If you’re trying to sell a house in probate in Spokane, WA, you’re likely dealing with more than just a real estate decision. Probate sales often happen during moments of grief, uncertainty, and time pressure — and without the right guidance, families can unintentionally leave money on the table or face unnecessary delays.
Navigating probate and inherited property sales can be tricky. I recently sat down with Katharine Tate of Tate Law Offices, PLLC, a Spokane probate and estate planning attorney, to walk through common scenarios, legal considerations, and how attorneys and realtors can work together to protect heirs.
Below is a clear, practical overview of what families need to know when selling a home after a death in the family — and why planning (or lack of it) directly impacts outcomes.
What Is Probate?
Let’s start with the basics.
Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away to confirm the validity of a will (if one exists) and determine how assets — including real estate — are distributed.
In practice, probate often involves:
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Court oversight
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Legal deadlines
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Significant documentation
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Decisions about major assets like the family home
Homes are frequently the largest and most time-sensitive asset, which is why understanding probate real estate is so important.
Why Probate Real Estate Is So Common in Spokane
Katharine shared that nearly 60% of people pass away without any formal estate plan. The most common reasons?
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Fear of talking about death
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Procrastination (“I’ll do it later”)
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Cost concerns
When no plan exists, probate becomes unavoidable — and often more complicated. That’s why many Spokane families find themselves navigating probate home sales unexpectedly.
Related: 2026 Spokane Real Estate Predictions: What to Expect
Common Probate Scenarios When Selling a Home
Selling a Home With No Estate Plan in Place
This is the most common — and most complex — scenario.
When there’s no trust and no clear authority:
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Probate must be opened through the court
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Legal deadlines must be followed precisely
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Delays can increase costs
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The home is usually the first asset that must be addressed
This scenario generates the most referrals to both probate attorneys and probate Realtors. Having professionals who understand the process — and work well together — can significantly reduce stress and delays.
Selling a House in Probate With a Will
A will provides direction, but probate is still required.
Compared to having no plan:
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Intentions are clearer
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The process is usually less contentious
However, court timelines and legal requirements still apply, making professional guidance essential.
Selling a Home Held in a Trust
This can be the ideal scenario.
When a trust is properly drafted and funded:
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Probate may be avoided entirely
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Instructions are already defined
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Sales are typically faster and more private
This is why planning ahead makes such a meaningful difference for families.
When Heirs Cannot Afford to Keep the Property
Regardless of planning, many heirs ultimately can’t keep the home.
After a death, key questions include:
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Who is legally named to receive the property?
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Do they want it?
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Can they afford taxes, insurance, and maintenance?
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Does one heir need to buy out another?
Depending on how these questions play out for heirs, many times the estate is “cash poor” and the home may need to be sold — and often quickly.
Documents Needed to Sell a House in Probate in Spokane, WA
As a realtor, to move forward with a probate or inherited home sale, I typically need:
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Death certificate
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Trust documents or probate court authority
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Confirmation of who can legally sign
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Helpful, but not necessary: Coordination with the estate attorney
Having these documents organized early helps protect the estate and avoid unnecessary delays.
Katharine Tate of Tate Law Offices, PLLC
Why Attorneys and Realtors Who Work Together Create Better Outcomes for Their Spokane Clients
Probate sales work best when attorneys and realtors communicate directly (with client permission).
Katharine and I both agreed than when we are able to work in sync:
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Paperwork moves faster
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Deadlines are met
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Listing authority is clear
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Costly mistakes are avoided
When everything is siloed, confusion and delays tend to follow. Collaboration between an attorney and real estate agent can create real value, save stress and expedite the process for heirs.
Liens, Deadlines, and Why Timing Matters
Katharine shared an important example on sales timing involving DSHS liens, which may be placed on a home to recover long-term care costs. One thing she has learned is that DSHS is typically flexible with payment timelines on these liens for a bit, but not indefinitely. Having a realtor and attorney who are familiar with each other can help expedite the process and get a home sold before payments become due.
This is where speed, organization, and experience truly matter.
Can You Improve a Probate Property Before Selling?
Yes — and in many cases, you should. This is something I’m really passionate about.
One major challenge in Spokane probate sales is that the estate or trust is often cash poor, leaving little money for prep work. Having a real estate agent who is willing to work with the client to help improve the property for a quicker sale can be invaluable.
Focus on high-impact, low-stress improvements, such as:
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Professional cleaning
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Interior paint
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New carpet
These simple updates can dramatically increase value in Spokane’s competitive housing market.
Being married to a General Contractor positions me to help Spokane real estate clients with homes in probate.
Choosing the Right Realtor to Sell a House in Probate in Spokane, WA
Not every Realtor is equipped to handle probate real estate. I’ve established special probate real estate services that help families navigate getting the best price for a home when there isn’t much capital to invest in the home. In addition to being a realtor, I’m married to a general contractor, which allows me to be especially nimble with:
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Coordinating repairs efficiently
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Helping front certain prep costs when appropriate
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Being reimbursed at closing with proper protections
For families who are out of town, overwhelmed, or cash-constrained, this flexibility can make a meaningful difference.
Related: What Qualities Should Spokane's Best Realtor Have?
Final Thoughts on Selling a House in Probate in Spokane, WA
If you’re navigating how to sell a house in probate in Spokane, WA, working with both an experienced probate attorney and a knowledgeable Spokane probate Realtor can reduce stress, protect value, and help families move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re planning ahead or facing probate now, I’m always happy to answer questions, explain next steps, and connect you with trusted professionals like Katharine Tate. You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to guess your way through it. Feel free to reach out to me.
No Legal Advice Intended. This blog includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You need to contact a lawyer licensed in your state for advice on specific legal issues or problems.
