Probate Real Estate Specialist
Court Supervised Sales With Expert
Guidance
Navigate probate property sales with the legal expertise, compassion, and guidance your family deserves. Aragone & Associates combines four years of law school education with CPRES certification and 23+ years of real estate experience to guide executors, administrators, and families through every step of the probate process.
A probate property in California can be sold, and in Orange County the sale usually runs 9 to 18 months from the initial petition to final distribution. Independent administration under the IAEA moves faster because it needs fewer court steps, while full supervision requires the court to confirm the accepted offer before the sale can close.
Why Probate Real Estate Requires a Specialist
Probate property sales involve court supervision, legal deadlines, and fiduciary duties that standard real estate agents aren't equipped to handle. Our unique qualifications make the difference.
Law School Foundation
Four years of legal education provide deep understanding of probate law, California probate code, court procedures, and fiduciary obligations, a rare combination in real estate.
CPRES Certification
Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, the industry's highest credential for professionals handling court-supervised probate property sales and estate liquidation.
Court Process Expertise
Deep knowledge of court confirmation hearings, overbid procedures, independent administration (IAEA), and the specific timelines required by California probate courts.
The Three-Number Reality Check
I started specializing in probate real estate after watching too many heirs get talked into selling an inherited home as-is to the first investor who called, priced as a distressed sale when the property deserved far better. That pattern is why I built my entire practice around protecting what families are owed instead of what is fastest for the buyer. Every probate listing gets the same bespoke, red-carpet service I would give a beachfront estate, because a probate sale deserves full value just as much as a luxury one.
If you are holding one of those “we buy houses cash” letters right now, you are not the first, and you do not have to decide anything based on it alone. My promise is simple. Before you sign anything, I will show you three numbers: what that cash offer is actually worth, what the property would bring as-is on the open market, and what it could bring with the right, targeted improvements. I call it the Three-Number Reality Check, and it is free. Text me a photo of the letter and I will run the numbers, no cost or obligation, and you will get the same bespoke service either way.
Text a Photo of the LetterCall (949) 415-4784Paula Aragone, CA DRE #01364746. Aragone & Associates | First Team Real Estate, CA DRE #01008773.
“She helped me sell my stepmother’s house under very challenging circumstances, and she made the entire process far easier than I ever expected.”
Verified client review published on Zillow. Individual results vary and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Understanding Probate Real Estate
Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate under court supervision. When real estate is involved, the process becomes more complex, requiring specialized knowledge of both real estate and probate law.
Probate real estate sales occur when:
- A property is part of a deceased person's estate without a trust
- The property must be sold to settle debts or distribute assets to heirs
- Court supervision is required to protect all parties' interests
- The sale involves specific timelines and procedures mandated by California law
Unlike standard real estate transactions, probate sales require court approval, specialized marketing, and compliance with state regulations. This is where having a probate specialist on your team makes all the difference.
Why You Need a Probate Specialist
Probate real estate is not just real estate. It's a complex intersection of legal, financial, and emotional considerations. A general real estate agent may not understand:
- California probate code requirements and court procedures
- How to properly value and market probate properties
- Court confirmation processes and overbidding procedures
- Fiduciary responsibilities of executors and administrators
- Tax implications for the estate and heirs
- Timeline constraints and legal deadlines
Aragone & Associates brings 4 years of law school education and CPRES certification to your case. We understand the law, the process, and the importance of getting it right.


