Investing in Probate Real Estate: A Guide to Title-First Due Diligence

Written By Audra George

Probate real estate—properties being sold out of a deceased person’s estate—can be a goldmine for investors. These are often highly motivated sellers with properties that need a quick, no-nonsense sale. But they are also fraught with legal complexity.

Investing in probate without a deep understanding of the title is a high-stakes gamble. You must answer critical questions before you even think about making an offer:

  • Who is the Personal Representative? Have they been legally appointed by the court with the authority to sell the property?

  • Are there other heirs? Do they all agree to the sale? A single dissenting heir has to be approached differently.

  • Are there estate debts? The property may be subject to claims from creditors, including the IRS.

The TIP Method is perfectly suited for probate investing. It helps you map out the entire legal and financial landscape of the estate, giving you a clear picture of the risks and opportunities. This knowledge allows you to solve problems for the estate, build rapport with the representative, and structure an offer that works for everyone.

Probate is not for beginners, but with the right training, it can be incredibly lucrative. The Title Detective’s Playbook provides a detailed checklist for probate due diligence.

Meet the Author: Audra George Audra George is a Real Estate Broker, licensed Title Examiner, and the author of The Title Detective’s Playbook. A teacher at heart, Audra is dedicated to making complex real estate concepts accessible to everyone
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Audra George

Audra George is a licensed Realtor in Missouri. Audra has diverse background; she is a former middle school Math teacher and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, she worked with survivors after the May, 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, and has extensive experience in online marketing- previously running marketing campaigns for fundraising companies, including creating marketing plans for retail and online businesses. Audra has received numerous awards for her work, including her work with individuals after the tornado, and 'Rookie of the Year' in her first year of Real Estate sales.

Audra lives in Southwest Missouri with her two boys, dogs, kangaroos, and cats. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and being in the community helping others. Audra is excited to help and works hard for her clients to make the process of purchasing property as easy as possible.

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“The Title Company Will Catch It” and Other Dangerous Real Estate Myths