If you’ve been designated as the executor of an estate that includes an inherited home, you probably have some questions. First and foremost, you may be wondering: How long does an executor have to sell a house? Is there a time limit? As a named executor, you’re tasked with making sure that the deceased person’s property is liquidated and/or distributed according to what is outlined in the will. On top of all that, you’re likely dealing with the emotional strain that comes with losing a family member or close friend. To help minimize extra stress during an already challenging time, we’ve gathered all the essential details from experienced probate attorneys and a top real estate agent. Our goal is for this guide to help you navigate the process of selling an inherited house within the designated time frame. According to Matthew Harber, a top real estate agent in Tacoma, Washington who regularly handles probate sales, there’s no universal timeline for executors. If probate has been opened for a property, the timing has to do with getting the house sold before probate has been closed — and that will be different for every estate. “The sale of the home needs to be done before probate is closed, but there’s no fixed timeframe — it could be two months, six months, or a year. It’s dependent on what is going on with the estate and whether people are contesting things,” Harber explains. “Ultimately, when all of the outcomes have been decided upon, the court will set a date for the end of probate, and the house should be sold prior to that date.”How long do you have to sell a house as an executor?