Just inherited a property in Orange County?
Before you think about selling, there are steps in the first three days that protect the property, the estate, and your family from problems that are difficult to undo later.
Understanding the California Probate Real Estate Sale Process
Selling a home through probate in California is different from a traditional real estate sale. The estate's personal representative, usually an executor or administrator, has fiduciary responsibilities to the estate and its beneficiaries, and the procedure for selling real property depends heavily on the authority granted by the probate court.
Does a Probate Property Sale in California Require Court Confirmation?
Not always.
One of the first questions we determine with the estate's probate attorney is whether the personal representative has been granted full authority or limited authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA).
That distinction can significantly affect how the property is marketed, how offers are handled, whether beneficiaries must receive notice, whether court confirmation is required, and how long the transaction may take.
Full Authority Under IAEA
When the executor or administrator has full authority under IAEA, estate real property can generally be sold without a formal court confirmation hearing, provided the applicable probate procedures are followed.
In many cases, the personal representative sends a Notice of Proposed Action to interested beneficiaries before completing the sale. If the required notice period expires without a valid objection, or notice has properly been waived, the representative may generally proceed without returning to court for confirmation of the transaction.
This can make a full authority probate sale considerably more streamlined than a traditional court-confirmed probate sale.
Limited Authority Under IAEA
When the personal representative has limited authority, additional court supervision generally applies to the sale of estate real property.
An accepted offer may need to be submitted to the probate court for confirmation, and the property may remain subject to California's probate overbid procedures until the confirmation hearing.
This means the marketing strategy cannot necessarily stop when the estate accepts an offer. Maintaining buyer interest through the court-confirmation period can help protect the estate and potentially create additional competition for the property.
How Do I Know Whether I Have full or limited authority?
The personal representative's authority is generally reflected in the court's Order for Probate and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Because each estate is different, we coordinate with the estate's probate attorney to confirm the authority granted and structure the real estate strategy accordingly.
Why This Matters Before You List the Property
The type of probate authority can affect:
- Whether court confirmation is required
- Whether a Notice of Proposed Action must be given
- How and when an offer can be accepted
- Whether a probate overbid may occur
- The timing of the transaction
- How buyers and their agents should be educated about the sale
- How the property should be priced and marketed
- How the personal representative documents efforts to maximize value for the estate
Understanding these issues before the property is listed helps prevent avoidable delays and allows the executor or administrator to make better-informed decisions throughout the sale.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Executors, administrators and beneficiaries should consult their probate attorney and tax professional regarding their specific estate.
The Probate Sale Process
Navigate through the timeline and procedures involved in a court-supervised probate real estate sale.

Property Assessment & Valuation
Professional appraisal establishing fair market value for the probate court record and estate tax purposes.

Authority Confirmed With Counsel
We confirm with the probate attorney for the estate whether the personal representative holds full or limited authority under the IAEA, because that determines whether court confirmation will be required.

Property Preparation
We prepare the property for sale, addressing necessary repairs, inspections, and getting it market-ready.

Marketing & Listing
Strategic marketing to attract qualified buyers and maximize the sale price for the estate.

Offer Review
Offers are reviewed with the personal representative. Under limited authority the attorney for the estate submits the accepted offer to the probate court for confirmation. Under full authority a Notice of Proposed Action may be all that is required.

Overbidding Period
In full probate sales, an overbidding period allows other parties to submit higher offers, ensuring the best price for the estate.

Final Court Approval
When the sale is subject to court confirmation, the judge issues a final order confirming it at the best price obtained through the process.

Closing & Distribution
The sale closes, funds are distributed according to the court's order, and the estate is settled.
- Property Assessment & Valuation. Professional appraisal establishing fair market value for the probate court record and estate tax purposes.
- Authority Confirmed With Counsel. We confirm with the probate attorney for the estate whether the personal representative holds full or limited authority under the IAEA, because that determines whether court confirmation will be required.
- Property Preparation. We prepare the property for sale, addressing necessary repairs, inspections, and getting it market-ready.
- Marketing & Listing. Strategic marketing to attract qualified buyers and maximize the sale price for the estate.
- Offer Review. Offers are reviewed with the personal representative. Under limited authority the attorney for the estate submits the accepted offer to the probate court for confirmation. Under full authority a Notice of Proposed Action may be all that is required.
- Overbidding Period. In full probate sales, an overbidding period allows other parties to submit higher offers, ensuring the best price for the estate.
- Final Court Approval. When the sale is subject to court confirmation, the judge issues a final order confirming it at the best price obtained through the process.
- Closing & Distribution. The sale closes, funds are distributed according to the court's order, and the estate is settled.
If you're the executor, this is also about you
An executor has a duty to the estate and to the heirs. Accepting a single unsolicited offer, without ever exposing the property to the market, is the situation that gets questioned later, by a sibling, by a beneficiary, or in open court.
In a court-confirmation sale the property can be overbid publicly. Under independent authority, heirs receive notice and can object. Either way, the record of how the property was sold outlives the sale.

