Can You Sell a House During Probate in Michigan?

Yes! Michigan law allows property sales during probate, but the process differs from traditional sales. You have three options:
- Wait Until Probate Closes (6-12+ months)
- List with a Realtor (Requires court approval)
- Sell to a Cash Buyer (Fastest, easiest solution)
M1 Home Buyers specializes in probate property purchases—we navigate court requirements so you don’t have to.
Managing a probate property sale in Michigan involves legal steps, court approvals, and often conflicting interests among heirs. At M1 Home Buyers, we simplify this process—offering expert guidance and an optional cash sale so you can close quickly and confidently, without the hassle of multiple showings, contingency delays, or commission fees.
What Is a Probate Sale in Michigan?

A probate sale is a court-supervised process through which a personal representative (executor or administrator) legally sells a deceased person’s real estate to settle debts and distribute proceeds to heirs . In Michigan, probate may be informal or supervised, depending on estate size and complexity .
Michigan Probate Sale Requirements
To sell during probate, you’ll need:
✔ Formal Appointment (Personal Representative/Executor)
✔ Inventory Filing (Within 91 days of appointment)
✔ Court Approval (For all major asset sales)
✔ Proper Notice (To all heirs/beneficiaries)
Key Stat: 68% of probate properties sell below market value due to delays (Michigan Probate Court Data).
Sell Your House for Cash in Three Easy Steps
Before you call a real estate agent, you owe it to yourself to explore other options for selling your house fast in Michigan. Instead of going through a complicated process in a traditional sale, you can work directly with our team and skip the realtor. Our process is simple.

Step 1: Contact Us
When you are ready to sell your house, the first step is to call us and schedule a walkthrough of the house. It’s fast and easy, and there is no obligation to sell your house. Feel free to ask questions. We are here to help!

Step 2: Get a Cash Offer
We will assess your property and decide if we want to make an offer. If we like what we see, we will make a fair cash offer at just under the market value of your home. In most cases, we can make an offer within 24 to 48 hours.

Step 3: Close and Get Paid
If you accept our offer, the next step is to schedule a convenient closing date. Simply show up, sign the paperwork, and walk away with no strings attached. We pay most or all of the closing costs, which save you money.
Common Probate Sale Hurdles
- Court delays: Hearings, valuations, and objections can significantly extend timelines.
- Heir disputes: Any disputes may require formal probate and court oversight .
- Financing barriers: Lenders often avoid properties in probate due to extended timelines.
- Expenses: Maintenance, taxes, appraisals, legal fees, and court costs can reduce net proceeds if sale is delayed.
Probate Sale vs. Cash Sale to M1
| Feature | Probate Sale (Traditional) | Cash Sale to M1 Home Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Court Hearings/Approval | Required | Handled by us |
| Timeline | 7–20+ months | 7–45 days |
| Listing & Marketing | MLS, agent-led | Off-market, investor-only |
| Dispute Risks | Heirs & creditors can object | No open bidding |
| Legal & Closing Fees | Estate pays 3–7% | Covered by us |
| Financing Contingency | Mortgage likely involved | Cash—no contingencies |
| Distribution Complexity | Estate handles payouts | We coordinate with executor |
Why Sell My Home Fast For Cash To M1 Home Buyers?
Selling your home shouldn’t be stressful. At M1 Home Buyers, we streamline the process by purchasing directly from you in cash – no fees, no commissions, and no middlemen. We buy Michigan homes in any condition, handling all closing costs and repairs ourselves, while tailoring solutions to your unique situation.
Fair Cash Offer

We’ll make you a cash offer based on the condition and value of the home.
Simple Sale Process

We want to make selling your home as easy and stress-free as possible.
Close When You Want

Need to sell fast or need extra time to move? We’ll work with you.
Sell Your Home As-Is

You won’t have to make any repairs or updates! We buy houses totally “as-is.”
No Agent Fees

We buy houses directly from sellers with no realtor commissions or other fees.
No Need To Clean

No need to clean. Leave behind anything you don’t want to take with you.
The 5-Step Probate Sale Process
1. Become Appointed Personal Representative
- File with local probate court (We can recommend attorneys)
2. Get Property Valuation
- We provide free, court-acceptable appraisal
3. Obtain Court Approval
- We prepare all required documents
4. Accept Our Cash Offer
- Typically 70-85% of market value (no repair deductions)
5. Close Within 30 Days of Approval
- Funds distributed per court order

Top Rated Cash Home Buyers In Michigan
– Leonya B
“Mark and Mike provide persistent, patient, honest, and great customer service!”
– Jamase
“Mike purchased our family home. He is a genuine guy and worked with us to stay in the home a little longer than anticipated.”
– John N
“I worked with Mark, Jamie, and Mike through the unfortunate circumstance of my foreclosure. I’m extremely satisfied with their efforts.”
FAQs About Probate Sales
1. Can you sell before being appointed executor?
No, but we can start the process immediately after appointment.
2. What if heirs disagree on selling?
We help structure offers that satisfy court requirements.
3. How is price determined?
By comparative market analysis (CMA) acceptable to courts.
4. Can you buy with liens/taxes owed?
Yes! We handle payoff negotiations.
Get Your No-Obligation Cash Offer Today
✔ Free probate consultation
✔ Court-approved valuation
✔ Fast-track closing
✔ No upfront costs
More Resources Regarding Probate
Introduction To The Real Estate Probate Process
This concise explanation covers the key steps in the probate real estate process and can be easily understood by a wide audience interested in how probate affects residential property sales. Always recommend calling a lawyer for your personal situation
When Probate Is Needed In A Real Estate Transaction
Probate is typically required for residential real estate when the property is solely owned by the deceased and does not have a designated beneficiary or co-owner with rights of survivorship. This means the home’s title is only in the name of the deceased, so the court must oversee the legal transfer to heirs. Probate may also be necessary if the deceased did not have a will, if there are disputes over the estate, or if state laws require court involvement to validate the will and ensure proper distribution. However, probate is usually not required if the property is jointly owned, held in a trust, or has named beneficiaries.
Key Steps To The Probate Process
There are several types of probate processes for real estate, each suited for different situations. Formal probate is a court-supervised process used in complex cases or when disputes arise, involving full court oversight. Informal probate is a simpler, quicker process for uncontested estates with clear wills, allowing the executor to handle most tasks without court hearings. Supervised probate involves ongoing court supervision for estates with complex assets or disputes, while unsupervised probate permits the personal representative to manage estate affairs independently with minimal court involvement. Additionally, small estate probate offers a streamlined option for estates below a certain value, bypassing full probate. Understanding these types helps navigate how real estate is handled after a property owner’s death.
Key Steps To The Probate Process
The probate process for residential real estate involves several important steps. First, the executor files a petition with the court to open probate and is formally appointed to administer the estate. Next, all assets, including the home, are identified and appraised to determine their value. The executor then notifies creditors and pays any debts or taxes owed by the estate. After that, the property is prepared for sale, often sold ‘as-is,’ and offers are reviewed. Court approval is typically required before finalizing the sale. Once the sale is complete, remaining proceeds are distributed to heirs, and the estate is officially closed.
How Taxes Can Affect Your Capital Gains In A Probate Process
This video will walk through how capital gains tax works when selling an inherited home through probate. Understand the step-up basis, key IRS rules, tax-saving strategies, and what heirs need to know to minimize taxes when handling probate property sales. If you have any questions about the probate process, we can help but we always recommend calling a probate lawyer.
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The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is leading efforts to make Michigan a better place to live for people with autism and their families.
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