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Estate Sales - Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill
Scroll to the bottom for the current list of homes for sale in the Triangle that are estate sales. For some great tips on purchasing estate sales in North Carolina read on!
When you hear the term “estate sale,” do you think heirlooms, yard tools, and old china? You’re not alone if that’s your first thought but if you’re in the real estate market, the term also means that a house is for sale - and it may be a smart choice for you! A home that is being sold as an ‘estate sale’ is a home that is part of an estate; it may have debts against it that can only be satisfied through the sale of the house.
Usually, it is being sold either by an executor of the estate (if the homeowner had a will) or a local probate court (if there was no will). There are rules and regulations on who can sell - and when - that make this sort of real estate transaction outside the normal process of buying a house. [Note: For estate planning purposes, you want to make sure that you leave very specific instructions in your will about the disposition of a home.]
There are pros and cons to this type of sale and understanding those is the best bet for savvy home buyers. Here are some factors to consider.
1. Patience is needed to complete this type of sale.
The process varies and can be anywhere between one and twelve months to assume ownership with these homes. You will either be dealing with the executor of an estate (if a will was left) or someone appointed by a probate court to oversee the process.
An executor may also be an heir and if so, they may be grieving through the process and not able to make quick decisions. If there are multiple executors/heirs, they may not all be on the same page in terms of the disposition of the property or the price. They may not all be easily reachable either; in some cases, the court will appoint someone to serve the interests of heirs that are not able to be contacted.
Depending on how much is owed to creditors and who those creditors are (IRS, for example) can also lengthen the time for the house to be available to buy.
If there is no will, and a court becomes the decision-maker, there will be a process in place that includes how the court will accept bids, counter-bids, and closing times. All these steps can cause additional time to finalize a sale. It might be necessary to hire a real estate attorney to walk you through potential complications in these sales.
2. Expect to buy “as-is.”
These properties are usually sold “as-is.” That doesn’t mean that the executor or court can keep anything “bad” from you that they discover or know about, but it does mean that there could very well be issues that are not readily apparent. If the previous owner is deceased and the heirs have no first-hand knowledge of the property, there may be deferred maintenance issues that are not easily seen.
So, although in most real estate transactions, serious home inspection issues are reason enough for a buyer to pull out of a sale, that’s often not the case here. You will be expected to take the house no matter what.
3. Pricing
What makes these houses most attractive is that they are often listed at a low price, sometimes considerably lower than market value. The executor of an estate is often motivated to sell the property and be done. There is also less competition for these houses as unlike short sales and foreclosures, many home buyers aren’t even aware of these types of sales.
For property going through probate court, you will be expected to put down 10% with your bid. This deposit is most likely not refundable unless 1) you are outbid on the property, or 2) the probate court rejects your offer for another reason. Also, your closing may be delayed by a few days at the last minute as you wait for court approval.
4. Expect to renovate!
Here are some pluses to the estate sale path.
They can be great purchases for a home buyer to renovate and have some built-in equity. Many estate sales won't go quite as crazy in bidding wars, so you can also get them for a more reasonable price - sometimes significantly so - than a home that has already been fixed up.
Now, it’s true that you may have to live through a renovation. Fortunately, working with a local realtor (such as me!) means you have someone to provide contractor recommendations to make that process a little easier.
And if you’re interested in flipping a house, you’re already expecting to have to go in and renovate, so these types of homes can have great appeal.
4. Financing
If a court is involved, you may be expected to show proof that you can purchase without any contingencies. However, it is usually possible to close an estate sale with a normal conventional loan.
It may also be possible to borrow against a current home’s equity and get a loan for an estate sale, similar to the way people leverage equity in a primary residence to buy a second home.
Your lender will probably require that the home appraise for the full value of your offer, and you would have to make up the difference to proceed with the closing.
If you’re interested in finding one of these homes, don’t be surprised if searching for “estate sale” brings you nothing but links to sales for the “contents” of the houses. Try “probate sales” or “inherited property sales” if you want to search on your own, but the easiest way is to let us do the work for you! Below are all the current listings for estate sale homes in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Estates Sales in Raleigh, Durham, and the Surrounding Areas
Meander through the country roads and arrive at this 12.9 acres in an awesome location with small creek on Roy Rogers Road. Come live your dream in rural Person County! N...
- 2468780 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
2Bd 1Ba home on 4+ acres! Great location, convenient to US 64 and US 421. This property gives you country living AND close proximity to downtown Siler City to make runnin...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2470689 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This rustic style home has amazing potential. 4 good sized bedrooms along the vaulted main entrance hallway. Large family room with dining area. Lots of space with a grea...
- 4 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2469240 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Spacious .40 acres flat lot in quiet neighborhood near North Durham. Convenient to Duke and I-85. City water and sewer are available nearby.
