Can a Probate Property Be Sold As-Is in California?

Inheriting a home often comes with a big question:

“Can we sell it as-is or do we need to clean, renovate, and fix it up first?”

The short answer is: Yes, you can sell a probate property as-is in California but there are a few things to know about the process, buyer expectations, and court involvement.

What “As-Is” Really Means

Selling a home “as-is” means the buyer accepts the property in its current condition. The estate is not obligated to make repairs or updates—though legally, material facts and known issues must still be disclosed.

This is a common route for probate properties, especially when:

• The home is outdated or needs major repairs

• Heirs live out of the area

• There’s limited time or money for clean-up

Pros and Cons of Selling As-Is

Pros:

• No upfront investment in repairs

• Faster timeline

• Appeals to cash buyers and investors

• Less coordination needed among heirs

Cons:

• Typically sells for a lower price

• May limit buyer pool

• Some buyers may request extra inspections or contingencies

Read: Preparing a Probate Home for Sale

Do You Need Court Confirmation?

If the estate has:

• Full authority under the IAEA: You can accept an as-is offer without court confirmation

• Limited authority: You’ll need to schedule a hearing and open the sale to court overbids

Read: Do You Need Court Confirmation to Sell a Probate Property?

What Buyers Expect from an As-Is Sale

Even though the home is being sold as-is, most buyers will still:

• Conduct a home inspection

• Ask for basic disclosures

• Request access for contractors or lenders

This doesn’t mean you’re obligated to fix anything but clear communication helps avoid fall-throughs.

When Selling As-Is Makes Sense

• The home is clearly in distressed or original condition

• There’s no money in the estate for improvements

• You’re dealing with multiple heirs and want to avoid delays

• The home has title issues, code violations, or legal complications

We’ve helped dozens of families sell as-is with confidence even coordinating clean-outs or trash hauls when needed.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

At The Borges Real Estate Team, we specialize in probate properties and understand when selling as-is makes sense and how to position the home to attract the right buyer at the best possible price.

We’ll walk you through:

• Market value for as-is vs. cleaned up

• Buyer expectations in your area

• Court timelines (if required)

📅 Schedule your free probate strategy consultation today—and let’s talk about your as-is options in LA or OC.