Resources for Inherited Homes, Estates & Complicated Sales
Official Arizona and Maricopa County links, plain-English guides, and checklists for hiring help. Bookmark it, share it with your siblings, and call when you'd rather just talk it through.
Start Here
Inherited a home in Arizona?
First steps, plus probate vs. trust vs. small-estate affidavit.
Cleanouts, estate sales & what to fix
The order that usually works, and what's worth fixing before a sale.
Selling as-is or in a tough spot
Side-by-side options, plus free foreclosure-help resources.
Official Arizona & Maricopa County Links
These are the real sources. They're free to use, and none of them are affiliated with me.
Courts & probate forms
Maricopa County Superior Court: Probate for a Decedent's Estate (resource guide)
Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center (statewide forms and guides)
Property records & taxes
Maricopa County Recorder: deeds, beneficiary deeds, recorded documents
Maricopa County Assessor: parcel info and full cash value (used for the small-estate affidavit)
Finding an attorney
Checking licenses
Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE): look up a real estate agent or brokerage license
Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): check a contractor's license and complaints
Mortgage trouble (free help)
Fees and phone numbers are as listed by each agency on October 22, 2026. Check their sites for the latest.
For general educational purposes only, not legal advice. Nathan Wente is an attorney with Wente Law. Talk with a licensed Arizona attorney about your situation.
Local Professionals: What to Ask Before You Hire
I don't publish a vendor list, and I don't receive referral fees from service providers. The right pick depends on the house, the budget, and the timeline. Ask me and I'll share names I'm comfortable recommending for your situation. You choose and contract with them directly. Whoever you hire, these questions help.
Estate-sale companies
How do you charge (commission percentage, minimums, fees for leftover items)? · Do you also buy contents outright or offer cleanout after the sale? · Are you insured? · How do you price items and handle valuables? · When and how do we get paid, with an itemized settlement? · Can I see a recent sale you ran? · What happens to anything that doesn't sell?
Junk removal & cleanout crews
Is the quote based on volume, weight, or time, and is it in writing? · What do you donate or recycle versus landfill? · Are you insured for work inside the home? · Can you handle hazardous items like paint, chemicals, or old appliances? · Can you work with an out-of-state owner who isn't on site?
Contractors & handymen
Are you licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (I'll verify at roc.az.gov)? · Is the bid written and itemized? · Who pulls permits if they're needed? · What's the deposit and payment schedule? · What warranty do you give on the work? · Can you send photos when you're done?
Cleaners
Is a move-out or deep clean priced flat or hourly? · What's included (appliances, windows, garage)? · Are you insured? · Can you work around an estate-sale or cleanout schedule?
Landscaping & pool
One-time cleanup or recurring? · Will you haul green waste? · Can you do a pool green-to-clean? · Is the price written?
Probate & estate attorneys
Do you focus on Arizona probate and trust administration? · Flat fee or hourly? · Will you represent the personal representative or trustee? · How do you coordinate with the real estate side? · Look up any lawyer in the State Bar member directory.
CPAs & tax professionals
Do you handle estate and trust returns? · Can you explain the tax side of selling an inherited home (I'm not a tax professional and won't guess)?
Mobile notaries & title
For out-of-state heirs: ask the title company early how they handle remote signing.
My part is the real estate. These pros handle the rest, and you hire them directly.
Ask Landon for a recommendation
Inclusion of a category here isn't an endorsement of any business. Always verify licenses and insurance yourself.
FAQs
What's the difference between probate and a trust sale?
Probate is court-supervised. The court appoints a personal representative who can usually sell the house (A.R.S. § 14-3715). In a trust sale, the successor trustee usually acts without court involvement under the trust and Arizona's trust code (A.R.S. § 14-10816). Full explanation on the inherited property page.
Can I skip probate if the house is small?
Maybe. If the Arizona real estate is worth $300,000 or less after liens, it's been at least six months since the death, and other conditions are met, heirs may be able to use the small-estate affidavit for real property (A.R.S. § 14-3971(E)). The court's self-help center has the forms.
How do I find out how the house was titled?
Look up the parcel at the Maricopa County Assessor, then search the owner's name at the Recorder for the latest deed or any beneficiary deed. Or send me the address and I'll help.
Is there a free way to get legal help?
The Maricopa County Bar's referral service has a $50 fee for a 30-minute consultation, per its website. For mortgage trouble specifically, HUD-approved housing counselors are free.
Do you charge for valuations or advice?
No. Conversations and valuations are free, with no obligation.
What areas do you cover?
Greater Phoenix, with lots of work in Goodyear, Buckeye, Surprise, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Waddell, and Phoenix.
Still Have Questions? That's What I'm Here For.
Call 623-462-1146 · Text Landon · Send a note
Real estate guidance, not legal or tax advice. Links to outside sites are for convenience. I'm not responsible for their content.