not attorneys, we’re happy to refer you to local probate lawyers we’ve worked with in the past. We’re also happy to answer questions about how we’ve helped other families going through this.
Ready to talk? Contact us here or check out how our process works.