Probate & Trust Specialist (CPRES®)
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
Estate management can be highly stressful. Our team will expertly navigate the complex process, ensuring that everything is handled with precision and care. We are well-versed in the laws and regulations, and we stay updated with the latest developments in the field. Our main goal is to relieve the stress in these transactions for everyone involved.
Trust us to guide you through this process, providing the support you need each step of the way.
Why work with a Certified Probate & Trust Real Estate Specialist?
Probate certification courses cover a range of topics to ensure agents are thoroughly knowledgeable about the probate process and its legal requirements. These topics include the purpose of probate, exceptions to probate, inventory and appraisal, different methods of holding title, the sale of real property in probate, and the impact on homeowner tax obligations. The Probate & Trust Specialist certification equips us to expertly navigate and manage probate real estate transactions for our clients.
Aimee Arost
Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist®
DRE# 01338229
aimee@aimeearost.com
Past Sales
After earning her law degree and working briefly as an attorney, Aimee turned to real estate. She quickly became a top-performing agent by building deep, meaningful client relationships.
Drawing on her experience and success as an agent, Aimee transitioned to a role as a sales manager, working at a large independent brokerage and later at a prominent start-up tech brokerage. After 15+ years of supervising, problem-solving, and mentoring agents through thousands of transactions, Aimee returned to working directly with clients.
Aimee understands the emotional and legal challenges involved in a probate or trust sale. Her warm, approachable, and professional nature has allowed her to connect and understand each client’s unique goals and objectives. She has a loyal following as a result.
Understanding Probate Process Types
The process depends on how the estate was structured. Here are the main types:
Formal Probate
The formal probate process is a legal process involving court oversight. The steps include: court-ordered appraisal; petition the court for sale; preparation of the property for market; preparation of necessary disclosure documents, inspections and procurement of other legally required documents; property preparation, including removing personal belongings; extensive marketing of the property; procuring offers; petitioning the court for approval; auction-style court confirmation, with potential overbids; escrow; and, finally, transfer of the property.
Informal Probate
Under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA), the court may grant the personal representative of the estate with full authority to sell the property. After serving the Notice of Proposed Action to the necessary parties, the personal representative may hire a broker. Under the IAEA: the sale is usually much quicker; there is no requirement of court confirmation or opportunity for the auction-style overbidding; and, the representative can agree to any terms she determines necessary to close the sale.
Trust Sale
If the decedent has placed her property in a trust, the estate can bypass the court and all the related formal requirements for sale. The trustee(s) of the trust make the decisions and authorize sale of the home. If there are multiple trustees, this can make the process a bit more complex, but we are adept at addressing the concerns of multiple parties who may have different ideas about the process. Because the court is not involved in the process, the sale generally proceeds like a non-estate sale transaction. Of course, the process can often be very challenging as family members could be dealing with a significant personal loss.
Conservatorship
A probate conservatorship is a probate court proceeding where the judge appoints a person (called a conservator) to act on behalf of a person who has become incapacitated and cannot care for him/herself and/or his/her personal finances. If it becomes necessary for the benefit of the incapacitated person (conservatee), the conservator may sell the real property, under the supervision of the court. The proceeding is handled much like a formal probate, with a few distinctions. If you have been appointed by the court as a conservator of an estate or you have questions regarding the process, please contact us to discuss.
How We Help Families & Attorneys
Navigate Legal Requirements
We guide you through complex probate laws, court procedures, and documentation requirements, ensuring full compliance and preventing costly delays.
Manage the Process
We handle all coordination with attorneys, courts, and other professionals, managing timelines and paperwork so you can focus on your family.
Maximize Property Value
We provide strategic pricing, professional marketing, and skilled negotiation to ensure the estate receives the best possible return on the property.
Streamline the Sale
Our experience prevents common pitfalls and delays, moving the sale efficiently through each required step from listing to closing.
Provide Compassionate Support
We understand the emotional challenges of probate and offer sensitive guidance with empathy, patience, and respect for your family's needs.
Deliver Proven Results
Our track record of successful probate transactions and satisfied families demonstrates our ability to achieve positive outcomes during difficult times.
Ready to Navigate Your Probate Sale?
Let's discuss your situation with compassion and expertise, and develop a plan that honors your loved one's legacy while meeting your family's needs.
Schedule a Consultation