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Probate in Washington State

Jay Primrose Properties • Feb 22, 2023

You have been named as an executor or administrator in the descendant's will for the estate, which means it needs to be sorted out before granting someone a legal right to the property. We know a family member's death brings some serious matters that require an immediate solution in an appropriate time frame. Property settlement is one of the important parts of distributing the descendant's assets among the rightful beneficiaries. Jay Primrose Properties makes it easier to sell probate properties in a hassle-free manner.


We call Washington our home and selling and buying properties here is our most desired area of expertise.
Probate in Washington state isn't the same as it is in other states; they vary from one another and we are well aware of the local laws and procedures to take as per state regulations. You can rely on our team at Jay Primrose Properties to guide you through each step of probate property sale and make sure everything’s done as per the law.


Everyone wants to get the best possible deal when they are selling assets - it is an ultimate goal for almost all of our clients. Getting a competitive market price while ensuring a smooth transfer process is something we guarantee. Our team leverages their expertise to make sure you don’t just settle the estate but also get the most out of your property.
Washington state probate goes smoother with Jay Primrose Properties by your side.


Each state has a different
process for probate, but it typically involves appointing an executor or personal representative for the decedent’s estate. That person is responsible for following the terms of the will, managing the estate’s assets, and seeing that they’re distributed properly to the beneficiaries.



Sell Your Probate House in Washington Quickly and Easily


The urgency of selling a probate property is understandable but doing it the right way is going to take time. Probate isn't just a work of a few hours or days; it's a long process and needs to be done with the utmost attention. From the paperwork to finding a suitable buyer, and determining the market price - there are multiple facets of probate that need to be taken care of. We connect the highest bidders with the property in the shortest time possible and make sure that probate Washington state gets resolved quickly. Instead of minimizing probate chances, one must focus on real issues that might turn probate into a total mess.



Your Inherited Property Should Make You Money


Inherited property is a gift from the past and it can be used to make you money in the present. We don’t just help you sort out probate matters but also suggest different ways to make sure your inherited property brings maximum cash value in minimum time. From understanding the local market trends and finding potential buyers for you - we are connected with all the right people so that you can get maximum return on your inherited estate. Complexities are normal in inherited property transactions, but cashing in on your inherited property could not be easier with our expertise and resources. Squatters, tenancy, deferred maintenance - there are multiple issues that need to be dealt with in a probate sale. There are several things making probate transactions more complex and time-consuming; For e.g, if squatters have taken residence in a property, the probate sale could take much longer than expected. In this scenario, the executor should take the matter to court and get them evicted. To do so one must know about how squatters rights Washington are set up and the required legal procedures. In those moments, when you're already going through emotional turmoil, we'd still be there to put an offer on the table so you don't have to wait any longer.



Don't Let the Process of Selling a Probate House Paralyze You - We Can Help


Sell my house fast in Tacoma - let's not forget that a deceased family member's assets are valuable to those who deserve them. We understand the difficulty of selling a house and managing the probate process alone, hiring attorneys, and dealing with other legal formalities can put an end to your patience. While a probate house sale might look like an exhausting process, one should not let the fear of the unknown incapacitate them. Get on with your life and get in touch with us - we will make sure to turn this difficult property settlement process into a much simpler one. It may seem like your house won't be able to make it through probate quickly and easily, however, consulting us could be the best decision you can make in such a situation.


Transparent communication throughout the entire transaction process is our guarantee - no matter how complicated it is to sell off a property, you have us to help you out with any queries or concerns. We have your back throughout the entire process so it is not something you should be scared of.


Imagine there's a $200,000 balance left on
your home when you pass away. Your daughter inherits a property with a $200,000 balance. The balance does not go away. However, if she can swing the payments, your daughter can take over the mortgage and have the title transferred into her name. She won't even have to take the traditional route to homeownership by filling out an application or going through a credit check.



Jay Primrose Properties – Your Best Choice For Probate Property Settlement in Washington


Jay Primrose Properties carry a soft spot for families who have to go through a difficult time post the death of a loved one. We understand how sensitive this transaction can be and handle it with utmost care and sincerity, making sure that we are able to provide you with our best services. We aren't just sellers trying to make a quick buck; we are here to help you close the estate of your departed loved one in the most reasonable manner. Being a parent of two kids ourselves, we strive for excellence and top-quality service to ensure families are free from any legal and financial burdens.


Turn Unwanted Properties into Quick Cash


Someone's loss can be your gain. Don't think of us as a selfish company trying to profit from this situation. Probate is a very normal process and it can be used to your advantage. Don't fall into the trap of minimal probate chances and instead think of logical ways to turn this situation in your favor. A descendant isn't going to benefit from his/her property if it isn't sold. It is a wise decision to liquidate a property as quickly as possible and turn it into cash, instead of letting it deteriorate with time. If a deceased person has left behind an undesired property - let us know and we will guide you through it, ensuring that everything is handled with great care.



Your Trusted Solution For Houses Going Through Probate


Standing right next to you during the probate journey, Jay Primrose Properties is here to provide you with different solutions and advice regarding properties going through probate. It is not impossible to reach a profitable settlement in such a situation; all it takes is proper guidance so that family members can come out of this process unscathed. Being at the forefront from the very beginning is what matters the most as it determines the outcome and helps in avoiding unnecessary delays.


