Start with a clear record of the property and the people authorized to make decisions. Organizing information early helps your real estate agent, title company and attorney identify questions before the home reaches the market.
Build one property file
- Property address, parcel number and available deed or title records.
- Contact information for the person coordinating the property.
- Available appointment documents, trust information or other ownership records for professional review.
- Mortgage, tax, insurance and utility contacts.
- Known repair issues, surveys, warranties and service records.
Confirm authority before commitments
Ask the estate attorney and title company who may sign a listing agreement and purchase documents, what supporting records they need and whether any approvals affect the sale. Being an heir or holding keys is not enough information for an agent to determine signing authority.
Separate decisions from assumptions
Record the preferred timeline, whether anyone occupies the home, what personal belongings remain and who will approve spending. Keep a list of unanswered questions rather than guessing. Do not put private estate documents into public listing materials.
Use the first meeting well
Bring the information you have, even if the file is incomplete. Josh can review the real estate work, discuss the property and help identify the next conversations with the appropriate professionals. Legal and tax decisions belong with qualified advisers.
Related: Probate and inherited property resources | Seller strategy guide | Land and acreage hub.
Professional starting points: Michigan Courts real estate sale petition form illustrates that court approval questions can arise. Ask your attorney what applies to your estate. Kent County site evaluation services provides local property investigation resources.