Sean Phillips, REALTOR® · Coldwell Banker Executives Realty · Vernon, BC · Text Sean: 236-599-5898
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Selling guide

Selling an estate home in BC

If you're an executor selling a family home, here's what to expect, in plain language, at a time when you have enough on your plate.

What is my home worth?

Updated October 2026

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Selling a family home as an executor is emotional and often happens while you're sorting out everything else. The steps below will help you plan, but talk to a lawyer or notary about the estate before you sign anything.

Probate comes first

In BC, the executor usually needs a grant of probate from the court before the home can be transferred to a buyer. Probate confirms the will and the executor's authority. Before applying, the executor must give 21 days' notice to beneficiaries and others entitled, and the process commonly takes a few months.

Can the home be listed before probate?

Before the grant, an executor may not yet have clear legal authority to sign a listing or a sale contract. The regulator, BCFSA, advises getting legal advice first. In practice, many estate homes are prepared, and sometimes listed, while probate is underway. Any accepted offer is then made subject to probate being granted by a set date. Your lawyer will tell you what's safe in your situation.

Probate fees in BC

Probate fees are based on the value of the estate in BC. There's no fee on the first $25,000. Then it's $6 per $1,000 from $25,000 to $50,000, and $14 per $1,000 (about 1.4%) above $50,000, plus a court filing fee. On an estate with an $800,000 home, that's roughly $10,650 plus the filing fee.

Preparing an estate home

Timelines

A typical path: probate application, home preparation and listing while the application is processed, an offer subject to probate, then completion once the grant arrives. Plan on several months from start to finish.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need probate to sell a house in BC?

Usually, yes. Transferring land out of an estate generally requires a grant of probate, unless the home was held in joint tenancy with a survivor.

How much are probate fees in BC?

About 1.4% of the estate's BC value over $50,000, less on the first $50,000, plus a filing fee.

Can an executor sell a house before probate in BC?

The sale can't complete until probate is granted. Some estates list and accept offers subject to probate, but get legal advice before signing, because the executor's authority may be limited until the grant.

Sources: People's Law School, probating a will; People's Law School, estate sales; BCFSA, estate sales. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Answered by Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker Executives Realty. Updated October 2026.

How long does it take to sell an estate home in BC?

Plan on several months to sell an estate home in BC, because the sale can't complete until probate is granted. The executor must give 21 days' notice to beneficiaries and others entitled before applying, and probate commonly takes a few months. A typical path is: probate application, home preparation and listing while it's processed, an offer subject to probate, then completion once the grant arrives. Talk to a lawyer or notary about the estate before signing anything.

Should I sell an estate home as is in BC?

Often, yes: estate homes in BC often sell "as is", priced to reflect their condition. Selling this way saves the estate the time and money that repairs would take. Deciding on repairs is one of the steps in preparing an estate home for sale.

What should I do with a vacant estate home before selling it in BC?

Secure and insure a vacant estate home in BC first, and tell the insurer it's vacant, since vacant homes often need different coverage. After that:

  • Keep utilities on and check the home regularly, especially in winter.
  • Sort belongings with family before listing.
  • Estate sale and clean-out companies can help clear the home.