Laurel Buys Houses Where Compassion Meets Expertise in Real Estate
For more than 30 years, Laurel Buys Houses has been a trusted name in helping families across California navigate one of life’s most sensitive challenges — selling a home in probate. Founded by Laurel Sagen, a seasoned real estate professional known for her integrity, compassion, and deep understanding of California’s probate process, our team has built a statewide reputation for making complex situations simple and human.
Probate real estate is not just about property — it’s about people, legacies, and family transitions. That’s why Laurel Buys Houses takes the time to listen, educate, and guide you every step of the way. From coordinating with attorneys and court officials to preparing and selling estate homes, we handle the details with precision and care.
Over the decades, we’ve worked with probate courts, estate attorneys, and families in every major California county — Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, the Bay Area, and beyond. Our knowledge of the California Probate Code, combined with years of hands-on experience, ensures your sale is completed legally, efficiently, and with full transparency.
At Laurel Buys Houses, we help families, not just houses — and that’s what has made us the go-to probate real estate specialists in California.
We Buy Houses in Probate in California
We Understand What You’re Going Through
When a loved one passes away, the paperwork, court filings, and family coordination that follow can feel overwhelming. Probate isn’t just a legal process it’s an emotional one. You’re grieving, making hard decisions, and trying to do right by your family, all while managing an unfamiliar maze of deadlines and forms.
At Laurel Buys Houses, we understand that you didn’t choose this situation but you can choose to make it easier. For more than three decades, we’ve helped families across California through probate with compassion, patience, and respect.
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What Is Probate in California?
Probate is the legal process that ensures a person’s estate is managed and distributed correctly after they pass away. In California, probate is overseen by the Superior Court and guided by the California Probate Code, which outlines how property, debts, and assets must be handled.
If your loved one owned real estate in California outside of a living trust, probate is typically required before the property can be transferred or sold. This process helps verify that the right people inherit what’s been left behind and that any outstanding debts or taxes are properly paid.
During Probate, the Court Oversees:
Identifying and valuing all property within the estate
Paying debts, taxes, and court fees
Distributing what remains to heirs and beneficiaries
While that might sound overwhelming, probate is really just a series of steps — and having an experienced, compassionate team by your side makes all the difference.
At Laurel Buys Houses, we help families across California understand and navigate these steps with clarity and confidence. We’ve worked with probate attorneys and court officials statewide, so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Why Working With a Probate Real Estate Specialist Makes All the Difference
Selling a home in probate isn’t like a traditional real estate sale. it involves court approval, legal timelines, and sensitive family decisions. That’s why working with a probate real estate specialist matters.
Laurel Buys Houses offers a FREE Probate Resource Guide! For anyone just beginning to navigate probate, understanding the process is the first step. In this simple, easy-to-read guide you will find:
- Each step of the probate process
- The forms and timelines you’ll encounter
- How to legally sell a home in probate
- Tips for saving time, money, and stress
Start your probate journey with confidence and clarity.
How Laurel Buys Houses Turned An Inherited Home Into a Fresh Start
Hear directly from one of the families we helped when they inherited a house and didn’t know what to do next. Listen to how we stepped in and helped to guide them through the probate process, handling every detail of the home sale, and giving them clarity, relief, and a path forward.
If you’re facing the weight of inheritance, an uncertain property, or a probate situation, this is the story that shows you you’re not alone.
With Laurel Buys Houses, you get:
- A partner who understands probate and handles the legal & logistical side for you.
- A fair, transparent process from start to finish — no surprises, no hidden fees.
- A respectful, compassionate team who treats your family and home with care.
Call Laurel Buys Houses Today! (916) 476-2381
At Laurel Buys Houses, we specialize in helping families navigate the challenges of probate with compassion and experience. Our first priority is YOU — your peace of mind, your timeline, and your family’s needs.
If you’re managing an estate or recently inherited a property, we’re here to make the process easier. Sell your probate house quickly and confidently — no repairs, no realtor fees, and no added stress.
When you work with Laurel Buys Houses, you can expect transparency, integrity, and genuine care every step of the way. That’s not just our process — it’s our promise.
Sell Your House A Better Way
“Selling my house fast was what I set out to do. Laurel came by and I took an instant liking to her. And I really felt that she was trustworthy. She was so nice and did everything she said she would do, and went out of her way to help me...”
-Cathy Mumma [Orangevale]
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Meet our team
Our team proudly serves California in Probate Real Estate
Laurel Sagen
Founder, CFO
Brian
Acquisition Manager
hello
Dan
Chief Operating Officer
Erin
Intake Manager – Marketing Creative
Sam
Project Manager & Transaction Coordinator
Taylor
Lead Intake Associate & Seller Liaison
How Laurel Buys Houses Solves Probate Cases
✨ Want to better understand the probate process before you give us a call? We’ve created a Free Probate Resource Guide that walks you through the steps, forms, and timelines every California family should know.
It’s our way of helping you start with confidence — even before you call us.
