Selling After Loss—With Fewer Delays

Selling an Inherited Home Under AB 2016: What California Heirs Should Expect

JB Real Estate & Investment, Inc.

Your Real Estate Broker for Life

Selling After Loss—With Fewer Delays

Selling an inherited home can be overwhelming, especially while grieving. AB 2016 offers heirs of qualifying

primary residences, a faster path—but selling still requires careful coordination.

Step 1: Confirm AB 2016 Eligibility First

Before listing the property: – Confirm date of death (on or after April 1, 2025) – Verify primary residence

status – Obtain probate referee appraisal – Identify all heirs

Skipping this step can delay escrow or cancel a sale.

Step 2: Court Approval & Documentation

Even under AB 2016: – Court approval is still required – All heirs must sign documents – Title must confirm

clear chain of ownership

Once approved, the property can be marketed and sold.

Step 3: Listing & Escrow Considerations

Selling under AB 2016 typically means: – Shorter escrow timelines – Fewer court-related delays – Reduced

buyer hesitation when documentation is complete

However, disputes or missing heirs can stop a sale.

Common Challenges to Watch For

1• Incomplete documentation

Working with a probate-experienced listing broker helps prevent these issues.

Important Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult a qualified California

probate attorney before selling inherited property.

About the Author

Joanne Brown is a California Broker and Probate & Trust Specialist with over 22 years of experience