You Don’t Have to Empty, Clean, or Fix the House
Inherited homes often come with decades of belongings, deferred repairs, siblings in different states, and bills that keep coming – taxes, utilities, insurance, and HOA dues. With an as-is cash sale, you take what you want and leave the rest. If the home would sell for meaningfully more on the market, Ken will show you that number too.
How Probate Works Where You Are (Plain English)
- Maryland (Prince George’s County): Estates open through the county Register of Wills. If the decedent’s probate assets are $50,000 or less ($100,000 if the surviving spouse is the sole heir), the estate can use the simpler small-estate process. A house alone often exceeds that, so many estates use regular administration.
- Washington, DC: Estates go through the DC Superior Court Probate Division, which offers a small-estate process for lower-value estates.
- Alexandria, VA: Wills are probated with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
In each case, the person appointed by the court (personal representative, executor, or administrator) usually signs the sale. We can sign a contract now and close when the estate is authorized to sell.
Common Questions From Heirs
- “My siblings and I disagree.” A written, side-by-side comparison gives everyone the same facts.
- “There’s still a mortgage.” Ken’s mortgage background helps: we get the payoff and handle it at closing.
- “The house is vacant.” In DC, vacant homes can be taxed at much higher rates, and vacant homes anywhere need insurance attention. Don’t let it sit.
Three Ways to Sell – Compared Side by Side
Most companies give you one option: theirs. Because Ken is a licensed Realtor and a licensed mortgage professional, you get every option in writing so you can choose.
| Sell As-Is for Cash | List on the Open Market | Sell or Keep Your Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repairs | None | Your choice – we advise what pays off | Not applicable |
| Showings | One walkthrough | Yes | None |
| Timeline | You pick the closing date | Typically longer; depends on market | Varies by note |
| Best for | Speed, certainty, homes needing work | Getting top dollar | Owners who sold with seller financing |
You see the numbers for each path, then decide. No pressure, no fee to get the comparison.
How It Works
- Tell us about the property. Call (240) 363-9117 or fill out the short form – about two minutes.
- Ken walks the property with you. One visit, no cleanup needed.
- Get your written options. A cash offer and an estimated listing net, side by side.
- Choose your path and your date. If you choose cash, you pick the closing date at a local title company.
Why Sellers Call Ken
- Licensed Realtor since 1985 – four decades of DC-area closings
- Licensed mortgage professional (NMLS #2189943), so he understands liens, payoffs, and financing problems that stall other buyers
- MBA in Real Estate Development, George Washington University
- Experience with short sales, foreclosures, estates, military and veteran moves, and HUD-approved housing counseling
- Straight answers in writing – including when listing will net you more than a cash sale
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a house before probate is finished?
Often you can sign a contract once a personal representative is appointed, and close when they have authority to sell. Your probate attorney confirms the timing.
Do I need to clean out the house first?
No. Take what matters to you; we handle the rest on an as-is sale.
Who pays the mortgage while the estate is open?
The estate generally keeps paying to avoid default. We can request the payoff and close it out at settlement.
Do you give legal or tax advice?
No. We coordinate with your probate attorney and tax advisor and can suggest local professionals.
Get Your Free Side-by-Side Comparison
Tell us a little about the property. It takes about two minutes, and Ken follows up personally.
Related pages
Ken Bossard is a licensed real estate agent with Samson Properties District of Columbia license #SP98374090 and a licensed mortgage loan originator, NMLS #2189943. When Ken or an affiliated entity offers to buy your property, you will receive written disclosure of his license status no later than when the offer is made. If we intend to assign our purchase contract to another buyer, we will tell you in writing before you sign. A cash offer is not an appraisal; you are always free to list your home or consult your own attorney or agent. Equal Housing Opportunity.