Estate & Probate Specialist β€’ Southeast Michigan

Lost a Loved One? We'll Handle the House.

You're grieving. You're overwhelmed. Whether you're here in Livingston County or across the country, the last thing you need is to manage cleanouts, repairs, and a complicated sale. That's what we're here for.

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Full ServiceCleanouts, repairs, staging, sale
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Court CompliantProper probate documentation
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Local or Far AwayWe handle it either way

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

Whether you're local and juggling work and family, or out of state trying to manage from afar β€” here's what you can cross off your worry list:

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Spend your weekends dealing with the house

Whether you're local or out of state, you've got your own life. We handle showings, contractor meetings, and property access so you don't have to rearrange yours.

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Figure out what to do with decades of belongings

We coordinate estate cleanout services. They'll sort, donate, and dispose β€” respectfully and efficiently.

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Find and manage contractors for repairs

We have a trusted vendor network. We get quotes, oversee the work, and handle payment through closing if needed.

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Navigate probate paperwork alone

We provide court-compliant documentation, work with your attorney, and know what the court needs to see.

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Coordinate with siblings who can't agree

We communicate with all heirs equally, document everything, and help facilitate decisions objectively.

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Pay property taxes, insurance, and utilities while it sits

We move fast. Our goal is to get the property sold before carrying costs eat into the estate.

Estate Sales We've Handled

The Situation

Local Family. Previous Agent Failed. 6 Weeks, Zero Showings.

Family in the area, but working full-time jobs with kids. Their first agent wasn't getting results. They needed someone to take over and actually get it done.

What We Did

New Strategy, New Photos, Aggressive Marketing

We walked through, gave specific prep instructions, they followed them, we re-launched with professional photography and targeted marketing.

SOLD β€” Day 1, Full Price Offer
"Joel and his team more than exceeded our expectations! Our first agent had our house listed for 6 weeks and we did not have any showings. The day we signed with Joel, we had a showing and an offer. We declined that offer, had another showing in 2 days and received a full price offer that we accepted!!"

Linda & Eric Lesperance

Local Estate Sale

The Situation

Seller in Dallas. Property in Michigan. Needed 100% Remote.

Owner couldn't be present for any part of the process β€” not showings, not contractor meetings, not closing. Needed someone trustworthy to manage everything.

What We Did

Full Remote Management

Managed contractors, coordinated access, handled every detail from lights being turned on/off to final closing docs β€” all while owner stayed in Texas.

SOLD β€” 30 Days, As Promised
"Joel managed issues large and small while I lived in Dallas Texas. From lights being turned on and off, to managing contractors working in the house, to coordinating with other realtors; his services were flawless. I highly recommend Joel, in particular for a situation where the homeowners are not living on the property."

Celeste Stachurski

Out-of-State Seller, Dallas TX

The Situation

224 Days on Market. Two Failed Agents. Outdated Home.

Estate property that had been sitting. Poor showing feedback, outdated finishes, seller overwhelmed and ready to give up.

What We Did

Strategic Updates + Re-Launch

Coordinated paint, staging, granite counters, new light fixtures and hardware. Re-photographed and marketed aggressively.

SOLD β€” 34 Days, 98% of Asking
"After 224 days on the market with two separate Realtors, this home had few showings. We took over, had our contractors update the home, and 15 showings later β€” SOLD."

RCG Case Study

Estate Property Turnaround

Understanding the Probate Timeline

Michigan probate typically takes 7-18 months. Here's where we fit in:

Month 1-2

Petition for Probate Filed

The process begins. Someone files with probate court to open the estate.

Month 2-4

Letters of Authority Issued

Court appoints Personal Representative with legal authority to act for the estate.

Month 2-6

Property Can Be Listed & Sold

With proper authority, the property can be prepared, listed, and marketed. This is where we take over β€” cleanouts, repairs, staging, sale.

← We Start Here
Month 4-12

Sale, Court Approval (if needed), Closing

We market the property, negotiate offers, and coordinate with the court if approval is required.

Month 6-18

Proceeds to Estate, Distribution to Heirs

Sale closes, proceeds go to estate, eventually distributed after debts and taxes settled.

For Estate & Probate Attorneys

A Real Estate Partner Your Clients Can Trust

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Court-Ready Docs

CMAs, appraisals, and documentation that meet Michigan probate court requirements.

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Full Property Management

Cleanouts, repairs, staging β€” we coordinate so your clients don't have to.

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Multi-Heir Coordination

Equal communication with all parties. Documented decisions. Fewer disputes.

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Local & Remote Clients

Whether your client is in Howell or Houston, we handle everything on the ground.

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Proactive Updates

You won't chase us. We keep you and your client informed throughout.

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Deadline Accountability

Court deadlines or distribution timelines? We build our process around them.

"Joel did a great job for us selling a house in Commerce Township after only 1 week of listing. As an attorney, I was impressed by the document preparation and follow up with the buyer and the title company. I definitely recommend Joel to both buyers and sellers!"

David Steinberg

Attorney, Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C.

Common Questions About Estate Sales

Do I have to go through probate to sell?

It depends on how the property was titled. If it was solely in the deceased's name without a trust or Lady Bird deed, probably yes. If it was in a trust or had right of survivorship, maybe not. We can help you figure out which applies.

Let's discuss your situation β†’
I'm local but overwhelmed. Can you still handle everything?

Absolutely. Most of our estate clients are local families who have jobs, kids, and lives of their own. You don't need to be out of state to benefit from our full-service approach. We handle the cleanouts, repairs, showings, and sale so you can focus on your family.

Let's talk about what you need β†’
What if I live out of state?

No problem. We've managed entire sales for families in Dallas, Arizona, Florida, and beyond. Video walkthroughs, contractor management, digital signatures, remote closings. You don't need to fly in.

Let's set up remote management β†’
The house is full of stuff. What do we do?

We coordinate estate cleanout services. Whether it's normal belongings or a more challenging situation, we have people who handle this respectfully and efficiently.

Let's talk about the property condition β†’
Multiple heirs disagree. Can you help?

We communicate with all heirs equally, present the same information to everyone, and document all decisions. When there's disagreement, we help facilitate by presenting data and options objectively.

Let's talk about your family's situation β†’
Do I need court approval to sell?

It depends on the Letters of Authority. If they're "unrestricted," you may not need court approval. If "restricted," you'll need to petition the court. We know the process and can guide you through it.

Let's review your letters β†’
What taxes will I owe?

Michigan has no state inheritance or estate tax. Inherited property gets a "stepped-up basis," so you only owe capital gains on appreciation after the date of death. Tax situations vary β€” we can connect you with a professional.

Let's discuss your specific situation β†’
What areas do you serve?

Southeast Michigan: Livingston County (Brighton, Howell, Hartland), Oakland County (Milford, South Lyon, Novi), Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor, Dexter), and surrounding areas.

Confirm we cover your property β†’
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Dealing With an Estate? You Don't Have to Do It Alone.

Whether you're down the street or across the country, one phone call can give you clarity and a path forward. No obligation, no pressure β€” just help from people who've done this hundreds of times.

Schedule a Call

Or call directly: 800-417-0117