□Identify the estate's Texas probate attorney, if any.
□Identify the intended title company or title professional.
□Ask counsel and title to confirm who can act and sign.
□Record whether court approval or a special process is required.
□Do not rely on an old power of attorney after the owner's death.
02
Property protection
□Confirm occupancy and authorized access.
□Secure doors, windows, garage, gates, and keys.
□Check for active leaks, storm damage, pests, and safety hazards.
□Contact the insurer or licensed agent and report occupancy accurately.
□Confirm essential utilities and payment responsibility.
□Photograph current condition and material contents.
03
Documents to locate
□Death certificate
□Will and codicils, if any
□Letters and court orders, if issued
□Deed and survey
□Mortgage, liens, taxes, HOA, and insurance records
□Repair, warranty, and permit records
□Contact list for decision-makers and professionals
04
Belongings
□Obtain authority before removal or disposal.
□Create retain, distribute, sell or donate, and discard categories.
□Identify valuables, documents, medication, firearms, and family items.
□Approve estate-sale, donation, hauling, and cleaning scope in writing.
05
Sale decision
□Define the family's priority: net, time, certainty, cash required, or simplicity.
□Obtain an as-is market range.
□Price targeted preparation and its likely market effect.
□If requested, obtain investor offers with proof of funds and complete terms.
□Compare estimated net—not investor offer versus list price.
□Include time, risk, financing, inspection, appraisal, and closing probability.
06
Launch and closing
□Confirm the signer and listing authority before marketing.
□Approve the disclosure and material-fact process with counsel and brokerage.
□Use one communication channel and decision log.
□Compare every offer consistently.
□Track option, title, survey, appraisal, approvals, closing, and possession.
□Confirm proceeds and tax questions with title, counsel, and tax professionals.
This checklist organizes real-estate questions.
Ryan J. Nichols is not an attorney, CPA, financial adviser, title professional, or insurance agent. This is not legal, tax, financial, title, or insurance advice.
