If you’ve recently lost a loved one and you’re dealing with their estate, first — I’m truly sorry you’re going through that. Losing someone you love is so difficult. It’s happened to me twice in the last year. Dealing with the aftermath is tough because it’s a constant reminder that person is gone. I’ve worked with many families in this situation in Kenner and across the Greater New Orleans area, and I know firsthand how confusing and emotional the probate process can be.
One of the most common questions I hear is:
“Can I sell a house that’s still in succession?”
The short answer is yes, you can — but there are some important steps and rules to follow under Louisiana law.
I’m Carl from NOLA Buys Houses, and over the past 20+ years, I’ve helped hundreds of local homeowners and families navigate tough situations like this — including selling inherited homes and properties that are still in succession. In this article, I’ll explain what succession is, how it works in Louisiana, and how you can sell a house in succession quickly and legally — especially if you’re here in Kenner.
What Is Succession?
Succession, known in many states as probate, is the legal process that happens after someone passes away to settle their estate — which includes their property, debts, and assets.
If the deceased person (the “decedent”) owned a home in their name, that property becomes part of the estate. The court has to make sure everything is handled properly before it can be transferred or sold.
Here in Louisiana, probate is officially called “succession.” It’s how ownership of the property moves from the deceased person to their heirs or beneficiaries.
If the person had a will, the process is called a testate succession.
If there’s no will, it’s intestate succession, and the court decides who inherits according to Louisiana law.
Either way, until that process is complete, the house technically belongs to the estate — not the individual heirs.
Can You Sell a House Before Probate Is Complete?
This is where things get tricky.
You can sell a house that’s still in probate or succession, but there are certain legal steps you must take first.
Here’s how it usually works:
1. A representative is appointed.
The court will name an “executor” (if there’s a will) or an “administrator” (if there’s not) to handle the estate. That person has the legal authority to manage and sell property on behalf of the estate.
2. You’ll need court approval.
In most cases, the sale must be approved by the succession court before it can move forward. This ensures everything is handled fairly for all heirs and creditors.
3. The sale proceeds must go through the estate.
Once the home sells, the money doesn’t go directly to the heirs right away. It’s distributed after debts, taxes, and legal fees are paid.
So yes — you can sell the house during probate, but it must go through the proper legal channels.
Why Families in Kenner Often Choose to Sell During Probate
Many families I work with decide to sell their Kenner house in probate because the home needs too much work, the heirs live out of town, or the property is becoming a burden.
Here are some common situations I see:
· The house is vacant and deteriorating.
Vacant homes in Kenner can attract break-ins, vandalism, or code enforcement violations. Selling quickly helps avoid those issues.
· The estate can’t afford the upkeep.
Insurance, taxes, and utilities add up fast — especially when no one is living there.
· There are multiple heirs who don’t agree.
Sometimes, selling the property and splitting the proceeds is the easiest and fairest solution for everyone.
· The house needs major repairs.
Many inherited homes are older and haven’t been updated in years. Fixing them before selling can cost tens of thousands of dollars — money most families don’t want to spend.
That’s where NOLA Buys Houses comes in. I buy homes in any condition — including those still in probate — so families don’t have to worry about repairs, cleanouts, or waiting for court approval to finish before getting the process started.
How We Help Families Sell Probate Houses in Kenner
Here’s how the process usually works when I buy a probate property:
1. You reach out.
Give me a call at 504-264-1407 or fill out the form at nolabuyshouses.com. Tell me a little about the property and where you are in the probate process.
2. We review the details.
I’ll talk with you (or your attorney if needed) to understand what’s required for your specific situation. Every case is different depending on whether succession has been opened, if there’s a will, or how many heirs are involved.
3. You get a fair cash offer.
Once I know the property’s condition and situation, I’ll make you a fair, all-cash offer — usually within 24 hours. No repairs, no cleaning, and no agent commissions.
4. We work with your attorney or title company.
I’m experienced in buying probate properties, so I coordinate directly with your legal team to make sure everything is done properly.
5. You pick the closing date.
Once the court gives approval, we can close in as little as 7 days. You get your cash, and the estate can move forward.
It’s that simple.
Real Example: Probate Property in Kenner
Not long ago, I helped a family in Kenner who inherited their mother’s house. It had been sitting empty for over a year, and the city had started issuing code enforcement letters. The house needed roof and foundation repairs, and the heirs lived in three different states.
They were overwhelmed — they didn’t even know where to start with the succession paperwork.
I walked them through the process, helped coordinate with a local title attorney, and made them a fair cash offer for the property as-is. We closed right after the court’s approval, and the family didn’t have to spend a dime on repairs, cleanout, or listing fees.
They were relieved, and I got to restore another classic Kenner home that might’ve otherwise been left to rot.
Why Selling to a Local Buyer Matters
When you’re selling a house in probate, working with a local buyer makes all the difference.
Here’s why:
· I know Kenner’s neighborhoods — from Chateau Estates to Rivertown and along Williams Blvd.
· I’ve dealt with local title companies, probate attorneys, and Jefferson Parish courts for years.
· I understand how to handle the legal side efficiently so you don’t get stuck waiting months.
Big national “cash buyer” companies don’t have that local experience. They’ll often put your property under contract and then try to sell it off to someone else — wasting your time in the process.
At NOLA Buys Houses, we keep things simple, honest, and local.
Giving Back With Every Sale
Something I’m especially proud of is our commitment to giving back. For every house we close on — including probate properties — we donate $100 to the Manning Family Children’s Hospital here in New Orleans.
So not only do we help homeowners and families move forward, but we also help kids in our community get the care they need.
Final Thoughts
So, can you sell a Kenner house still in probate?
Yes, you can.
It just takes a little coordination, the right buyer, and someone who understands Louisiana’s succession process.
If you’re dealing with a house stuck in probate — whether it’s in Kenner, Metairie, or anywhere in the Greater New Orleans area — we can help.
We buy houses as-is, handle the paperwork, and work closely with your attorney to make the process quick and stress-free.
Call me at 504-264-1407 or visit nolabuyshouses.com to learn more or get your free, no-obligation cash offer today.
Let’s take one more thing off your plate — so you can move forward with peace of mind.