Executor’s First 10 Days: Santa Barbara Probate & Trust Home Sale Checklist (2025)

If you’ve been named an executor or trustee in Santa Barbara, you may suddenly be responsible for selling a home as part of probate or trust administration. That role is often stressful, especially if you live out of the area or are managing family expectations.

This post outlines a practical 10-day real estate checklist designed to help you stay organized and reduce overwhelm during a probate or trust property sale.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult your attorney, fiduciary, or other licensed professionals regarding legal or financial decisions. My role as a Realtor® is to manage the real estate process and coordinate with your chosen professionals.

Day 1–2: Confirm Authority & Documents

• Identify the executor or trustee responsible for real estate decisions.

• Confirm with your attorney which court or trust documents will be needed for the sale.

• Set up a clear communication plan with heirs and beneficiaries.

Day 3–4: Secure & Assess the Property

• Confirm the property is safe, insured, and accessible.

• Keep utilities active for inspections and showings.

• Walk the property with your Realtor® to note condition, safety issues, and potential updates.

Day 5–6: Select a Probate-Savvy Realtor®

• Choose a Santa Barbara Realtor® experienced in probate and trust sales.

• Look for SRES® training (Senior Real Estate Specialist) if downsizing or estate support is involved.

• Ask about their vendor network: clean-outs, donation pickups, cleaning crews, light repairs, staging.

Day 7: Prepare for Market

• Approve a clean-out and donation plan.

• Arrange for deep cleaning and exterior touch-ups.

• Decide on minor updates (paint, fixtures, curb appeal) if recommended.

• If selling as-is, work with your Realtor® on transparent pricing and disclosures.

Day 8–9: Valuation & Marketing Strategy

• Review a comparative market analysis (CMA) with your Realtor®.

• Decide whether to stage the home or market it as-is.

• Schedule professional photography, video tours, and virtual walkthroughs for remote buyers and heirs.

Day 10: List & Set a Communication Rhythm

• List the property on the MLS with probate/trust disclosures as directed by your attorney.

• Establish a weekly update schedule with your Realtor®: showings, feedback, offers, timelines.

• For out-of-area families: use weekly emails, video updates, e-signing, and shared folders for transparency.

Typical Timeline (Varies by Case)

StepApproximate DurationNotesCourt filings (if applicable)4–8 weeksAttorney-drivenProperty prep1–3 weeksHauling, donation, cleaningMarketing period2–4 weeksPhotos, staging, showingsEscrow30–45 daysInspections, title, disclosuresCourt confirmation (if required)4–8 weeksCourt-scheduled

These are general estimates only. Your timeline will depend on the attorney, court, and specific case details.

Why Work With a Probate & Trust Realtor®

• Local knowledge of Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Santa Ynez Valley, and Lompoc.

• Experience coordinating with attorneys and fiduciaries (without providing legal advice).

• Vendor network to manage clean-outs, donation, light repairs, and prep.

• Remote-friendly systems: weekly updates, e-signatures, and easy access for heirs.

FAQ

Can you help if we live out of town?
Yes. I provide remote updates, e-signing, and vendor coordination, so families don’t need to travel for every step.

Do you handle estate clean-outs?
I can coordinate local vendors for donation, hauling, cleaning, and light repairs to prepare the property for market.

Areas Served

Santa Barbara • Montecito • Goleta • Santa Ynez Valley • Lompoc

Next Step

If you’re managing a probate or trust home sale in Santa Barbara, you don’t have to handle it alone. I’ll coordinate the real estate process, align with your attorney or fiduciary, and reduce stress for your family.