Trust Sale
Dealing with death, taxes and real estate
The loss of a loved one is devastating. Handling a loved one's real estate and financial affairs can quickly become overwhelming. You must make countless decisions involving the estate, taxes, and the property. Fortunately, the process becomes...
Selling a cosmetic fixer
Selling a cosmetic fixer Dear Phyllis, Last year my mother passed away. I have four siblings and am the executor of her estate. Two of my siblings have financial difficulties and want to sell the Sunland home immediately, bu...
Pre-inspection before making a formal offer
Should I allow the buyer to do a pre-inspection before making a formal offer? Dear Phyllis, I inherited a Sunand home from my aunt, and as the trustee am planning on getting it listed for sale. In the meantime, a neighbor is intereste...
When is a good time to list your home for sale?
When is a good time to list your home for sale? Dear Phyllis, My aunt recently passed away, and I am her executor. I am planning on having her home painted before selling. When is a good time to list your home for sale? Linda Dear ...
Liquidating an Estate: Alhambra fixer closed
Our Alhambra fixer closed! And this is how it happened: I sold a San Gabriel fixer for a trustee several years ago. And she recently referred me to her co-worker who was the trustee of her father’s estate. Often the trustee is overwhelmed wi...
Trustee’s due diligence
Trustee’s due diligence Dear Phyllis, I am the trustee of my uncle’s estate, and my two sisters and I are the beneficiaries. My sister works for a property management company, and her boss highly recommended a very well-known loca...
Lockbox Pros and Cons
Lockbox Pros and Cons Dear Phyllis, I am now the trustee of my parents’ Washington state home and am now interviewing Realtors. Because the home is vacant, one Realtor suggested a lockbox, as this will make it easier to show. The ot...
Family Real Estate Drama
Family Real Estate Drama Dear Phyllis, I serve as executor for my parents’ estate with my four siblings, and I feel overwhelmed by ongoing family conflict over the sale of their home. After my mother passed away, my brother pushed me to...
