The usual order
- Tell the home insurer the property is empty. Most policies change after 30 to 60 days of no one living there.
- Get a probate valuation of the house and contents.
- Apply for probate (or confirmation in Scotland), with or without a solicitor.
- Let family choose keepsakes, then arrange auction, charity and clearance for the rest.
- Put the house on the market. You can usually market it before probate is granted, but you cannot complete until it is.
Good to know
If the house needs work, a cash buyer may be quicker but will pay less than the open market. Get an estate agent's valuation first so you know what you are giving up for speed.
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