What to expect, phase by phase
No two estates move at the same speed. Still, most follow a recognizable order, and knowing it makes the waiting far less unsettling. Here is the pattern, with the real estate decisions marked.
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From the first week to closing the estate
Timelines depend on the county, the size of the estate, and whether anything is contested. Confirm your own dates with your probate attorney.
First 2 weeks
Immediate steps
Secure the home, forward mail, locate the will and important documents, and notify the insurer that the property may be unoccupied. Do not distribute belongings yet.
How we help: We can walk the property with you, note safety and insurance risks, and give an early sense of value and condition.
Weeks 2 to 6
Opening the estate
An application or petition is filed, and the court appoints the Personal Representative and issues Letters of Authority. Until that exists, almost nothing can be signed for the estate.
How we help: Nothing for us to sign yet either. This is a good time to plan the cleanout order and get contractor estimates.
Months 1 to 3
Inventory and valuation
Assets are identified and valued as of the date of death, and an inventory is filed with the court. Notice goes out to heirs and known creditors.
How we help: This is where our documented date of death value opinion goes into the file, at no cost when we are helping with the property.
Months 1 to 5
Creditor claim period
Creditors have a defined window to present claims, and published notice starts that clock. In Michigan that published notice period runs four months. Valid claims and final expenses are paid from estate assets.
How we help: Real estate is often listed and even sold during this phase, with proceeds held by the estate rather than distributed.
When ready
Preparing and selling the real estate
Cleanout, any targeted repairs the estate approves, pricing, marketing, and negotiation. Estate sales have their own disclosure and signature realities.
How we help: This is our core work: coordinating vendors, keeping heirs informed together, and closing on a schedule the estate can meet.
Months 5 to 12
Taxes and accounting
Final income tax returns are prepared, any estate tax questions are addressed, and an accounting is prepared for the court and the heirs.
How we help: We provide the closing documents and figures your CPA and attorney will ask for.
Closing
Distribution and closing the estate
Once claims and expenses are settled, remaining assets are distributed and the estate is formally closed.
How we help: If heirs are deciding whether to keep or sell inherited property they now own individually, we are glad to run those numbers too.
The two things that most often cause delay
Timing questions families ask
Tell us the phase and we will tell you what comes next
Even a rough description helps. We have walked this with a lot of families.
Reality Real Estate Brokerage is a licensed Michigan real estate brokerage. We are not attorneys, accountants, or tax advisors, and nothing on this site is legal, tax, or financial advice. Information here is based on our experience and is intended for general guidance. Please consult the appropriate licensed professional for your situation.
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A conversation costs nothing and there is no obligation. You will leave it knowing your options and your timeline.
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