When a homeowner passes away in New Jersey, selling their property involves specific legal steps. Here's a complete guide to selling a house after the owner's death.\n\n## Step 1: Determine Who Has Authority to Sell\n\n- **If there's a will**: The named executor has authority (after court appointment)\n- **If there's no will**: The court appoints an administrator\n- **If the property was in a trust**: The trustee can sell without probate\n- **If there's a surviving spouse on the deed**: They may be able to sell directly\n\n## Step 2: Open Probate (If Needed)\n\nFile the will with the NJ Surrogate's Court in the county where the deceased lived. The court will issue Letters Testamentary (with a will) or Letters of Administration (without) granting legal authority to act.\n\n## Step 3: Manage the Estate Property\n\nWhile probate is pending:\n- Secure the property\n- Maintain insurance\n- Pay property taxes\n- Prevent vandalism or squatters\n\n## Step 4: Sell the Property\n\nOnce you have legal authority, you can sell the property. Selling to a cash buyer like Sargent Homes is often the best option because:\n- We buy in any condition — no need to clean out or repair the deceased's home\n- We close fast — stop paying ongoing expenses\n- We handle all paperwork\n- We coordinate with estate attorneys\n- We pay cash — no buyer financing to fall through\n\n## Step 5: Distribute Proceeds\n\nSale proceeds go into the estate account and are distributed according to the will or NJ intestacy laws.\n\nCall (848) 220-1830 for compassionate help selling an estate property.