When trying to find a probate real estate agent to list your property, you might wonder what kind of qualifications they might need. Specifically, you might be wondering if your realtor needs to be a probate certified real estate agent.
The short answer… no. They don’t need to be a probate certified real estate agent.
Let’s dive deeper though. There is more to it than the simple answer.
I want to take a moment to chat about a probate certification, some misconceptions, possible alternatives, and what you should really be looking for in a probate real estate agent.
Real Estate Agent Probate Certification: Is It Real?
For a certification to be valid, in my opinion, it must come from an authoritative accredited body. Most of us would agree that a degree from the University of Michigan carries far more weight than a pseudo-degree from online MOOCs.
I’m drawing that same logic and conclusion when it comes to certification in probate.
There are places that offer a certification in probate real estate. They allow real estate agents to become certified probate real estate agent specialists.
Most of these places, though, lack authority and any sort of accreditation. Let me give you a common one and one that is likely to mislead you or the average person searching for a probate realtor.
Browse around the web and you will find some sources referencing a certification through the U.S. Probate Services.
Sounds legit and like an awesome certification to have, right?
Well…
Upon further examination, you will find that the U.S. Probate Services website is not a government agency nor is it run by a government agency. In fact, it’s a private company that seeks to provide a few probate resources.
In my professional opinion, this certification carries little weight or significance. It shouldn’t be used as a qualifying factor when looking for a probate real estate agent.
What About State or Association Certification?
The source of the certification will determine the value of the certification. Unlike our previous example of the U.S. Probate Services, which is mostly just smoke and mirrors, there are some state associations that offer certification.
For example, the California Association of Realtors offers a certification in Probate and Trusts. By all accounts, this is a reputable certification for becoming a certified probate real estate agent in California.
This certification and course comes from an authoritative body when it comes to real estate matters. They are governed by a board and a code of ethics. All training are evaluated and held to a high standard before being offered to real estate agents.
If you happen to be in California looking for a probate real estate agent, then you should look for one that is a probate and trust specialists. It would be a good idea.
What About States Without Certifications?
Our real estate agency is in Michigan. We help homeowners in Michigan sell inherited properties.
So, here’s the deal…
Unlike California, our state association doesn’t offer specific certified training when it comes to probate and trusts. And unfortunately, neither does the National Association of Realtors.
Instead, it’s a good idea to find other certifications that closely align with the skills needed to be a successful probate real estate agent.
Some skills that are important when selling a probate property:
- Knowing how to accurately price and list a property for sale;
- Understanding how to market and sell a home, no matter the condition, so that you have the highest probability of selling the home;
- Understand the legal process when it comes to probates, trusts or conservatorships;
Let’s look at two certifications that closely align with some of those skills.
Price Strategy Advisor Certification By NAR
It’s critically important to set the right price when it comes to selling a probate property.
If your agent prices the home too low, you leave money on the table and lower the proceeds of the estate.
Price too high… and that could end up costing you a significant amount of money from the estate. A high price will cause the home to sit vacant on the market, increasing your holding costs and increasing your risk for something to go wrong.
It all means more insurance bills. More tax bills. And more maintenance bills that need to be paid.
Pricing is one of the top probate property selling mistakes people make.
It pays, literally, to get pricing right. An agent has to effectively use what I call the Goldilocks Pricing Strategy. You can’t be too high. You can’t be too low. You have to be just right.
Determining the value of a probate property depends more than ever on professional competence, the best use of technology and a knowledge of pricing approaches.
Find a real estate agent who knows how to properly value and price a home.
The good news at the Dolinski Group is that we have agents on staff who are certified as Pricing Strategy Advisors.
Digital Marketing or e-Pro Certification By NAR
Another potential certification your probate realtor could have is related to marketing and getting a home sold. There are two separate certifications offered through NAR when it comes to digital marketing.
First, the Digital Marketing certification and, second, the e-Pro Certification. Both of these serve similar objectives but have different focuses.
The goal of these certifications is to teach real estate agents how to effectively utilize and leverage digital technology, such as the internet to get a home sold.
This is important because today’s buyers are starting and conducting most of their search process online. They are browsing homes on Zillow, Realtor, or other house hunting websites.
As a result, you want to work with an agent who understands these platforms. Who understands how to use this technology to get your home sold.
While we don’t carry this certification, our founder has a background in digital marketing. It’s what he was doing prior to becoming a real estate agent. Digital marketing is, therefore, ingrained into our culture and is a requisite for being part of the Dolinski Group.
But, at the end of the day, there is something far more important than certifications.
It’s experience.
Do They Have Experience?
A certification is great, whether that’s the CPRES or the one offered through Probate Mastery.
But it boils down to experience. Does your real estate agent have experience selling probate or inherited homes?
At the Dolinski Group, for example, we specialize in probates, trusts, conservatorships, and inherited homes. Every day, we are out there in the trenches with our clients, helping them sell a home that they inherited or are responsible for.
Kind of like what we did for our Client Terry from Lansing. We helped him sell his mother’s home when he inherited it through joint tenancy after her passing. You can learn more about Terry’s story here.
We were able to help him:
- Evaluate whether to list the home as-is or make repairs to update the home
- Market and sell the home despite the fact that the home hasn’t been updated in some time.
- List the property, sell it within a month, and get above our original asking price for the home.
- Determine if he had proper authority to sell the home so that title could be transferred and the estate could be settled.
- Navigate the relationship with his siblings so that there were no issues, problems, or sibling disputes.
We Can Help You
If you have a home in probate, we can help you sell it.
If you’re looking for expert probate real estate guidance, we can help you. Our probate realtors are here to guide you through the selling process so that it goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. They can help you avoid these pitfalls that end up costing the estate.
To learn more about work with us, you can contact our office and we would be happy to connect you with an experienced real estate agent in probate.
