Selling a Loved One's Home? You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone.
I'm sorry for your loss.
I'm DK SHITTU, REALTOR® with LPT Realty. If you're an executor, or a family member helping settle an estate, the house can feel like one more heavy thing on a long list. I'm here to make that part a little lighter, at your pace.
Book a 30-Min CallCall (587) 334-5800DK SHITTU, REALTOR® | LPT Realty | Serving Edmonton and the Greater Edmonton Area
Here's How I Help With Estate Sales
1. A fair, realistic price.
I'll prepare a market analysis based on recent comparable sales nearby, so you and your lawyer have clear information. If a formal appraisal is required, I can help you arrange one.
2. Getting the house ready.
Cleanouts, small repairs, cleaning, lock changes. I can help you find and coordinate local vendors so you don't have to manage it all yourself.
3. Showings and marketing, handled with care.
Professional photos, a respectful listing and organized showings. I'll keep things simple and treat the home and your family's memories with respect.
4. Working with your lawyer and family.
I'll coordinate timing and paperwork with your lawyer and the personal representative. If family members live out of town, I'll send regular updates so everyone stays informed.
How It Usually Works in Alberta
Here's a plain-language overview. Your lawyer will guide the legal side.
1. Find the will.
Alberta doesn't have a will registry. Wills are often kept at home, in a safety deposit box, or with a lawyer.
2. Know who the personal representative is.
"Personal representative" is the legal term for the executor (named in the will) or the administrator (appointed by the court when there's no will, or the executor doesn't act).
3. Apply for a grant, if one is needed.
A grant of probate (with a will) or a grant of administration (no will) comes from the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. Your lawyer can tell you whether a grant is needed and help you apply.
4. Tell the people who need to know.
The application process includes giving notice to beneficiaries and others with an interest, and to the Public Trustee if a minor is a beneficiary.
5. Protect the home while it's empty.
Part of an executor's job is keeping estate property safe, including insurance, telling the insurer about the death, and looking after a vacant house.
6. Listing vs. selling.
Before the house can be sold, Alberta Land Titles generally needs the title moved into the personal representative's name ("transmission"). That needs the court grant. Ask your lawyer before listing or signing anything.
7. A few special situations.
A surviving spouse or adult interdependent partner who isn't on title may have the right to stay in the family home for 90 days after the death. If a minor has an interest in the estate, the Public Trustee must consent to the land transfer. Your lawyer will check both.
8. Title transfer at closing.
Once there's a buyer, the lawyers handle the transfer through Land Titles.
Please Check With Your Lawyer
- Before you sign a listing agreement or accept an offer, especially if the grant hasn't been issued yet
- If there's no will, or the will is unclear
- If beneficiaries disagree about the house
- If a spouse, partner or minor has an interest in the home
- If there are questions about the title, mortgages or who owns the property
- About taxes, debts or what the estate owes
I'm happy to work alongside your lawyer at every step.
Let's Talk, Whenever You're Ready
There's no rush and no obligation. Book a quiet call or send a note, and we'll talk through where things stand.
Book a 30-Min CallCall (587) 334-5800Prefer to call? (587) 334-5800
DK SHITTU, REALTOR® | LPT Realty | Serving Edmonton and the Greater Edmonton Area
This page is general information only and isn't legal advice. Every estate is different, so please talk to your lawyer about your situation.