The 3 Bucket System for an inherited home
Most families stall at the same place: a house full of forty years of belongings and no idea what has value, what has to be appraised for the estate, and what can simply go.
Paula sorts every inherited property into three buckets before listing day. It is the step that turns “we can't even start” into a schedule, and it works whether the estate is preparing the home or selling it exactly as it sits.

Understanding Probate Sale Structures
Every probate case is governed by specific legal requirements. We customize our approach based on the authority granted by the court and the legal structure of the estate.
Full Probate Sale
The estate undergoes full court supervision with formal probate proceedings. Transition involves mandatory overbidding periods and final judicial approval at a confirmation hearing.
Independent Administration (IAEA)
Granted under the Independent Administration of Estates Act, this allows the executor to sell property with limited or no direct court oversight, accelerating the timeline.
Spousal Property Petition
A streamlined legal procedure when assets pass directly to a surviving spouse, avoiding the length and complexity of a full probate administration.
Conservatorship Sales
Conducted for individuals who can no longer manage their own affairs. These sales are closely monitored to ensure the ward's financial interests are protected through judicial oversight.
"Guiding families through one of the most difficult times in their lives, with legal precision, market expertise, and genuine compassion."Aragone & Associates

Our White-Glove Probate Services
Every probate property sale receives our full-service treatment, from valuation to closing.
Probate Counsel Coordination
We coordinate with probate counsel and provide the valuation, transaction documentation, market information and real estate support needed for the court filings and confirmation process handled by the attorney.
Estate Property Valuation
Professional appraisal and comprehensive market analysis meeting probate court standards for fair market value documentation.
Property Preparation & Marketing
Staging, high-end photography, and targeted marketing reaching qualified buyers familiar with probate-specific transaction timelines.
Executor & Heir Communication
Transparent, documented communication with all stakeholders throughout the entire transaction to ensure consensus and prevent legal friction.
Attorney Coordination
Seamless collaboration with estate attorneys, handling all real estate logistics so legal counsel remains focused on administration.
Closing & Estate Distribution
Meticulous management of court-confirmed closing procedures and coordination of estate fund distribution according to technical legal requirements.
As Much As You Want, Or As Little As You Want
You can sell an inherited or probate home in Orange County exactly as it sits, with no repairs, no clean-out and no staging. The question was never whether you can sell as-is. It is whether you sell it to one cash buyer who names the price, or to hundreds of investors competing for it. Both are as-is. Only one is a market.

