– What happens when a buyer adds a co-borrower without telling the probate attorney — and why it can push closing back 30 days
Mar 08, 2026- Why discovering a probate after signing a contract can delay or kill your closing
NOTE: This content is from The Kapowich Vault. Rules, regulations, and laws may have changed since this was recorded. Please consult a qualified real estate professional, attorney, or tax advisor before making any decisions.
Navigating probate real estate sales can be tricky. Probate attorney Shawn Parr of Parr Law Group breaks down the most common pitfalls — including loan qualification problems that can send you back to court and what it means to have the right letters of administration from day one.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Why discovering a probate after signing a contract can delay or kill your closing
- How title insurance companies review court orders — and what happens when a buyer can not qualify for a loan
- What happens when a buyer adds a co-borrower without telling the probate attorney — and why it can push closing back 30 days
- How heirs can waive bond requirements to streamline the process for the executor
- The difference between standard and special letters of administration — and why getting the right letters matters
- How executor authority levels are set by the court — and why all heirs need to be on the same page early
GUEST: Shawn Parr, Probate Attorney, Parr Law Group
HOST: Pat Kapowich, CRB, CRS, GRI | California Real Estate Broker DRE #00979413 | SiliconValleyBroker.com
View the Full Conversation from the ‘Kapowich on Real Estate’ vault Episode #205 with Real Estate Attorney Shawn Parr provides behind-the-scenes insights into distressed properties: https://youtu.be/B8Tj7-doozs?si=MuQN52VoZmuUguuX
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📍 SiliconValleyBroker.com
Not sure where to start when preparing your home for sale?
I am Realtor Pat Kapowich, a California real estate broker with decades of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area. Across every imaginable market cycle, I have personally helped homeowners get their properties market-ready, resulting in a median of 9 days on the market for houses and 8 days for condos and townhomes.
This curated list exists because most homeowners are overwhelmed by where to start and often begin too late. These are the exact products I recommend to my own clients to get ahead of the process and protect their sale price. Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. Your support contributes to the channel and supports delivering straight-talk real estate content that protects home sellers.
- Products I recommend for exterior prep, paint touch-ups, and presentation:
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- Products I recommend for deep cleaning, interior paint touch-ups, and listing readiness:
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- Supplies that make moving day easier:
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Disclosure: I may earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this description.
For Housing Market Data in your area, visit my webpage for trends here. Do you have questions about home buying or selling? Full-service Realtor Pat Kapowich is a Certified Trust and Probate Specialist, Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager and career-long consumer protection advocate. He is based in his hometown of Sunnyvale, California. Office: 408-245-7700; Broker# 00979413