THE PROBATE PROCESS IN CALIFORNIA
Step 1:
File for a petition in probate
The process begins when a family member or executor files the Petition for Probate
(Form DE-111) with the Superior Court in the county where the deceased person lived.
Step 2:
Notify Heirs and Beneficiaries
Once filed, the Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (Form DE-121) is mailed to all
known heirs and published in a local newspaper to ensure due process.
Step 3:
Court Hearing and Appointment
The court appoints an Executor (if a will exists) or Administrator (if there isn’t one).
Once approved, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (Form DE-150) are
issued, granting authority to act on behalf of the estate.
Step 4:
Inventory and Appraisal
An Inventory and Appraisal (Form DE-160) is filed listing all assets.
A state-appointed Probate Referee provides fair-market valuations for non-cash items
and real property.
Step 5:
Notify Creditors and Pay Debts
Creditors are given four months to file claims.
The executor pays all legitimate debts, taxes, and court costs from estate funds.
Step 6:
Manage And Sell Property
If the estate includes real estate, the executor or administrator may sell the property
using Full Authority or Limited Authority under California’s Independent
Administration of Estates Act (IAEA).
Laurel Buys Houses specializes in helping families navigate these property sales
statewide — ensuring compliance, fair pricing, and compassion every step of the way.
Average Timeline:
In California, the probate process generally takes 9 – 18 months, depending on county,
complexity, and whether real estate is sold.
“They honored absolutely every term in our agreement without any difficulties, went out of their way to make this an easy experience for me which I greatly appreciated and could not have been more helpful or honest.“
Jeanne R. [Sacramento] 
Homes Laurel Buys Houses Has Worked On
“They did everything they said they would. I didn’t have to make any repairs or show it to a group of strangers and just hope that I would get an offer. Laurel gave me a cash offer the same day that I called in and I got paid within a week.”
Jeff Billings [Sacramento, Ca]
We Buy Houses In Probate
ANY CONDITION
We buy houses AS-IS and there’s nothing we haven’t seen. No matter the condition of your home, we’ll talk to you with full discretion — you can count on us to keep everything we discuss completely private.
ANY SITUATION
Sell your Sacramento house fast, even under the toughest circumstances. Our goal is to make selling your home simple and stress-free, regardless of the situation. You can leave your house as-is and we’ll do all the work!
Our talented team of creatives are PROUD to have one of our very own home renovations featured on HGTV’s famous hit show House Hunters!
Season 53, Episode 13
At Laurel Buys Houses, we understand that probate isn’t just paperwork — it’s
people, stories, and legacies.
That’s why we created The Laurel Way — a compassionate, step-by-step approach designed
to make selling a home in probate easier, faster, and more human.
Our goal is to help your family move forward with clarity and peace of mind
We Buy Houses In Probate
Selling your house shouldn’t be a burden. Our goal is to make sure the experience is easy, fast, and fair. We’re here to help, regardless of your home’s condition or circumstances.
We Do All The Fixing and Cleaning!
No need to worry about fixing up or making any repairs; we handle that for you.
Cash Offer in Minutes!
We provide a cash offer in person immediately after walking your property with you.
Moving Assistance!
Need help making arrangements for your next move? We provide moving assistance.
Free No Obligation Cash Offer!
Fill out the form, and receive a fast, fair, no-obligation cash offer. It’s that simple.
No Commission or Agent Fees!
We are not realtors, so we don’t charge realtor or commission fees! We purchase directly from you.
Leave Anything Behind!
We work with veterans and church groups so your unwanted items go to someone in need.
What is probate, and why is it required?
Probate is the legal process that ensures a deceased person’s estate is handled properly. The court supervises the distribution of assets, payment of debts, and transfer of property to heirs. In California, probate is required when a person passes away owning property outside of a trust or without joint ownership.
How long does the probate process take in California?
The average probate case in California takes 9 to 18 months, depending on the county, size of the estate, and whether there are any disputes or real estate sales involved. With an experienced team like Laurel Buys Houses, the property portion of probate can often be handled much faster.
Can I sell a house that’s in probate?
Yes. In most cases, the executor or administrator can sell the property after being granted authority by the court. Sales are typically completed under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA), which allows for a faster and smoother transaction — especially when you work with a probate-certified buyer like Laurel Buys Houses.
What happens if the property needs repairs or is full of belongings?
No problem. Laurel Buys Houses buys probate homes as-is, so you don’t need to clean, repair, or renovate anything. We can even help coordinate cleanouts, donations, and maintenance so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Do I need a probate attorney to sell a house in probate?
While not always required, having a probate attorney helps ensure everything is handled correctly. Laurel Buys Houses works directly with probate attorneys across California and can connect you with trusted professionals if you need guidance.
How much does it cost to sell a probate home?
When you sell directly to Laurel Buys Houses, there are no commissions, no hidden fees, and we cover standard closing costs. That means more money goes to the estate and heirs — not to agent fees or repair bills.