Selling inherited property in California takes 30-60 days for trust properties, 9-18 months for probate properties, or 2-4 months for properties qualifying under California's simplified small estate procedures (under $184,500, or $750,000 for primary residences as of April 2025). The timeline depends on whether the property requires probate, court confirmation, and current court backlogs in your county.

"How long until we can sell?" is usually the first question families ask when inheriting property. The answer varies dramatically based on how the property was titled and what legal processes are required.

Timeline by Transfer Type

Trust Property: 30-60 Days

  • Week 1-2: File death certificate, accept trusteeship, notify beneficiaries
  • Week 2-3: Prepare property, hire agent, list for sale
  • Week 3-6: Accept offer, complete inspections, escrow period
  • Week 6-8: Close sale, distribute proceeds

Small Estate (Under $184,500 or $750K Primary Residence): 2-4 Months

  • 40-day waiting period after death
  • File affidavit with required documentation
  • Transfer title via affidavit procedure
  • List and sell as normal (4-6 weeks)

Full Probate with IAEA Authority: 6-12 Months

  • Weeks 1-6: File petition, notice period, initial hearing
  • Weeks 6-8: Receive Letters Testamentary
  • Weeks 8-24: Creditor claim period (4 months)
  • Weeks 10-16: List property, accept offer
  • Weeks 16-26: Close sale, final accounting

Court Confirmation Probate: 12-18+ Months

All steps above, plus:

  • Petition to confirm sale (6-8 weeks for court date)
  • Overbidding hearing
  • Additional escrow period after confirmation

Factors That Extend Your Timeline

  • Court Backlogs: Los Angeles County probate courts are notoriously backlogged
  • Family Disputes: Will contests and disagreements add months or years
  • Creditor Claims: California requires a 4-month creditor notification period
  • Property Condition: Deferred maintenance or extensive cleanout delays listing
  • Title Issues: Unresolved liens or unclear ownership require resolution

How to Accelerate Your Timeline

  • Start immediately: Don't wait weeks to begin the legal process
  • Hire experienced professionals: Probate attorneys and agents who specialize know how to avoid delays
  • Request full IAEA authority: Eliminates court confirmation
  • Prepare property early: Clean, repair, and stage during legal process
  • Align family early: Get all heirs on the same page before listing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell before probate is complete?

Yes, with limitations. Once appointed, the personal representative can list and accept offers. The sale closes within the probate process.

What's the fastest possible timeline for probate in California?

With full IAEA authority, no disputes, and efficient court scheduling, probate can complete in 6-9 months. This is rare in LA County; 12-18 months is more typical.

Does the new $750,000 threshold help me?

If the deceased died on or after April 1, 2025, and their primary residence is worth less than $750,000, you may qualify for simplified procedures under AB 2016.

Need to Understand Your Timeline?

The Borges Real Estate Team specializes in inherited property sales throughout LA County.

📞 (213) 262-5092

Justin Borges

Justin Borges has helped families sell inherited property throughout LA County for over 13 years. His team specializes in navigating probate timelines and maximizing efficiency in trust sales.