I inherited a property, or I’m selling for an estate. What does the title company need?

Selling a home after an owner has died is common, and the title company’s job is to confirm that whoever is signing has the legal authority to convey the property and that title passes cleanly to the buyer. What is required depends on how the deceased owner held title. If the property was held in a living trust, the successor trustee can usually sell it without probate, and we review the trust and a certification of trust. If it was held with right of survivorship or as community property with right of survivorship, the surviving owner typically clears title by recording the death certificate. If it was held in the individual’s name alone, the estate generally must pass through probate so a court-appointed personal representative can sign the deed. The title search will also surface any liens, unpaid taxes, or claims against the estate that need to be resolved before closing. Bring the death certificate and any trust or probate paperwork to your escrow officer early, since clearing estate title can take extra time.