Two young people starting out, with each person making an equal contribution to the home purchase, might want to hold the title as "
joint tenants with right of survivorship." That means that if one person dies, the other inherits his or her share of the home, with no need for probate or a will. But two people in a second marriage, both of whom have children, may prefer to buy as "tenants in common," which means that if one dies, his or her heirs inherit his share of the house.



What Is Probate?


Probate is the process of administering a deceased person’s estate, including paying debts, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and settling any disputes that may arise. A lengthy and expensive process, yet it is a necessary step in ensuring that all appropriate laws are followed and that final wishes are honored. Property is one of the largest assets that must be handled during probate, and it often requires specialized expertise to ensure that the process is completed efficiently, quickly, and in accordance with probate laws.


Probate can be a lengthy process if the estate is particularly complex or if the will is contested. During this time, make sure that you or the executor of the estate contacts the lender to notify them of their loved one’s passing. The lender most likely will need a copy of the death certificate to be able to speak to you about the loan terms. It is very important that someone keeps making payments on the mortgage during this time, so that the property doesn’t go into foreclosure while you’re waiting on probate.



What Are The Steps In The Probate Process?


Every case is different and the exact steps for probate can vary by state, but generally, the process looks like this:

1. File a petition with the court to open an estate.

2. Identify beneficiaries and notify them of their right to receive assets from the deceased person’s estate.

3. File an inventory of the deceased person’s assets and liabilities.

4. Pay any outstanding debts or taxes owed by the estate.

5. Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the terms of the will or other legal documents, as directed by a probate judge.

6. Close the estate with all legal documents properly filed with the court.



How Long Does It Take To Complete Probate?


Probate cases can take a few months to a year or years depending on the complexity of the estate. Some probate cases are relatively simple and straightforward, while others may involve multiple beneficiaries, large assets, or disputes which can drag out the process. It is best to consult with a probate attorney to get a better understanding of how long your particular case will take.



Who Pays Inheritance Taxes During A Probate Case? 


As the name says people who are rightful heirs to the estate will have to pay taxes based on how much they receive from the deceased person's estate. There could be more than one heir who has to pay taxes, maybe two, three, or four; all heirs will pay tax amounts based on the value of assets they receive.



Do I Need A Lawyer For A Simple Probate Case?


Attorneys help individuals sort out estate matters, track down assets, and ensure that the probate process goes as smoothly as possible. Even if a case appears to be simple, it is wise to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in probate law in order to protect your interests. However, you can still go about it on your own, as long as you feel comfortable navigating the legal system and understand the specific laws of your state. If it is too much for you to cope with, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a lawyer.



What Happens If There Is No Will During The Process Of Probate?


If a person dies without leaving a will, then their property and possessions are distributed according to state law and the laws of intestacy. Meaning assets might not go to the people that the deceased would have wished for, but rather to their closest relatives as determined by law. During probate, the court will appoint an executor or administrator to distribute and manage the estate of the deceased. This person typically has financial authority over all of the estate's assets until they are distributed according to state law.



Is Probate Required In Washington State?


In Washington probate isn't required to be carried out. The Law here uses probate as a discretion of the court which means it can be used if needed. Only a small number of deaths require probate, and those are typically estates that have higher values, or estates with complex assets. In most cases, the estate can be handled without a formal probate proceeding. One of the main reasons to go through formal probate is: if the property is worth more than $100,000 in the descendant’s name only; then a court will decide who inherits the property and how it is distributed.



What Assets Are Subject To Probate In Washington State?


Assets that are owned solely by the deceased at the time of their death. This includes real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and life insurance policies. Personal possessions such as clothing, jewelry, and furniture are also typically subject to probate. The estate of the deceased will be responsible for any debts, taxes, and legal fees that are due.



How Can You Avoid Probate In Washington State?


Naming someone as a living trust is a way to avoid probate for any assets you own in Washington. A living trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer assets while you are alive and designate someone as the trustee. The trust then continues after your death and is managed by the appointed trustee, who distributes the assets according to your wishes or named as a successor.



How Much Does Probate Cost In Washington State?


A probate filing fee is $240 across all the counties in Washington State. Lawyers charge on an hourly basis for probate dealings and the cost depends on how complex the estate is and how long it takes to settle. While it is allowed in other states for lawyers to get paid based on a certain percentage of the estate's value, Washington state laws don't allow them to charge that way.



Can You Sell A House In Probate Washington State?


Selling the property is possible if the probate process has been fully completed and you are subjected to be a legal owner. But what if the process isn't finished and you have to sell a house now? There are some ways to do it such as listing a house in an open market, selling it privately, or getting in touch with a local home buying company to receive a cash offer.


Still have questions in mind? Make a phone call to Jay Primrose Properties and clear all your doubts.

Give us a call anytime at 253-697-0007 or fill out this quick form to get started today!

Get A Fair Cash Offer On Your House


About the author

Justin Baker

Justin Baker is the founder of Jay Primrose Properties, a leading cash home buying company based in Tacoma, WA. With a passion for real estate investing, Justin has helped numerous homeowners in the Pacific Northwest region sell their homes quickly and hassle-free. Justin believes that buying and selling real estate should be a seamless process and works tirelessly to ensure that his clients have a stress-free experience. With a deep understanding of the local real estate market and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Justin has established himself as a trusted and reliable cash home buyer in Tacoma and the surrounding areas.

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