Senior & family transitions · Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia
Selling an Inherited or Estate Home in Maryland, DC and Virginia
When a homeowner has passed away, the sale usually follows the estate process in the jurisdiction where the property sits. Each area uses a different office, so knowing where to start saves time.
Jared Russell holds the SRES® designation and specializes in senior relocations. Read the full family selling guide.
Step by step
- 1.
Maryland
Estates are opened through the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent lived. The personal representative’s authority to sell comes from that appointment and the will.
- 2.
Washington, DC
Estates are handled by the Probate Division of the DC Superior Court.
- 3.
Northern Virginia
An executor or administrator qualifies through the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county or city where the decedent lived, such as Fairfax, Arlington or Alexandria.
- 4.
Secure and insure the property
Change locks if needed, notify the insurer that the home may be vacant, and keep utilities on for inspections and showings.
- 5.
Get a pricing analysis
A written market analysis helps the personal representative set a price and explain the decision to heirs. Some estates also order a formal appraisal.
- 6.
Coordinate with the estate attorney
Confirm what court filings or heir consents, if any, are needed before accepting an offer and before settlement.
Common questions
- Can an estate home be listed before probate finishes?
- Often the personal representative can list once appointed, but rules depend on the will, the jurisdiction and the type of administration. Confirm with the estate’s attorney before signing a listing agreement.
- Which office handles a Montgomery County estate?
- The Register of Wills for Montgomery County, Maryland.
- Which office handles a Fairfax County estate?
- The Clerk of the Fairfax County Circuit Court probate office.
Official and independent resources
- Maryland Registers of Wills
- DC Superior Court Probate Division
- Virginia’s Judicial System: Circuit Court probate
General information, not legal, tax, financial or care advice. Linked organizations are independent and not partners of DMV Living Group.
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