Use this checklist to organize the real estate portion of an estate, alongside the estate’s full legal and tax administration plan. Identify who is responsible for each item and what remains unresolved.
Our Manhattan estate and probate sales page explains AREA’s support. New York Courts describes probate and the role of an estate fiduciary. Your attorney determines the procedures and responsibilities that apply.
1. Establish authority and responsibilities
Identify the estate’s attorney and authorized representative.
Ask counsel to confirm ownership and authority to access, engage vendors, list, contract, and close.
Identify restrictions, occupancy questions, and required approvals.
Agree who approves spending and receives updates.
Keep a decision log recording the issue, responsible person, and next step. This helps family members and vendors work from the same instructions.
2. Protect the property and records
Locate keys and establish an authorized access list.
Confirm insurance and any vacancy requirements with the insurer.
Assign responsibility for utilities, routine checks, and urgent maintenance.
Secure personal records and valuables; document contents before removal.
Ask counsel which records professionals need and how to share them securely.
3. Assemble building and financial information
Collect deed or co-op share and lease information, as applicable.
Request current building sale procedures and contacts.
Confirm recurring charges, assessments, outstanding balances, and transfer fees.
Gather available floor plans, renovation records, warranties, and relevant property information.
Ask the attorney or tax advisor whether a formal appraisal is needed and for what date and purpose.
For a co-op, use our inherited co-op guide to frame questions for management.
4. Approve a preparation plan
Resolve what will be retained, transferred, evaluated, or removed.
Compare selling in current condition with selective improvements.
Obtain written scopes, estimates, and building requirements before work begins.
Decide whether furniture should remain for presentation or staging.
Set photography and launch dates after reviewing the work schedule.
Our estate apartment preparation guide explains this sequence.
5. Set pricing and communication plans
Review comparable sales and competing listings.
Keep the listing recommendation separate from any historical estate appraisal.
Estimate preparation, holding, and selling costs.
Agree how often to review activity and which decisions need prompt attention.
Establish how offers will be compared, including financing, contingencies, and timing.
Read our pricing, costs, and timeline guide before comparing alternatives.
6. Coordinate the transaction and handover
Have counsel review the contract and legal obligations.
Track financing, building submissions, and information requests with the responsible professionals.
Confirm signing and attendance arrangements before booking travel.
Plan remaining contents removal, the walkthrough, and key transfer.
Retain invoices, closing records, and documents requested by the estate’s advisors.
Closing the property sale does not necessarily complete estate administration or authorize distribution of proceeds. Counsel and the tax advisor should direct those steps.
If you live outside New York
Assign a local contact for authorized access and establish written updates. Our out-of-state sale guide covers vendors, approvals, and communication.
Discuss the property with Nick
Nicholas Athanail, Esq., Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, brings a transactional-law background to his Manhattan brokerage work. AREA can help organize property assessment, pricing, preparation, marketing, and sale coordination.
Explore AREA’s estate and probate sales services or email Nick at NGA@corcoran.com.
General educational information, not legal or tax advice. AREA provides real estate brokerage services; legal representation requires a separate engagement. Consult the estate’s retained attorney and tax advisor about your circumstances.