Yes, Executors and Administrators can sell estate property while representing themselves (pro per) in a California probate case — but selling the property is a real estate transaction with its own requirements, separate from the legal probate filing. Working pro per means you're handling the court paperwork without an attorney; it doesn't change what's required to properly market, price, and close the sale of the home. Many families choose this route to save on legal fees, and with the right guidance, it's entirely manageable.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate procedures vary by case.

What Does "Pro Per" Mean in Probate?

"Pro per" (short for in propria persona) means an Executor or Administrator is representing themselves in the probate case instead of hiring a probate attorney. It's a common choice for smaller or more straightforward estates, or for families comfortable navigating the court filings on their own with help from self-help resources or the court clerk's office.

Being pro per affects how the legal side of the case is handled — but it has no bearing on whether the property still needs to be professionally prepared, priced, and marketed for sale.

What Pro Per Executors and Administrators Still Need for the Property Sale

Whether or not you have an attorney, selling the estate's real property in Orange County or Los Angeles County still involves the same core pieces:

• A competitive market analysis to establish a realistic, well-supported list price

• Property preparation — clean-out, repairs, or cosmetic work, depending on the home's condition

• Coordination with escrow and title professionals experienced in probate transactions

• Marketing to the right buyer pool — investors, owner-occupants, or both, depending on the property

• Guidance for the buyer's agent to prevent avoidable delays or disputes that could slow down the estate's closing

This is often where pro per Executors and Administrators benefit most from working with a real estate agent who specializes in probate. The agent can't replace an attorney's legal counsel, but a probate-experienced agent can help you avoid the property-side mistakes that cause the most delays — incorrect pricing, unprepared vendors, or buyers who aren't a fit for the estate's timeline.

Common Questions Pro Per Executors and Administrators Ask

Do I need court confirmation to sell the property?

No, you do not need court confirmation, unless you checked the box for Limited Authority in the Petition for Probate. It is a legal determination and has nothing to do with whether you're filing pro per.

Can I sell the property as-is?

Yes. Many estate properties are sold as-is, particularly when the home hasn't been updated in years or the family doesn't want to invest in repairs before closing. Even when some repairs or remodeling have been done, we still emphasize that the property is sold "as-is."

Do I have to use a real estate agent?

No, you can sell the property yourself (For Sale By Owner, or FSBO) — but it often leaves money on the table. According to the National Association of Realtors' 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, FSBO homes sold at a median price of $360,000, compared to $425,000 for agent-assisted sales — a $65,000 gap. Many buyer's agents are also hesitant to show FSBO listings to their clients, which can shrink the pool of qualified, motivated buyers for the estate's property. For an estate where the goal is maximizing proceeds for the beneficiaries, that gap is worth taking seriously.

How long does it typically take to sell an estate property?

Timelines vary by case. Properly pricing the property at the outset is essential. The type of market also matters — in a hot seller's market, a well-priced home can attract offers within days. It's also worth remembering that a city can have its own micro-markets, with individual communities and neighborhoods performing differently even within the same city.

Once the property is ready, we arrange for a photographer, prepare the marketing pieces, and input the listing into the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to activate it — typically within one week of the property being ready to go.

Working With a Probate-Specialist Agent as a Pro Per Executor or Administrator

For the past 16 years, Nancy Andreason and Corey Andreason of the Andreason Group have specialized in probate and trust sales, helping more than 130+ families across Orange County and Los Angeles County — including many pro per Executors and Administrators navigating the process without an attorney. We coordinate the property, the vendors, and the transaction details so that even without legal representation, the real estate side of your case moves forward smoothly. If you run into snags along the way — a petition that's denied more than once, or simply feel overwhelmed by the process — we have excellent attorneys we can refer you to.

Ready to Talk Through Your Situation?

If you're an Executor or Administrator handling a probate case pro per and need guidance on selling the estate's property, we're here to help — whether you're just getting started or ready to list.

Nancy Andreason

Andreason Group Real Estate Services | Coldwell Banker Realty

DRE #01730309 | 714.944.3300