Our Estate Program

Our estate program is designed so that we handle all the details so you don't have to:

• Communicate with all parties involved in the transaction including attorneys, real estate agents, escrow, title and lenders.
  
• Order title insuance and review title report as it pertains to estates.
  
• Provide recorded documents to parties as needed (saves you from having to locate and deliver).
  
• Deliver paperwork to your attorney for review and modifications.
  
• Ensure proper estate terminology is included in listing published in the Northwest Multiple Listing Service in order to protect seller.
  
• Negotiate terms of purchase and sale agreement including:
  -  Waiver of Form 17 (Seller disclosure statement):  This form is not required in estates; however, the buyer can back out if waiver not  signed.
  -  Lead based paint disclosure:  Required on all properties built prior to 1978. -  Special Warranty Deed -Preprinted purchase and sale agreement specified the use of a "statutory warrant deed", which we will change to "Special warrant deed" to limit the scope of warranty.
  -  Use of special "As-is" clause to protect the administrator or executor.
  
• Review need for possible change in homeowner's insurance policy.  Due to an estate, property may not be covered by the existing policy.
  
• Ensure that buyer's earnest money check is deposited into a trust account.
  
• Indicate that property is to be sold in its present condition, or if seller prefers to make modifications:
  -  Provide suggestions for improvements to maximize profit (Some small items can generate a big return).
  -  Supply our "preferred provider" list of cleaners, landscapers, contractors, etc.
  -  Collect bids, schedule and provide access for work to be completed.
  
• Provide recommendations and referrals for removal of personal property (Estate sales, charity, dump hauling).
  
• As needed, communicate with multiple family members to keep you "out of the middle."
  
• Maintain a file with all documents for a minimum of three years, in case information or copies are needed at a future date.
  
• Ensure confidentiality at all times.