Two agents told this family to sell the property as-is for $5 million. Paula exposed the same house, in the same condition, to the open market and to her investor list.
It sold for $7.2 million. Nothing was renovated. The only thing that changed was how many people were allowed to bid.
Want it sold without lifting a finger?
We handle the full estate clean-out, the repairs, the staging and the re-key, and you don't pay for any of it up front. We're paid when the home sells.
Don't want to fix anything at all?
Then we don't. We'll sell it exactly as it sits: as-is, no repairs, no staging, minimal showings. The difference is that we put it in front of hundreds of investors instead of the one who found you first.
One buyer names a price. A room full of them competes for it.
If condition is the thing standing between your family and a closed sale, the full breakdown lives here: sell an inherited house as-is in Orange County: what it costs, what it doesn't, and what changes when hundreds of investors see it instead of one. Or read one family's account of selling an inherited home without the stress.
| One cash buyer | As-is, marketed | |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs required | None | None |
| Clean-out | Usually handled | Handled, no upfront cost |
| Speed | Fast | Fast, cash offers, non-contingent |
| Certainty | High | High |
| Showings | None | Minimal |
| Who sets the price | The buyer | The market |
| Number of offers | One | As many as we can generate |
When a cash buyer is the right answer
Three situations, and we'll tell you if you're in one.
A real deadline
A foreclosure date, a reverse mortgage coming due, a lien with a clock on it. When days matter more than dollars, take the certain offer.
A property that can't be financed or insured
Some conditions rule out most buyers entirely. If lenders and insurers won't touch it, the pool of people who can buy it is genuinely small.
Privacy
No sign, no listing, no neighbours knowing. That's a legitimate reason, and it costs money. You should choose it knowing that.
If any of those is your situation, we'll say so, and we'll still help you get more than one cash offer rather than accepting the first.
What Market Exposure Actually Produced
Selling as-is does not mean selling to the first investor who makes an offer. An estate can sell a property completely as-is while still exposing it to the open market and creating competition among multiple buyers.
Probate Property, 29 Offers
An inherited property requiring extensive clean-out and preparation initially presented significant challenges. Approximately $25,000 was invested in the clean-out and preparation strategy.
Rather than allowing one investor to determine the property's value, competitive exposure allowed the market to determine it.
Trust Property, Prepared Then Marketed
A trust property was initially valued at approximately $4.35 million in its existing condition. After approximately $20,000 in targeted preparation, paint and staging, the property was professionally marketed.
The goal was not renovation for renovation's sake. It was identifying the improvements most likely to produce a strong return for the beneficiaries.
Estate Property, Cash Sale
In another estate sale, competing recommendations suggested selling the property for approximately $5 million. Instead, the property was exposed strategically to the marketplace.
An as-is sale and a below-market sale are not the same thing.
A personal representative should be able to demonstrate that the property's value was thoughtfully evaluated, that reasonable options were considered, and that the marketing strategy was designed to obtain an appropriate result for the estate.
Results described are from past transactions handled by Aragone & Associates. Individual results vary with property, condition, timing and market conditions, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice.
Trusted by Executors, Probate Attorneys, Professional Fiduciaries & Families Throughout Orange County
The people who send us estate property are usually the ones who will have to answer for the outcome.
“As both a trustee and a business attorney, I understood the importance of making well-informed decisions, maximizing value, and ensuring that every step of the process could withstand scrutiny... I recommend Paula Aragone without reservation to anyone buying or selling real estate, particularly high-net-worth individuals, trustees, executors, attorneys, and families navigating trust or probate matters.”
Reviews and testimonials reflect the experience of individual clients. Individual results vary and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Resources for Executors & Administrators
Serving as an executor or administrator is a significant responsibility. These resources help you understand your role and obligations.
Executor's Checklist
A comprehensive list of tasks from probate filing to property sale to estate distribution. We help you track progress through each phase.
Understanding Your Fiduciary Duty
As an executor, you have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. We guide you through these responsibilities.
Timeline Expectations
A typical probate property sale takes 9 to 18 months. We explain what happens at each stage and why some steps require patience.
Working with Probate Court
Probate court procedures can seem intimidating. We explain key filings, hearing processes, and what to expect at each checkpoint.
Tax Implications
Probate property sales have tax consequences for the estate. We explain key concepts and recommend coordinating with a CPA or tax attorney.
Common Probate Questions
From overbids to property valuation to heir disputes, we address the most common questions and scenarios in probate real estate.
PROBATE SERVICES
Comprehensive Probate Real Estate Specialist Services
Every probate situation is unique. Our full suite of probate-dedicated services ensures every aspect of the real estate transaction is handled with expertise and precision.
Court Confirmation Sales
Real estate support for court-supervised sales requiring judicial approval. We coordinate with probate counsel and provide the valuation, transaction documentation, market information and marketing needed for the court filings and confirmation process handled by the attorney, including the overbid period in Orange County probate courts.
Independent Administration (IAEA) Sales
Streamlined property sales under the Independent Administration of Estates Act, handling required beneficiary notifications, Notice of Proposed Action, and compliance with IAEA procedures.
Overbid Management
Expert handling of the overbid process, from initial offer submission through court auction and final confirmation, ensuring the estate receives the maximum possible sale price.
Probate Property Valuation
Court-compliant property appraisals and comprehensive market analyses that establish fair market value for probate court records, estate tax filings, and Inventory & Appraisal documents.
Estate Property Preparation
Full property clean-out coordination, necessary repairs, inspections, staging, professional photography, and market preparation for estate properties, including occupied, vacant, and distressed conditions.
Executor & Administrator Guidance
Step-by-step guidance for personal representatives on fiduciary duties, court requirements, timeline expectations, and decisions involved in selling probate real estate.
Probate Attorney Coordination