- 2458407 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This property is located in the West Southern Pines community which is close to downtown and an area experiencing tremendous growth and development. There are many new co...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2474083 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Back on market and reduced! Quiet, private home in the country on 2 plus acre lot. Beautiful drive to 3 bedroom 2 bath home with wood floors, large eat-in kitchen. Owne...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2443539 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Verbally Under Contract/No showings, awaiting IRS approval. Multiple offers, Brick front ranch in quiet subdivision. Large level lot. 3 Bedrooms, 2 baths. Large open fami...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2471634 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
11.33+- AcresMini Farm! 577' road front, some cleared and some wooded, also 2.6 +-Acres pond at back of land that is part of much larger pond owned by adjoining land owne...
- 2448073 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Imagine the possibilities on this flat, nearly quarter-acre lot only one mile from North Carolina Central University! This charming neighborhood has no HOA and provides e...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2475975 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful wooded acres with limitless potential for building. Don't miss the opportunity to build on 19.92 acres.
- 2441975 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Make this one yours! Great location convenient to 421 By Pass and US 1 for points North or South. Home features 3 bed's, 2 bath's, utility room, living room, large kitche...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2475543 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
All Acceptable Offers are subject to 10 Day Upset Court Bid. Addendum to be uploaded in Docs soon.
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2470064 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
INVESTOR ALERT! THIS CHARMING HOME ON A FANTASTIC LARGE, FENCED IN CUL-DE-SAC LOT CONVENIENT TO ALL THINGS GARNER! HUGE DETACHED SPACE COMPLETE WITH IT'S OWN HALF BATH WI...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2474536 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful Brick Ranch in great location close to everything. Close proximity to Parker Peace pool and Henderson Country Club. Original Hardwood floors! New carpet in Fam...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2468332 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
THIS GREAT LOCATION in North Durham will be perfect for your next venture! This is 4 parcels including 5802, 5808 and 5814 N Roxboro and 115 Smith Drive -the vacant lot o...
- 2415835 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Seller now offering up to 5k towards interest rate buy down (points) for buyer. Move in ready! 3 bedroom ranch home has recently been painted, along with new carpets, and...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2474291 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Gentle sloping lot with great views and 6-7 feet of water at the end of where a dock would be. 4 Br Perk. Off of Kelly Brewer Road close to the Lake Authority Park and Hy...
- 2459681 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
INVESTOR ALERT! Fully rented through summer 2023! Super clean and calling for a new landlord...4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. This unit sits nicely in the community and allo...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2476895 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Looking for a private lot but still want to be close to the city? Come see this cozy ranch home with red metal roof on 2+ acres within walking distance to Falls Lake, ann...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2476779 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great investment opportunity! All brick with deck and detached storage. Can purchase as individual unit or as a package with 407 Thyme Place. HVAC new in 2017.Water ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2476944 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Great investment opportunity! All brick with deck and detached storage. Can purchase as individual unit or as package with 405 Thyme Place. HVAC new in 2017. Enginee...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2476948 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Property located on 4.19 acres. No subdivision. Spacious 3-bedroom 2 bath home in the country. This home has an open floor plan, walk in closet in primary bathroom, garde...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2465173 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This home needs some TLC to bring it back to it's full beauty. Some renovations have been started. Enter from side door to left. Spackling has been done in several room...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2461557 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Easy one-story living in this adorable 3 bed/2 bath home rich with natural light and plenty of storage space! The open living area leads to a bright eat-in kitchen. Large...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2474467 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great lot at the end of a cul-da-sac for custom build! No HOA!!
- 2475409 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful Single Story Brick Home with Full Basement & Bonus Room. This home is just 2 minutes from the highway & downtown. It rests on an acre lot and boasts a new roof,...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2476489 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
THIS IS IT !! You can have your very own spacious home near beautiful Kerr Lake. This three bedroom , three bath home offers a covered porch and fresh paint. Large lev...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2448113 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Wonderful, one level 4-sided brick home, located in the Elon-Western School District and just a few minutes to Elon University. You can walk to the Olde Forest Racquet Cl...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2476234 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Country home minutes from Research Triangle Park (RTP), Downtown Durham, Raleigh, Brier Creek and RDU and 885. This home has tons of potential with a detached garage and...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2460284 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great opportunity. Prefect investment for Multifamily. Duplex. Parking lot. Park and ride.
- 2428001 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
One of a kind property, total of 69 acres; almost 64 acres is protected woodlands & Aycock Creek wetlands, 5+ acres is a buildable envelope. Live surrounded by conservati...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2468216 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Price Improvement! Beautiful 3.9 acres w/3Bed,2/Bath BricK Ranch tucked away in Up & Coming Zebulon!No HOA! No Restrictions!Large Brick Outbuilding!Mature Trees, Azaleas,...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2469185 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Over 6.6 Wooded Acres - Beautiful Rolling Lot in Wake Forest Near Falls Lake. Bring Your Builder! Convenient to Major Shopping, Dining, and More. Real Estate Agent is Pa...
