PROBATE & TRUST PROPERTY SPECIALIST   ·   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Probate Sale Renovation

From inherited property to a fresh start

Honor the legacy.
Reveal the home’s
potential.

When an estate property needs attention, you don’t have to manage every detail. Erik Kaiser helps coordinate the cleanout, repairs, renovation, and sale with a clear plan for the estate.

Discuss your property

Serving administrators, executors, and trustees across Orange County, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.

Binney Street exterior before renovation
Before
Binney Street exterior after renovation
After
Featured Binney Street project$760,000

Accepted offer after renovation

Erik Kaiser · RE/MAX TerraSolProbate & trust seller representationRenovation advances available*CA DRE #01111620

One property. One coordinated plan.

Less on your shoulders.
More care for the property.

An inherited home may need a little preparation or a larger update. The first step is understanding what makes sense before spending the estate’s money.

01 / ASSESS

Start with a practical plan.

Review the condition, likely buyers, and sale options. Compare an as-is approach with targeted improvements to decide where effort and funds belong.

  • Property condition review
  • Value consultation
  • Repair priorities
02 / PREPARE

Bring the home back to life.

Coordinate vendors and a defined scope, from removing unwanted items to refreshing the spaces buyers notice first.

  • Estate cleanout & cleaning
  • Painting, flooring & repairs
  • Landscape & curb appeal
03 / SELL

Present it with purpose.

Connect the preparation to a thoughtful sale strategy, with photography, marketing, buyer communication, and seller representation through escrow.

  • Property presentation
  • Pricing & offer negotiation
  • Escrow coordination

Featured property / Binney Street

One property.
The full transformation.

Explore the renovation video and before and after photographs of 14919 Binney Street in Hacienda Heights. Select a photo for a closer look.

Featured project / Renovation video

See the transformation in motion.

14919 Binney Street, Hacienda Heights · Before & after renovation

Illustration of a smiling older woman holding money and giving a thumbs up
Illustrative image

Living space

Binney Street · Living space · Before renovation
Before
Binney Street · Living space · After renovation
After

Bathroom

Binney Street · Bathroom · Before renovation
Before
Binney Street · Bathroom · After renovation
After

Additional property view 1

Binney Street · Additional property view 1 · Before renovation
Before
Binney Street · Additional property view 1 · After renovation
After

Additional property view 2

Binney Street · Additional property view 2 · Before renovation
Before
Binney Street · Additional property view 2 · After renovation
After

Review this property’s story, results, and itemized expenses below. More examples from other properties follow the renovation advance information.

Explore the Binney project results ↗

A closer look / Featured project

A local plan for
an out-of-state seller.

14919 Binney Street, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

The owner needed help selling a California probate property while living out of state. Erik coordinated the preparation locally, allowing the client to move forward from a distance.

The published project shows how renovation spending compared with the estimated as-is value and the accepted offer.

Painting & reglazingFlooring & carpetLightingLandscapingRepairs & cleaning

The project numbers

Estimated as-is value$525,000 to $550,000
Renovation investment$42,314
Accepted offer$760,000
Improvement over the upper as-is estimate,
after the reported renovation cost
$167,686

$760,000 − $550,000 − $42,314

Comparison uses the accepted offer, not verified closing proceeds. It excludes commissions, closing costs, carrying costs, and other expenses. This is a historical example; outcomes vary by property and market.

Featured Binney Street project / Expense detail

Where the renovation
investment went.

A closer look at the reported work and expenses for 14919 Binney Street. This historical project illustrates the scope of preparation; it is not a quote for another property.

Renovation expenses for 14919 Binney Street
Work and expense categoryAmount
Painting and reglazing$11,559
Electrical and lighting$2,469
Driveway$1,000
Flooring$10,158
Carpet$3,846
Garage door opener and remote controlOpener $670 · Remote control $47$717
Construction and contractor$4,500
Landscaping and trash removal$3,700
Carpet cleaning$225
Home Depot miscellaneous$1,099
Handyman services$2,400
Plumbing inspection$99
Maid and cleaning services$542
Total renovation investment$42,314

Renovation advance program

Prepare the property.
Defer the upfront spend.

For approved projects, Erik can advance agreed property preparation and renovation expenses, helping the estate move forward when cash is tied up in the home.

Ask about your property

*Availability, scope, and expenses require approval and a written agreement. Advances are reimbursable, with repayment at closing or upon termination or expiration as specified in that agreement. Review all terms before work begins.

Clear expectations from the start
01

Agree on the work.

Review the proposed scope, estimates, and responsibilities before authorizing the project.

02

Coordinate approved improvements.

