Selling a House in a Trust: What You Should Know

If you’ve been named as a trustee or beneficiary of a property held in a trust, you might be wondering:
Can I sell the house?
Do I need court approval?
What’s the process like?

The good news is—yes, you can sell a home that’s in a trust, but there are a few legal and procedural steps you’ll need to understand first. At MG Property Bros, we’ve helped many families sell homes held in trusts, and we’re here to make it simple and stress-free.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where one party (the grantor) places property into the care of another (the trustee) for the benefit of a third (the beneficiary). The trust can hold a variety of assets—including real estate.

There are two common types:

Revocable Living Trust:

• Created during the grantor’s lifetime
• Can be changed or dissolved at any time
• Typically avoids probate

Irrevocable Trust:

• Cannot be changed once created
• Often used for tax planning or protecting assets
• More complex to manage

Can You Sell a House in a Trust?

Yes—if you are the trustee and the trust allows for the sale of assets, you have the authority to sell the property. However, the trust document must clearly grant this power.

Always review the trust agreement or consult with a probate/trust attorney before listing or selling.

Steps to Sell a House in a Trust

1. Review the Trust Agreement

Ensure the trustee has the authority to sell and that there are no restrictions (like needing beneficiary consent or waiting periods).

2. Verify Legal Ownership

The home’s title must list the trust as the owner. If it hasn’t been transferred yet, this may need to be corrected before selling.

3. Get Beneficiary Approval (if required)

Some trusts require written consent from all beneficiaries, especially for irrevocable trusts.

4. Determine if the Home Needs to Be Sold

In many cases, the house is sold to:

• Distribute proceeds to beneficiaries
• Pay off debts or taxes
• Avoid the costs of upkeep or vacancy

5. Choose How You Want to Sell

You can:

• List with a Realtor (may take months and involve fees)
• Sell As-Is for Cash to a company like MG Property Bros

Why Many Trustees Choose to Sell As-Is

As a trustee, you may be out of state, overwhelmed with paperwork, or simply looking for a fast resolution.

That’s why we help trustees:

• Sell inherited homes quickly and easily
• Skip clean-out, repairs, or listings
• Avoid commission fees
• Close on your timeline—often in 7–14 days

Do You Have to Go Through Probate?

If the home was placed into the trust properly before the grantor’s death, it does not need to go through probate. That’s one of the biggest benefits of using a trust for estate planning.

No court involvement

Faster access to property

Easier, cleaner sale

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trying to sell before confirming trustee powers
• Failing to communicate with all beneficiaries
• Not transferring title to the trust before the grantor’s death
• Waiting too long, which can increase holding costs or create legal challenges

Need Help Selling a Home in a Trust?

At MG Property Bros, we specialize in fast, fair, and flexible home sales—especially for inherited or trust-owned homes. If you want a no-pressure consultation, we’re here to help.

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