Seamless collaboration with probate attorneys and litigation attorneys, providing court-ready documentation, market data, and real estate expertise to support the legal process.
Conservatorship Sales
Specialized handling of property sales under conservatorship, including court petitions, conservatee protections, and compliance with California conservatorship sale procedures.
Estate Liquidation & Distribution
End-to-end management of property liquidation, closing coordination, and facilitation of estate fund distribution in accordance with court orders and probate administration requirements.
PROBATE GLOSSARY
Probate Real Estate Terms & Definitions
Understanding probate terminology helps executors, administrators, and families navigate the process with confidence. Here are the key terms you'll encounter.
Probate
The legal court-supervised process of administering a deceased person's estate, validating the will, settling debts, and distributing remaining assets to heirs and beneficiaries.
Executor / Personal Representative
The individual named in the will (executor) or appointed by the court (administrator) to manage the estate, including selling real property, paying debts, and distributing assets.
Letters Testamentary
A legal document issued by the probate court granting the executor authority to act on behalf of the estate, required before any real property can be sold or transferred.
Letters of Administration
Court-issued authority granted to an administrator when there is no will (intestate estate). Provides the same authority as Letters Testamentary for estate management and property sales.
Court Confirmation
A probate court hearing where the judge reviews and approves the sale of estate property. Required in full probate sales: the sale is not final until the court confirms it.
Overbid / Court Auction
After an initial offer is submitted to probate court, other parties may submit higher bids. If overbids occur, a court auction takes place to determine the highest bidder and final sale price.
Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA)
California law allowing executors to sell estate property with limited court supervision. The executor must provide a Notice of Proposed Action to beneficiaries but may not need full court confirmation.
Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA)
A formal notice sent to all beneficiaries and heirs under IAEA, informing them of the proposed sale. Beneficiaries have 15 days to object before the sale can proceed without court hearing.
Fiduciary Duty
The legal obligation of the executor or administrator to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, including obtaining fair market value for property and protecting estate assets.
Inventory & Appraisal
A court-filed document listing all estate assets and their appraised values. The probate referee determines the value of real property, which becomes the official probate value for the court record.
Probate Referee
A court-appointed appraiser who determines the fair market value of estate property for the Inventory & Appraisal filing. Their valuation establishes the minimum overbid amount in court confirmation sales.
Petition to Sell Real Property
A formal request filed with the probate court by the executor or administrator seeking authorization to sell estate real property. Required in full probate proceedings before the property can be listed.
Intestate
When a person dies without a valid will. The estate is distributed according to California's intestate succession laws, and the court appoints an administrator to manage the estate.
Testate
When a person dies with a valid will. The will names an executor and specifies how assets should be distributed. The probate court validates the will and oversees its execution.
Conservatorship Sale
The court-supervised sale of property belonging to a living person who has been declared incapacitated. Requires specific court approval and procedures to protect the conservatee's interests.
Spousal Property Petition
A simplified court proceeding to transfer community property to a surviving spouse without full probate. Faster and less costly than standard probate, with no court confirmation or overbid required.
Step-Up in Basis
A tax provision that adjusts the property's tax basis to its fair market value at the date of death. This can significantly reduce capital gains tax when the property is sold by the estate or heirs.
Bond (Probate Bond)
A court-required surety bond that protects the estate from potential mismanagement by the executor or administrator. The bond amount is typically based on the value of estate assets.
Order for Probate
The court order officially opening the probate case, confirming the executor's appointment, and authorizing the administration of the estate. This is one of the first filings in the probate process.
Final Accounting & Distribution
The executor's final report to the court detailing all estate transactions, expenses, and proposed distribution to beneficiaries. Once approved by the court, the estate is formally closed.
OUR MARKETING STRATEGY
We Market to the World
Probate properties deserve maximum exposure. Through Luxury Portfolio International and our multi-channel strategy, we reach qualified buyers locally, nationally, and internationally.
Global Reach for Every Estate Property
As a member of Luxury Portfolio International, the luxury arm of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, your estate property is marketed to a global network of over 500 firms across 70 countries. This means more qualified eyes on your property, which drives competitive offers and maximizes value for the estate.
Our multi-channel marketing includes:
Luxury Portfolio International: Global exposure through the #1 luxury real estate network
Social Media & Digital Advertising: Targeted campaigns reaching qualified buyers on Facebook, Instagram, and Google
Professional Photography & Video: High-end media including drone footage, virtual tours, and property films
Print & Publication Marketing: Feature placements in luxury real estate publications and local media
MLS & Syndication: Maximum exposure across 100+ real estate websites including Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin
Agent-to-Agent Network: Direct outreach to top buyer agents across Southern California and beyond
Our global marketing strategy ensures every estate property, regardless of price point, receives maximum buyer exposure to protect the interests of the estate.
Who We Serve
Aragone & Associates serves every stakeholder in probate property transactions, each with unique legal requirements and emotional needs.
01
Executors & Personal Representatives
Court-appointed to manage the estate, you carry enormous responsibility. We handle the real estate side, the valuation, the transaction documentation and the sale itself, so you can fulfill your fiduciary duties with confidence.
02
Probate Attorneys & Litigation Attorneys
Work with a CPRES-certified specialist your clients can trust. We handle court-compliant real estate sales while you manage probate administration and litigation. Seamless coordination every step of the way.
03
Professional Fiduciaries
Streamline probate property sales for your managed estates with a specialist who understands court procedures, fiduciary obligations, and accountability standards.
04
Heirs & Family Members
Losing a loved one is hard enough. We provide compassionate guidance through court-supervised sales, transparent communication, and protection of your family's interests.