- 2470528 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Fill me up Buttercup! This adorable ranch with garage (and walk in crawl space) is located in one of Cary's most convenient neighborhoods (within walking distance of groc...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2472861 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
25.18+- Acres . 15+- Acres cleared, +- Acres woods 2.7+- acre portion of Large Pond frontage . 1,500' +- road front ,corner Bethel Baptist and Hayes Rd. County water avai...
- 2446272 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
End unit ranch townhouse in North Raleigh with the rare find of having all the bedrooms on the first! Kitchen has been newly designed with new quartz counter tops, tile ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2473487 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This 1872sqft home has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and is being sold as is. Enjoy this corner lot on .45 acres of land. It has newer HVAC unit, gutter guard, solar panels (PAID ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2467049 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
FOUR bedroom home with owner's suite down. Formal dining room and breakfast area. Kitchen has ISLAND, pantry and solid surface counter tops. Living room has VAULTED ceili...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2472766 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Open floor plan, Spacious master bedroom with two walk in closets, garden tub and shower. Bay window in the kitchen looking over beautiful fenced in back yard with brick ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2474246 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Updated and move-in ready 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom duplex near Downtown Clayton! Perfect for an investment opportunity or could potentially be used as in-law suite. Fresh pa...
- 2476473 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
High ground in Chatham, excellent building site on the plateau, moderate hike uphill to potential home site. By county zoning rules the land may be diviided into 2 fives....
- 2447980 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
***SELLER IS OFFERING $8000 TOWARDS UPGRADES*** Don't miss this well-built home in sought after Hampton Ridge subdivision! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, large fami...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2459666 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Coming Soon! Showings expected to begin 10/6. LOCATION! LOCATION! 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Traditional 2 Story in a central Raleigh neighborhood! Great opportunity to make this...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2473119 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
5 ACRES on HYCO! No HOA and off a state-maintained road! A rare find! Amazing views! Easy walk to the lake, Good Water, and a double slip boat house! A tiny home with 2 b...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2458962 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
ALL BRICK 4 BEDROOM HOME. UNFINISHED AREAS IN LOWER LEVEL. NO RUNNING WATER. NEEDS RENOVATIONS. SOLD AS IS WHERE IS. ESTATE. WELL BUILT HOME. 2017 HVAC. NICE LOT. ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2464854 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Hard to Find Renovated all Brick Ranch , Updated Kitchen with Granite Counter Tops and Center Island Remodeled Bathrooms and all this with an Open Floor Plan. Three Seas...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2472284 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL! So much space in this amazing 4 BDR/3 BA Cottage in desirable Longleaf in Flowers Plantation. This wide open RANCH floorplan w/2591sf has 3 BDRs on...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2471272 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
3 acres and a lot of space! Gorgeous hardwood flooring when you walk in! Large kitchen with tons of cabinets and a huge island for entertaining! Wonderful primary suite w...
- 3 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2476270 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Custom built ranch with a ton of character including both an all-season sun room and a screened in porch with scenic nature views located in a quiet cul-de-sac. This char...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2462815 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
OPPORTUNITY! BRING YOUR DREAMS! Fabulous location to major roads, shopping and hospitals! Foyer, living room with masonry fireplace, separate dinning room, eat-in-kitche...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2474746 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Old world charm with modern touches, This country craftsman is the best of both worlds! Freshly updated with new Granite Counter Tops, Lighting and Paint throughout! Ov...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2476223 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Custom Built ALL BRICK RANCH in Clayton MOVE IN ready with over a half acre of level yard with backyard already fenced in! This home is one owner and well cared for! Jus...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2471517 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Prime location. This charming old home place is ready for new owners. A Unique property with 2.4 acres. Ready to be renovated, or new ones built on this desirable locat...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2475128 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Agricultural and wooded land for sale in Roseboro, North Carolina. Approximately 88.67 acres. Close to Fayetteville. Just over an hour from Raleigh. Road Frontage on two ...
