Inheriting a home often comes with immediate logistical responsibilities that can't wait for the legal process. In the first 48 hours, it's important to secure the property to control access and protect the home's contents.

While every estate is different, a typical probate process takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the estate's complexity, the number of heirs, and the court system.

Yes. In most cases, you can list and even go under contract on the home while probate is active. However, the closing cannot occur until the court grants the executor the legal authority to sign the deed.

If the deceased person owed more on the home than its current market value, the estate is considered "underwater." In this scenario, contact the lender to discuss loan modification options or pursue a lender-approved Short Sale.

The estate is responsible for all holding costs (taxes, insurance, utilities). If the estate is "cash poor," the executor may need to pay these costs out-of-pocket and then be reimbursed once the home is sold. Keep meticulous records of every cent spent on the property.