Paula Aragone
CPRES · SRES · California Licensed · 23 Years
Paula Aragone is Orange County's leading Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, with 23 years of experience, a law school background, and $900M+ in closed sales. She guides executors, administrators, trustees, and estate attorneys through every stage of probate property sales: from valuation and marketing through the overbid period to closing. Licensed in California and affiliated with First Team Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International.
$900M+
Sales Volume
900+
Transactions
Five Star
Verified Reviews
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Why Families And Attorneys Trust Paula Aragone
CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES)
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)
- Certified Luxury Real Estate Specialist
- Certified REO Specialist
- Certified Relocation Specialist
TRACK RECORD
- 23 years licensed in California
- Top 1% of agents nationwide per NAR
- 900+ closed transactions
- $900M+ in career sales volume
- Transactions from $1M to $10M+
- 102% of asking price average
- Sells 5× more than average agent
- Closes in 1/3 less time
REVIEWS
- Verified five-star reviews
- Zillow
- Yelp
- Realtor.com
- FastExpert
- Testimonial Tree
- One of OC's most-reviewed REALTOR®s
AFFILIATIONS & AWARDS
- First Team Real Estate / Luxury Portfolio International
- National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
- California Association of REALTORS® (CAR)
- Chairman's Circle Diamond Award (First Team Real Estate)
- Five Star Professional Award (multiple years)