- 2465008 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Wonderful midtown home on huge lot (.35 of an acre!), lots of potential, great location, beautiful street, minutes from North Hills/shops/dining/I440! Don't miss this opp...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2470616 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Check out this unique property! Beautiful, custom-built home is 3 beds, 2 baths, and sits next to a charming pond. Just off Benvenue Road, this rustic property is located...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2473133 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Low Country, Rocking chair front porch or sit on balcony overlooking 2 acres of privacy - BR on main floor can also serve as an office - Lge Island in Kitchen w/sep.room ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2473895 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to beautiful Lochmere where you will enjoy neighborhood pool, tennis & more! 4 bedroom home. This traditional floor plan is bright and cheery, perfect for gatheri...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2467211 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
I'm gorgeous inside! Don't miss the opportunity to own this corner lot home in a prime location. Versatile floor plan with first floor bedroom & full bath, formal areas...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2438415 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Live on one of the most sought after streets ITB in the Forest Hills/University Park area. Walk to the Village District! The Raleigh Little Theater, Rose Garden and 3 o...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2459119 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
NEW LOOK – GREAT HOME – FANTASTIC PRICE! Don’t miss this “Charleston” style home located in Cary’s desirable Carpenter Village. One owner home with updated granite kitch...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2446145 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Former Parade of Homes Stunner! Gorgeous Brick Ranch Home w Welcoming Front Porch - Inside You'll Find Soaring Ceilings, Exposed Beams, Gleaming Hardwoods, & Extensive Tr...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2464324 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Close to North Hills ranch on massive .60 acre corner cul de sac lot is ready for your personal touches! Many updates have been completed in this well maintained home. Ki...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2471759 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome home to Falls River! You'll LOVE this spacious home with room for everyone in private culdesac location! Bring your rocking chairs to enjoy the neighborhood view...
- 6 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2476612 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
120+/- Secluded acres in nature's paradise via an easement from Old Allensville road. This beautiful property comes with a one of a kind log cabin that needs to be loved...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2475054 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
One of a kind property in highly sought after Rolesville subdivision. This property has everything and more. Large, open main living perfect for entertaining. 1st floor g...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2475680 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful Home less than 20 minutes from the Triangle Area. Based off an original design by architect Avriel Shull. This home is full of custom details making it one of a...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2475586 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great opportunity! 63 acres of beautiful land located in the eastern half of NC, midway between NY & Fl. This puts businesses within a two day truck drive of more than 2...
- 2389294 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
GREAT location on 501 in Person County! Appx. 34 acres! See pictures for approximate property lines. Partial cleared, partial hardwoods. Currently has tower with lease in...
- 2468352 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Reduced! Awesome One Story Home w/Views of Moores Pond… Plus can be a 2 Family Home! A Rare find!. Don’t miss out on this… Hard to fine home which offers an In-law suite ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2452333 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY! Charming 1900s farmhouse on 40+ ACRES in southern Alamance County. Rolling pastures, pond, grain bin, old milk parlor, shed. LARGE BARN w/ multiple st...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2456776 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Unique opportunity to purchase a one-owner, incredibly well maintained home with heart in dream Coley Forest location! This traditional brick beauty sits on a flat, priva...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2475557 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Showings start 7/5. Lovingly maintained single-owner Brick home on ~1.93 acre lot. Big windows allow natural light to stream through. Elegant features in the trim, wood b...
- 3 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2459914 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Enter the gated community of an idyllic Tuscan countryside. Cross the threshold into an Italian masterpiece featuring a long-lasting, Mediterranean-styled, tile roof & ru...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2450143 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This Country Estate has it all... 14.9 Acres, 4149 sq feet, 3 Car Garage and multiple barns/utility buildings! This Custom Built, all-brick home lives LARGE on ONE level ...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2471685 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Circa 1905 Farmhouse and an Immaculate 1993 Guest Home on 48 Beautiful Acres in Nature's Paradise is Charlie's Treasure! Step back in time, enjoy elegant country charm at...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2473422 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Enjoy the space in this 3 level Mediterranean style home that features Spanish tile throughout the main living area, Grand foyer, 1st floor primary bedroom, high ceilings...
- 6 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2450133 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
7.2 acres in North Raleigh! Beautiful land with pond that is home a koi fish. Home and pool on property is sold as-is. Land can be divided into 3 lots per restrictive c...
- 2444314 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
7.2 acres in North Raleigh! Beautiful land with pond that is home a koi fish. Home on property is sold as-is at no value. Land can be divided into 3 lots per restrictive ...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2444315 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful 50 acre parcel. Prime for development, this parcel with over 2700 feet of road frontage could be a large commercial out parcel or maybe even apartments. City of...
- 2446087 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
DEVELOPERS!!! PRIME LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT. ROAD FRONDAGE, WATER, SEWER AVAILABLE. ZONED I-100
- 2407450 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
STUNNING BRICK ESTATE ON 8.5 ACRES, 2 OWNERS SUITES/INLAW SUITE w/PRIVATE ENTRANCE, 3 CAR GARAGE+SEPARATE 2 CAR PARKING STRUCTURE & SEPARATE STORAGE BUILDING IN HEART OF ...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2472795 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Exceptional Land Opportunity in Butner NC! This 157 acre opportunity sits just moments from downtown Durham North Carolina. With easy access to I-85 and Research Triangle...
- 2436288 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Huge Estate! Enjoy the unique, quiet and privacy this estate farm setting has to offer! This huge 75.58-acre farm estate is located inside the city limits of Clinton wi...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2465781 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2022 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .