Probate Specialist & Real Estate Salesperson Sandra McCarty

Probate Specialist & Real Estate Salesperson Sandra McCarty We facilitate the best possible real estate deal. We value relationships over transactions. To eliminate the stress from your home buying.

My Promise To You
Home Buying: To find the right home for you at the best possible price. Home Selling: To sell your house for the shortest possible time for the best possible price. I will get your home on the market in no time and get exposure to thousands of potential buyers.

09/17/2026

PROBATE MYTHBUSTER #11

MYTH:
“If an estate qualifies as a small estate, the family can use that process to sell the inherited house.”

FACT:
Not necessarily.

New York's Voluntary Administration (Small Estate) process is generally designed for qualifying personal property valued at $50,000 or less. It does not provide authority to administer or transfer real property such as a house, land, or condominium.

So if an inherited home is involved, don't assume that the "small estate" process automatically covers the property.

Understanding how the property was owned, whether there was a Will, and what type of estate proceeding applies is important before making decisions about an inherited property.

Inherited a home in New York? Understanding the process can help you know what questions to ask. Have questions about a probate property? Let’s talk.

I’m always here as a resource. Have questions? I have answers. Do put your questions in the comment section below or call me at (516) 300-2427.

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09/09/2026

PROBATE MYTHBUSTER

MYTH:
“If the deceased person gave me permission to use their bank account, I can keep using it after they die.”

FACT:
Not necessarily.

Being given permission to use someone's bank account while they were alive does not automatically mean you have the right to continue accessing or using the account after their death.

What happens to the account depends on factors such as how the account was established, who is legally authorized to act on it, and the applicable estate laws.

Important: Don't assume that having a debit card, PIN, online access, or prior permission means you can continue using the account after someone passes away.

When in doubt, get legal guidance before making transactions.
Have you heard this probate myth before? Have questions about a probate property? Let’s talk.

Are you navigating probate or inherited property in New York? I’m always here as a resource. Have questions? I have answers. Do put your questions in the comment section below or call me at (516) 300-2427.

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PROBATE MYTHBUSTERMYTH: “If all the heirs agree, they can skip probate.”FACT: Even when everyone in the family agrees on...
09/03/2026

PROBATE MYTHBUSTER

MYTH: “If all the heirs agree, they can skip probate.”

FACT: Even when everyone in the family agrees on what should happen to an estate, probate may still be required.

Probate requirements depend on factors such as how the property was owned, whether there was a will, beneficiary designations, and state law. Simply having everyone agree does not automatically eliminate the legal process.

If a loved one has passed away and real estate is involved, understanding the proper steps can help prevent costly delays and mistakes.

Have questions about a probate property? Let’s talk.

Are you navigating probate or inherited property in New York? I’m always here as a resource. Have questions? I have answers. Do put your questions in the comment section below or call me at (516) 300-2427.

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08/28/2026

Dealing with a property as part of an estate? Don’t leave its value to guesswork.

When a property is involved in probate, having a professional appraisal can provide an independent opinion of its fair market value.

An appraisal can help with:
a. Establishing the property's value for the estate
b. Supporting the probate/court process
c. Properly documenting estate assets
d. Helping beneficiaries make informed decisions
e. Ensuring property is fairly accounted for and distributed

Whether you're an executor, attorney, beneficiary, or family member, knowing the true value of the property is an important step.

In this video, I explain the importance of an appraisal. If you would like to know more about the appraisal process, feel free to check out my latest blog post at: https://www.realestatehsci.com/why-a-professional-property-appraisal-matters-when-a-home-is-part-of-an-estate/

Have questions about selling an estate property? Let's talk. Call me at (516) 300-2427.


PROBATE MYTHBUSTER #57: TRUE OR FALSE?Once the inherited property is sold, the probate process is over.FALSE! Selling t...
08/26/2026

PROBATE MYTHBUSTER #57: TRUE OR FALSE?

Once the inherited property is sold, the probate process is over.

FALSE!

Selling the property may be an important step in settling an estate, but it doesn't necessarily mean the entire estate has been settled.

