Probate, Trust, Estate, and Senior Transition Sales: What’s the Difference?
By Chris Sweeney, Seattle Real Estate Broker Specializing in Life Transitions
If you’re navigating the sale of a home after a major life event—whether it’s the passing of a loved one, a move into assisted living, or managing a family trust—you’re likely asking:
“What’s the difference between a probate sale and a trust sale?”
“Who has the legal authority to sell?”
“How do I even start this process?”
These are common—and important—questions. As a real estate broker who specializes in probate, trust, and senior transition sales, I help families across Seattle and King County move through these complex moments with clarity, strategy, and care.
Below is a breakdown of the four main types of real estate sales that occur during life transitions.
1. What Is a Probate Sale?
A probate sale happens when someone passes away without a living trust, and their estate is worth over $100,000.
Key details:
The court oversees the transfer of assets.
Legal steps include:
Petitioning the court
Gaining authority via Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
Providing public notice
Possible property appraisals or court confirmations
The sale is typically slower and more structured.
Who’s involved:
Executor or Administrator (appointed by the court)
Real estate agent
Probate attorney
Having an experienced guide ensures the process stays on track and avoids legal pitfalls.
2. What Is an Estate Sale?
An estate sale refers to selling a property on behalf of someone who has passed away. It may or may not involve probate, depending on how the estate was structured.
Who’s involved:
Executor, Trustee, or Administrator
Real estate agent
Title & escrow company
Key point:
All probate sales are estate sales, but not all estate sales involve probate.
3. How Does a Trust Sale Work?
A trust sale happens when the property is held in a revocable living trust. This is typically the fastest, cleanest process.
Key details:
The trustee has full authority to sell the home without court involvement.
Similar to a traditional sale but may still involve document review and title transfer.
Who’s involved:
Trustee
Real estate agent
Title company
This is the most efficient type of estate-related transaction—assuming the trust was set up properly.
4. What Is a Senior Transition Sale?
This sale occurs when a homeowner is still living, but chooses to move into assisted living, closer to family, or into a smaller home.
Key details:
The homeowner is often involved, or a Power of Attorney (POA) may step in.
These moves can be highly emotional and logistically complex.
Who’s involved:
Homeowner / POA / family
Real estate agent
Possibly move managers, estate planners, or care coordinators
This kind of sale requires more than market expertise—it calls for patience, project management, and compassion.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Each of these transitions requires a different approach. My role is to bring calm, clarity, and execution—so you can focus on what matters most.
Whether you’re just starting or already deep in the process, I’m here to help.