CLIENT REVIEWS
Read what our clients have to say about working with us.
"What impressed me the most was Paula's decision not to simply sell the house. She devised a strategy, took care of the entire process, protected the property's value, and made what could have been a difficult situation seem straightforward."
"I would highly recommend Paula Aragone and Aragone & Associates to any professional fiduciary, attorney, executor, administrator, or family looking for an experienced real estate professional to guide them through the sale of estate property."
"Paula Aragone was absolutely incredible to work with. She helped me sell my stepmother's house under very challenging circumstances, and she made the entire process far easier than I ever expected. She handled everything with professionalism, confidence, and care, and helped me get almost $100,000 more than I thought possible."
"Paula Aragone was recommended to us by a fellow colleague at UCI. Even though we had bought and sold several homes over the years, she made us feel supported every step of the way. She is always on your side and truly the best realtor we have ever worked with in all our years of buying and selling. We give her our highest recommendation!"
"Paula is a rare jewel in her field. Her work ethic is flawless and she clearly has superior knowledge of her complicated field. She provided accurate and reliable feedback throughout the entire process. I hope to have the opportunity to work with her again."
"Paula secured more than the asking price on a property that other agents deemed a teardown. She redefined what tenacity, dedication, and excellence mean in real estate. If you want someone who fights for every dollar you deserve, look no further than Paula Aragone."
"Paula sold our Villa Park home for $55,000 above the listing price. She was firm but fair, and worked out a deal that was a true win-win. Her negotiation skills are unmatched. We couldn't be more grateful. Highly recommend!"
"Most professional woman with excellent communication skills. After my mother passed, Paula guided our family through selling her home with such compassion and expertise. She made an incredibly difficult time into a seamless process. Best decision we could have made."
The Guides
Where your situation is covered in detail
Inherited Real Estate Specialist
Probate, trust, or neither. Which of the three routes your property is on decides the timeline, who signs, and what has to be proved.
Read thisSelling an inherited house from out of state
The whole sale run remotely, from securing the property through closing, with documents signed electronically or through a mobile notary.
Read thisCan an executor sell without beneficiary approval?
full authority against limited authority, the Notice of Proposed Action, and what happens when a beneficiary objects.
Read thisThe successor trustee's guide
The first 72 hours, a defensible valuation, beneficiary communication, and the paper trail that protects you afterwards.
Read thisSell as-is, or prepare it first?
Three verified Orange County probate sales, with the real figures, showing when preparation pays and when it does not.
Read thisFor attorneys and professional fiduciaries
How we work alongside estate planning attorneys, probate counsel, litigators, fiduciaries and corporate trustees.
Read thisCommercial property in a probate estate
An apartment building, a small retail center or the building behind a family business. How our commercial team values it on income, finds the right buyers and sells it under the court process.
See the commercial team“Paula Aragone and the team at Aragone & Associates are extraordinary in the level of service they provide to our clients. We have referred several clients to them over the years and have always been impressed with their dedication and attention to detail. Every client we send to them is exceptionally well taken care of, and their properties are often sold quickly and above the asking price.
Whether a property is in difficult condition or completely turn-key, Paula and her team know how to manage the process. Their ability to coordinate renovations, clean-outs, estate sales, and the many details involved in preparing estate property for market is truly remarkable.”
Testimonial provided directly to Aragone & Associates and published with permission. Individual results vary and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Attorneys: Partner with Orange County's
Premier Probate Real Estate Team
Refer your probate real estate clients with confidence. Our law school background, CPRES certification, and deep knowledge of court procedures make Aragone & Associates the ideal specialist to guide your clients through probate property sales while you focus on the legal administration.
We provide seamless coordination, transparent communication with executors, and expert guidance at every court milestone. Regular referrals from Orange County estate attorneys speak to the quality and reliability of our dedicated probate real estate services.
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
Serving Orange County & Southern California
Aragone & Associates provides specialized probate real estate services throughout Orange County and greater Southern California. We also coordinate out-of-county estate sales involving properties in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.
City-Specific Probate Guides
Each guide covers the court, the timeline and the market in that city. Select a city below to see how the probate process works there.
Explore Specialty Services
How Long Does Probate Take?
A probate property sale in Orange County typically takes 9 to 18 months from petition to final distribution. Click any phase to learn more.
Phase 01
Petition Filing
2 to 4 weeks
Executor files with the probate court. Court sets a hearing date and issues notice to heirs and creditors. This is the formal start of probate proceedings. Once filed, the process is underway.
Timelines shown are typical ranges under full probate administration in Orange County Superior Court. Independent administration under IAEA may proceed faster.
Keep reading
More for Orange County executors
Got a cash offer letter on an inherited home?
See all three numbers before you sign: what the cash offer is really worth, the as is value, and the prepared value.
Read thisSell an inherited house as is in Orange County
You do not have to clean it out or fix anything. What changes is whether one buyer names the price or a market does.
Read thisThe first 72 hours after inheriting a property
A short guide to the decisions that come first and the ones that can wait. Free, and it reads in ten minutes.
Read thisSelling an inherited house from out of state
You do not have to fly in. Cleanout, repairs, staging, marketing and closing get coordinated here, and you sign from where you are.
Read thisSell it as is, or fix it up first?
Three Orange County probate sales with the real numbers: what preparation cost, what it returned, and the one case where cleaning it out was enough.
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Navigating a Probate Property Sale?
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