Organize the vendors and keep the property preparation connected to the sale plan.

03

Reimburse under the agreement.

Account for approved advances and repay them according to the written terms.

Other properties / Renovation portfolio

Other properties.
More transformations.

Separate from the Binney Street project, explore nine comparisons from other properties in Protect the Estate’s portfolio. Before photos appear on the left and after photos on the right.

Renovation portfolio

Living and dining room

Renovation portfolio living and dining room before renovation
Before
Renovation portfolio living and dining room after renovation
After
Renovation portfolio

Dining area

Renovation portfolio dining area before renovation
Before
Renovation portfolio dining area after renovation
After
Renovation portfolio

Living room and fireplace

Renovation portfolio living room and fireplace before renovation
Before
Renovation portfolio living room and fireplace after renovation
After
Stanton renovation

Bedroom

Stanton renovation bedroom before renovation
Before
Stanton renovation bedroom after renovation
After
Stanton renovation

Covered patio

Stanton renovation covered patio before renovation
Before
Stanton renovation covered patio after renovation
After
San Diego renovation

Front exterior

San Diego renovation front exterior before renovation
Before
San Diego renovation front exterior after renovation
After
San Diego renovation

Backyard and rear exterior

San Diego renovation backyard and rear exterior before renovation
Before
San Diego renovation backyard and rear exterior after renovation
After
San Diego renovation

Living room

San Diego renovation living room before renovation
Before
San Diego renovation living room after renovation
After
San Diego renovation

Bathroom

San Diego renovation bathroom before renovation
Before
San Diego renovation bathroom after renovation
After

Actual photography from multiple past projects. These photos are separate from the Binney Street expense example. Each property has its own scope, budget, and results.

A clear path forward

From the first conversation
to the next chapter.

Local coordination matters when you have family responsibilities, live far away, or simply need a dependable point of contact.

01

Share the situation

Talk through the property, your role, the timeline, and the estate’s priorities.

02

Compare the options

Review selling as-is, targeted repairs, or a broader renovation with a proposed budget.

03

Prepare & present

Coordinate authorized work and bring the home to market with a deliberate presentation.

04

Negotiate & close

Review offers, work through the transaction, and coordinate the sale with escrow.

The right fit for the estate

Renovate or sell as-is?
Let the property guide the plan.

The goal is a sound decision for your circumstances. Compare the work, time, costs, and likely buyer response.

Path one

Sell in its current condition.

Explore an as-is sale when minimizing work and simplifying the process matter most.

  • Less preparation to coordinate
  • Review investor and other buyer offers
  • Consider the price relative to the property’s condition

Path two

Improve before going to market.

Explore renovation when a defined scope may improve presentation and broaden buyer interest.

  • Review repair estimates and an approved budget
  • Allow time for the work and market exposure
  • Compare the potential benefit after all costs

A property consultation can help you compare both approaches. Improvements should earn their place in the plan, with your approval before work begins.

Erik Kaiser, Realtor with RE/MAX TerraSol
Erik KaiserRE/MAX TerraSol
CA DRE #01111620

Your local point of contact

Experience with the property.
Care for the people.

Erik specializes in representing probate and trust property sellers in Southern California. His work brings property preparation, vendor coordination, pricing, and negotiation into a coordinated sale process.

Whether you are nearby or managing an estate from another state, you can start with a conversation about the home and what needs to happen next.

CRSGRIC.P.R.E.S.RENE
Explore Protect the Estate ↗

Client experiences

In their own words.

Five star Zillow review text shared on Protect the Estate. Read what clients say about preparation, communication, and the sale process.

★★★★★ 5 / 5

Selling my late mother's home, which was part of our family trust, was a process we knew would require someone with experience handling this type of sale. Fortunately, we found an agent who specializes in trust and estate sales, and he was an enormous help throughout the process. He was knowledgeable, diligent, and professional from beginning to end. He understood the additional details and complexities involved with a trust sale and guided us through everything with patience and attention to detail. Just as importantly, he had a great demeanor—calm, personable, and reassuring during what was an emotional time for our family. We truly appreciated his expertise and the way he handled the sale. He made a difficult process much easier for us, and we would highly recommend him to anyone needing an experienced and dependable agent for a trust or estate sale.

