Selling an Estate Property in Sarnia: 3 Steps for Executors (Plus a November Market Update)

Originally published in The Sarnia Journal, December 12, 2025.

Selling a parent's or loved one's home is one of the hardest real estate jobs there is. It's emotional, there's paperwork, and there's a lot to sort through. Here are the three steps I walk every executor through, followed by a quick look at the Sarnia market.

1Confirm you have the legal right to sell

Before a home can be listed, the executor or estate trustee needs the authority to sell. In many cases that means waiting for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, often called probate. Check with the estate lawyer before you set a listing date.

2Prepare the home with care

There will be belongings to sort, a clean-out to plan and decisions about which repairs are worth making. Give yourself and your family time to grieve. Not every repair pays for itself, and a good agent can tell you which ones will.

3Get an honest valuation

Accurate pricing protects the estate's value for everyone involved. Choose a Realtor who tells you the truth about the market, not one who tells you what you want to hear.

Sarnia market snapshot, November 2025

This is general information, not legal or financial advice.