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What Is a Trust Sale? A California Guide to Selling Real Estate Held in a Trust
What Is a Trust Sale?
A trust sale occurs when a property is owned by a trust rather than an individual homeowner. Instead of the owner selling the property, the trustee is responsible for managing the transaction according to the instructions in the trust while acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
Although trust sales often look similar to traditional real estate transactions, there are a few important differences. Trustees typically have fiduciary responsibilities, disclosures may be different because the trustee often never lived in the home, and additional coordination with attorneys or tax professionals may be required.
The good news is that trust sales don’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance and experienced professionals, they can move just as smoothly as a traditional sale while protecting the interests of the estate.
Whether you’re serving as a trustee for the first time or helping a family member through the process, understanding how trust sales work is the first step toward making informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a trust sale?
A trust sale is the sale of a property owned by a trust and managed by the trustee according to the trust’s instructions.
2. Does a trust sale avoid probate?
Many properly funded living trusts allow property to transfer outside of probate, although every situation is different.
3. Should I hire a Realtor who specializes in trust sales?
Trust sales involve unique fiduciary responsibilities and coordination with estate professionals. Working with an experienced trust and probate real estate specialist can help make the process smoother.
About Ivan Estrada
Ivan Estrada is a Los Angeles luxury real estate advisor, former CPA, and member of Douglas Elliman’s Trust & Estates Division. With more than 15 years of experience and nearly $1 billion in career real estate sales, he helps trustees, executors, beneficiaries, and families successfully navigate trust, probate, and inherited property sales throughout Southern California. If you’re considering selling a property held in trust or have questions about the process, feel free to reach out to Ivan for more information.
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