BRRRR/Buy/Flip - Approaching Nephew of Deceased Neighbor

Lender · CA · Member since 2018 · 637 posts · 393 votes

4mo

Dealing with this on a number of properties right now. Everything depends on the ownership structure at time of passing and the state/county process.

If the property is TITLED in a trust with clearly defined successors and a will it should be a pretty quick process without court involvement.

If the property is NOT TITLED in a trust BUT is mentioned in a schedule of real estate inside the trust, they may be able to go through a Hegstad petition which is a single court date (typical timeline is about 3-6 months).

If the property is NOT TITLED in a trust and there is no trust or will it can take a very very long time depending on how many potential successors there are and how well everyone gets along. That could get dragged through a court system for over a year or two.

It would be wise to connect with a real estate attorney to know exact timelines in your county and maybe reach out to a title agent to at least see how the property was owned.

I am not a lawyer, none of this is legal advice, it is purely anecdotal based on personal experience here in California (we have 3 separate transactions going through each of these scenarios mentioned above).

As for preparation: definitely get pre approved for a fix and flip loan if you plan to fix it up and sell it for a quick profit, or find a OTC loan for fixing it up and keeping it (one time close).

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Robert Moyer

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Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 4 votes

3mo

Thank you for that insight Clayton. I'm not quite sure which situation I'm in. My assumption is the 2nd. I don't believe there are many parties that have interest, Hopefully the 3-6 month Range. I'm planning to reach out again this week.

Thank you!

Robert

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Jaron WallingPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
3mo
Quote from @Robert Moyer:

Thank you for that insight Clayton. I'm not quite sure which situation I'm in. My assumption is the 2nd. I don't believe there are many parties that have interest, Hopefully the 3-6 month Range. I'm planning to reach out again this week.
Thank you!
Robert

Robert, this is a great way to get into REI, help a family, and complete a BRRRR if that's the ideal strategy. The legal structure and ownership of the property will dictate how they can sell it. As a prospective buyer you have ZERO control. Keep being friendly with a text message or phone call once a month, and don't let them forget you. That's half the battle in my opinion. The second investment property I ever purchased was distressed, off market, and had a elderly family member they had to come to terms with. It took over 3 months of communication to get the deal done. It was 100% worth the effort. They even spoke with another investor who really turned them off so they called me back. Once they let me walk the property and just "talk" I knew they would negotiate on the asking price.

It's running the numbers, listening to other people, and a bit of luck. That's how you get the best off market deals. Best of luck man.
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Robert EllisBusiness Member

Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes

3mo

Quote from @Robert Moyer:

Hello, Im looking to see if anyone has experience buying from an estate or through an heir.

My neighbor passed away and her nephew is handling her property. I'm interested in buying it off market. I have reached out and let him know i am interested and I have followed up one time. The last time i followed up, 3 weeks ago, he let me know he was meeting with a lawyer and that a check in wasn't necessary. I have not heard back since.

Does anyone know the timing of these situations? I want the property and would benefit from purchasing off market. My assumption is there is some type of probate involved.

I want to reach out and connect. I'm not insensitive to the issue that his aunt is passed and he has a lot to deal with at the same time i don't want to lose touch and miss out on the opportunity.

When would be an appropriate time to reach out?

What are some things I can do to better prepare for the transaction if it does come about?

Currently I have an approved HELOC for a good portion if not the total cost of the house.

Thank you all for the feedback.

Robert

If I were in your position, I'd give him some space but stay consistently present. Three weeks after a conversation with an attorney isn't unusual at all in an estate situation. The first thing I'd look at is whether the property has actually entered probate and who has legal authority to sell it. Until that piece is clear, there often isn't much movement regardless of how motivated a buyer is.

The reason I say that is estate timelines are rarely driven by the buyer. They're driven by attorneys, court schedules, title issues, family dynamics, and whether there are other heirs involved. What typically happens is investors either disappear entirely or become overly aggressive with follow-ups. I'd stay somewhere in the middle. A friendly check-in once every 30 days is reasonable and keeps you top of mind without creating pressure. In the meantime, I'd make sure your financing is lined up, understand the property's likely after-repair value, estimate renovation costs, and have a clear purchase number ready. If the opportunity does materialize, being prepared to move quickly often matters more than being the first person who expressed interest.

Before you do another follow-up, I'd ask yourself: if the property became available tomorrow, do you already know exactly what you'd be willing to pay and what your exit strategy would be?

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Jaron WallingPro Member

Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes

3mo

@Robert Ellis That's spot on advice.

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Robert Moyer

OP

Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 4 votes

2mo

Somehow i missed my notifications on these. Thank you both for this.

I ended up talking to him a few more times. There is some fear on his end of "Messing this up". and using this money to help his siblings and his family.

We moving forward with the deal. I am going into the house on Tuesday with a contracto and will prep an offer following that. Back here looking for advice on presenting the offer and negotiating the price.

@Jaron Walling what did that negotiation look like for you? Written, verbal, a mix of both? Im about to begin my search here to find information.

Rough numbers im in the realm of 400k 450k - im assuming he is somewhere more near 500-550k.

Looking now to see the best way to present my case.

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Jaron WallingPro Member

Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes

2mo

@Robert Moyer My negotiation was verbal and in person at a local Starbucks. I walked the property but already knew market numbers (ARV and exterior SOW) before entering the property. I needed pictures and an estimated interior rehab budget. Once I had that I asked to meet for coffee and made my offer. They "were thinking $100k" and I offered $70k. After 1-week they texted me and moved to $80k so I moved to $75k and they accepted. They hired retired agent friend to handle the paperwork. I paid the $400 flat rate fee to cover his costs. The sellers paid for nothing at closing other than paying off the mortgage.

My offer was low but I gave specific reasons for it. The exterior masonry repair was going to be $5k (wall collapsing), $7k to replace old single pane windows, and the bathroom need a full remodel. I made those claims not as an insult but as justification for my offer. A lot of sellers get on Zillow and think there property is worth $500k but don't realize the amount of remodel necessary to command that number. As an investor it's your job to convey to them (without insulting) that number is impossible. They could list the property and figure it out or save a ton of time and accept your offer. That's the reality of distressed property deals in most cases.

I'd be flexible on closing timeline, inspections, and moving out. Due anything under the sun to help the seller because it will make your offer stand out. Regardless of what they tell you you're probably not the only investor talking to them. Hopefully this advice helps you.

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BRRRR/Buy/Flip - Approaching Nephew of Deceased Neighbor

BRRRR/Buy/Flip - Approaching Nephew of Deceased Neighbor

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