There may still be other matters to address, such as:
1. Paying valid estate expenses and debts
2. Accounting for estate assets
3. Handling remaining property or financial accounts
4. Distributing assets to beneficiaries
5. Completing other required steps before the estate can be closed

Every estate is different, and the sale of the home is only one piece of the puzzle.

The takeaway: Don't assume that closing on the house means you're finished with probate.

If you're an executor or dealing with an inherited property in New York, having the right professionals in your corner can help you understand what needs to happen next.

Did you think selling the house meant probate was over? Let me know in the comments! Are you navigating probate or inherited property in New York? I’m always here as a resource. Have questions? I have answers. Do put your questions in the comment section below or call me at (516) 300-2427.

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08/21/2026

Selling a property that's part of an estate?

When a loved one passes away, settling the estate can involve much more than transferring ownership of the property.

Outstanding debts, liens and other obligations may need to be addressed before an estate property can successfully move toward closing.

If you're an administrator, executor or family member handling an estate, it's important to understand what may need to be resolved before putting the property on the market.

In this video, I explain an important consideration when selling an estate property.

Have questions about selling an estate property? Let's talk.

MYTH: “If someone dies with a mortgage, the bank automatically gets the house.”FACT: Not necessarily!The death of a hom...
08/19/2026

MYTH: “If someone dies with a mortgage, the bank automatically gets the house.”
FACT: Not necessarily!

The death of a homeowner does not automatically transfer ownership of the property to the mortgage lender.

Depending on the circumstances, the estate or heirs may have options, which could include continuing the mortgage payments, refinancing, or selling the property.

The important thing is not to panic or make assumptions. Understanding the mortgage, the estate, and the property's legal status is an important first step.

If you've inherited a home in New York and aren't sure what to do next, getting the right guidance can help you understand your options.

Have you ever heard this myth before? Let me know in the comments!

Are you navigating probate or inherited property in New York? I’m always here as a resource. Have questions? I have answers. Do put your questions in the comment section below or call me at (516) 300-2427.

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08/14/2026

PROBATE REAL ESTATE TIP: Asset Preservation Isn't Just About the House

When a property becomes part of an estate, protecting that property while the estate is being handled is extremely important.

A vacant home can be vulnerable to maintenance issues, deterioration, unauthorized access—and potentially unauthorized occupants.

In New York, if someone moves into a property without permission and establishes occupancy, removing them may not be as simple as changing the locks. New York Courts note that when someone has lived in a home for at least 30 days, an owner generally cannot simply lock them out without going through the appropriate legal process.

As demonstrated in this video, that is one reason regular property checks and asset preservation are so important, particularly when an inherited property is vacant.

As a Probate Estate Specialist, I help my clients think proactively about the property while the estate is being handled—including its condition, security, maintenance, and eventual sale. Want to learn more? Please visit my latest blog here: https://www.realestatehsci.com/asset-preservation-matters-protecting-an-inherited-property-during-probate/

The Helpful Agent Tip:
Don't wait until you're ready to list an inherited property to start protecting it.

Protect the asset. Preserve its value. Plan ahead.

MYTH: "The cheapest way to sell an inherited home is always the best way."FACT: Not necessarily.When selling an inherite...
08/13/2026

MYTH: "The cheapest way to sell an inherited home is always the best way."
FACT: Not necessarily.

When selling an inherited property, the goal shouldn't simply be to spend as little as possible. What matters is the overall financial outcome for the estate.

For example, skipping necessary repairs or professional marketing might save money upfront—but could potentially affect the property's appeal, sale price, or time on the market.

On the other hand, spending thousands on renovations doesn't automatically mean you'll get that money back at closing.

The key is developing a smart, property-specific strategy.

Before spending money on an inherited property, consider:
1. What repairs are actually necessary?
2. Which improvements could potentially add value?
3. Is selling the property as-is a better option?
4. What will the estimated net proceeds be after expenses?
5. How does the current market affect the strategy?

The Helpful Agent Tip:
Don't focus only on what something costs. Look at what it could mean for the estate's bottom line.

Have you ever heard this myth before? Let me know in the comments!

Are you navigating probate or inherited property in New York? I’m always here as a resource. Have questions? I have answers. Do put your questions in the comment section below or call me at (516) 300-2427.

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11520

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