Harvey S.Sold a home in 2026.
★★★★★ 5 / 5

Selling with Erik at Remax / Protect the Estate was a fantastic journey from the beginning until the close of escrow. Erik is a true professional; he is trustworthy, has great communication, and always has his client’s best interest in mind when guiding them through the many decisions that selling a property entails. After our initial meeting, Erik prepared a structured and thorough report that evaluated my property and provided accurate insight as to what strengths and upside potential were present. He outlined a plan to complete improvements that would attain the highest selling price. Erik and his company, Protect the Estate, project managed the work in total. Erik received fair estimates from a team that he trusts and coordinated all pre-listing improvements. What is extremely valuable about Erik’s service is that he can provide $0 down financing if chosen as an option to complete the necessary improvements. With Erik, the seller can pay for repairs and improvements that raise the value of the property through the escrow process rather than out of pocket pre-listing. After the property was listed, we received multiple offers within 3 days. Within one week, we accepted an offer over asking price. Escrow closed on time and through the whole process, Erik’s representation of my interest as a seller was thoughtful, well-communicated, and left no questions unanswered. I’m 100% satisfied with Erik Kaiser at Remax / Protect the Estate and recommend his services.

David S.Sold a Multiple Occupancy home in 2026 in Belmont shore, Long beach, CA.September 14, 2026
★★★★★ 5 / 5

Erik Kaiser was outstanding in helping us get through a very complicated transaction in the sale of our house! He was very knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional! We could not have done this without his dedication and knowledge in Probate & Trust Real Estate! Erik was always available to answer our questions and concerns and always took the time to make sure we understood the process. Erik managed all the contractors and kept us updated on the process. His commitment was amazing, and he is an amazing person! Thank you, Erik!!

Sold a Single Family home in 2026 in Mira mesa, San Diego, CA.
★★★★★ 5 / 5

I've never had a more seamless, enjoyable experience buying or selling property anywhere and attribute this to Erik's expertise in all aspects of the sale, from local market conditions and competitive pricing, to presentation of the property and management of the sale from listing to closing. Erik is the utmost professional in the area of real estate, and that extends to the team of professionals he assembled to prepare our home for sale, energetically market it, and manage what was a complicated escrow. Within a week of listing, we had multiple offers over asking price, selected the most favorable one, and closed in 3 weeks. Throughout the process, Erik kept us updated on progress, gave helpful advice when needed, and responded quickly when we had questions. I couldn't be happier with our experience working with Erik and highly recommend him to anyone seeking to buy or sell a house in Southern California.

Sold a Single Family home in 2026 in Fountain valley, CA.
★★★★★ 5 / 5

BEST DECISION EVER! Erik Kaiser was referred to my family when we needed a realtor in the California area to sell my deceased cousin’s house. On a scale of 1 to 10, we give Erik a 15. The house was an absolute disaster to say the least. Our extended family resides outside the state of California so the house repair and selling journey was done without anyone on the premises besides Erik and his team of repair people. Erik suggested certain repairs which would enhance the selling outcome. Was he ever right – exceeding what we thought the house would sell for. Professional, experienced, well-connected, hands on helpful in all aspects and all-around nice guy! We highly recommend Erik Kaiser to assist with your real estate needs.

Sold a Single Family home in 2024 in La Puente, CA.
★★★★★ 5 / 5

Erik made a very difficult task so easy and worry free! He sold my sister's home which was neglected for many years by bringing superior knowledge and understanding of the area, as well as construction contacts and understanding of what the property needed to sell at the highest price. Erik is a jewel of a realtor.

Sold a home in 2024.

These are individual client experiences. Results, timelines, and project costs vary by property. Renovation advances are subject to the written program terms.

Before you begin

A few questions
you may have.

You don’t need to have every answer before reaching out. Start with the property and the situation.

Does every estate property need renovation?

No. Some homes are better suited to an as-is sale. Others may benefit from cleaning, selective repairs, or larger updates. The condition, budget, timing, and expected buyer interest should guide the decision.

Can you help if I live out of state?

Yes. Erik’s services include local property preparation and vendor coordination for sellers who are managing a California property from a distance. Discuss how approvals, updates, and access will be handled for your property.

How does the renovation advance work?

Approved expenses may be advanced under a written agreement. They are reimbursed according to that agreement, including its closing, termination, or expiration provisions. The scope and repayment terms should be understood before work begins.

Who approves repairs and the budget?

The authorized estate representative or trustee reviews and approves the work under the applicable written agreement. Changes to the scope or budget should be reviewed before additional work is authorized.

What should I have ready for our first conversation?

The property address, its current condition and occupancy, your role in the estate or trust, and your preferred timeline are a helpful starting point. If you have photos, repair estimates, or questions from your attorney, those can help frame the discussion.

Let’s make the next step manageable

Tell me about the home.
We’ll start there.

Discuss the property’s condition, compare your sale options, and ask whether a renovation advance could fit your situation.

Have an estate property to sell?Call Erik ↗