Selling an Inherited or Estate Home in Ontario
A careful sale, at a hard time
When a parent or family member passes away, the home is often the largest asset in the estate, and the estate trustee (executor) is responsible for selling it properly. I work with estate trustees and families to get a fair price without adding stress.
How an estate sale usually works
1Confirm who can sign.
The estate trustee named in the will signs the listing and sale documents. If the home was in the deceased’s name alone, a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (probate) is often needed before the sale can close. Your lawyer will confirm this.
2Protect the property.
Tell the insurer the home is vacant, keep the heat on, and check it regularly. Vacant homes are at higher risk of damage and theft.
3Clear, prepare and price.
I can connect you with clean-out and repair help, and I price the home from recent comparable sales so the estate gets a fair, defensible result for every beneficiary.
4Sell with the right conditions.
Estate sales are usually sold “as is” with limited seller knowledge of the property’s history, and the closing date is set to allow time for probate.
Costs to plan for
- Estate Administration Tax in Ontario: nothing on the first $50,000 of the estate’s value, then $15 for every $1,000 above that
- Capital gains may apply if the home was not the deceased’s principal residence. Talk to an accountant.
- Carrying costs until closing: property tax, utilities, insurance and maintenance
Questions people ask
Can an executor sell a house before probate in Ontario?
An estate trustee can often list the home and sign an agreement, but the sale may not be able to close until the Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee is issued. A real estate lawyer confirms what is required for each property.
How much is probate tax in Ontario?
Ontario’s Estate Administration Tax is $0 on the first $50,000 of the estate’s value and $15 for every $1,000 (1.5%) above that.
Do all beneficiaries have to agree to the sale?
The estate trustee has the authority to sell, but keeping beneficiaries informed with a clear pricing rationale avoids disputes. Sandeep Pawar provides a written market analysis that can be shared with the family.
Selling, buying, or just thinking about it?
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Sandeep Pawar, Broker · RE/MAX Gold Realty Inc., Brokerage · 2720 North Park Drive, Suite 201, Brampton, ON L6S 0E9 · All offices