# Selling a House in Probate in Kern County

**You can sell a house in probate in Kern County once the court has appointed the executor or administrator and issued letters. With full authority, the sale can go ahead after heirs get at least 15 days' notice and nobody objects; otherwise the court has to confirm it. Probate cases for homes anywhere in Kern County are handled by the Kern County Superior Court's probate division at the Juvenile Justice Center, 2100 College Ave in Bakersfield, where probate moved in 2022.**

Where probate is handled for Kern County
Probate cases for homes anywhere in Kern County are handled by the Kern County Superior Court’s probate division at the Juvenile Justice Center, 2100 College Ave in Bakersfield, where probate moved in 2022.
Probate in plain English, for heirs and executors

Someone has to be appointed. If there was a will, the executor it names asks the court to be appointed, and should act within 30 days of learning of the death. If there was no will, the court appoints an administrator, usually a spouse, partner or close relative.
Nobody can sell until “letters” issue. The court’s letters are what give the executor or administrator power to act for the estate, including selling the house.
Full or limited authority. With full authority under California’s Independent Administration of Estates Act, the executor can sell the house without a court hearing, after sending heirs a Notice of Proposed Action at least 15 days ahead. Any heir can object in writing, and then the sale goes to court. With limited authority, the court has to confirm the sale before title passes.
Creditors get a window. Creditors generally have four months after letters issue (or 60 days after notice, if later) to file claims.
It takes a while. California’s courts say the whole process typically takes 9 to 18 months, sometimes longer.

When you may not need full probate

For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, estates worth $208,850 or less may be handled with a small-estate affidavit.
A primary home worth up to $750,000 can pass to the heirs through a simpler court petition.
Property going to a surviving spouse usually doesn’t need probate; the spouse can ask the court for a spousal property order.

Property taxes if you keep the house
Under Proposition 19, a child who inherits a parent’s home and moves in as their own main home can keep part of the parent’s lower property tax base. If no one moves in, for example if it’s sold or rented out, the house is generally reassessed. The forms have deadlines (within one year for the homeowners’ exemption, within three years for the exclusion), so ask the county assessor early.
This page is general information about California probate, not legal advice. Dollar limits and deadlines change; the court or a California probate attorney can tell you what applies to your estate.

## Common worries in this situation

- You're the executor or administrator and need to sell
- The court hasn't confirmed anything yet and bills keep coming
- The heirs want their share without fixing up the house
- You don't live nearby

## How Equity ResQ helps

We buy inherited houses as-is, with the belongings still inside if that’s easier. We can make an offer while the estate is still in probate and close when the court allows, and we work with the executor or administrator, every heir, and the title company so the proceeds go where they should.

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Equity ResQ buys houses for cash in any condition. Get a no-obligation cash offer: (661) 466-4777 | info@equityresq.com | https://equityresq.com/contact/

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