Losing someone is hard enough without a house full of decisions on top of it. Here's free, plain-English guidance for heirs in Oakland and the surrounding Alameda County area — no sign-up, no pressure, and we're never paid to push you toward selling.
If the estate has to go through probate, it's handled locally — for most of Oakland that means the Alameda County Superior Court — Probate Division (René C. Davidson Courthouse). Timelines, required forms, and the dollar thresholds for "small estate" shortcuts are set at the state and county level, so the right next step is talking to someone who knows the rules in Alameda.
To confirm what the home is worth and how it's titled, the Alameda County Assessor keeps the property records, and local sales run through the Bridge MLS / BAREIS. Your tax "basis" is usually stepped up to the home's value at the time of death — which can change what you owe if you sell.
We help families across Alameda, Contra Costa.
Pick whatever's weighing on you most — each path opens with free information first.
Not every estate goes through it — it depends on how the home was titled, whether there's a will or trust, and California rules. We'll help you find out.
Start with probate →Selling isn't the only option. Talk through whether it makes sense for you and what you'd actually walk away with after costs and the stepped-up basis.
Explore selling →Renting, holding, or renovating could be worth it. See what the numbers look like in your specific market before deciding.
Look at keeping it →Before you sell, rent, or move in, understand the home's real condition — and what fixing it up would actually take locally.
Check repairs →Serving heirs across Oakland — including Rockridge, Piedmont Avenue, Montclair, Crocker Highlands, Glenview, Trestle Glen, the Oakland Hills, Lake Merritt.
Not always. Whether probate is required depends on how the home was titled, whether there's a will or living trust, the estate's value, and California rules. Some homes pass automatically and skip probate; others go through the Alameda County Superior Court — Probate Division (René C. Davidson Courthouse). We'll help you find out which applies to you — free.
It depends on the home's condition, whether probate is complete, and the local market. A vetted local agent can give you a realistic timeline and an estimate of your net proceeds after costs and the stepped-up basis. We'll connect you with one — there's no obligation.
Yes, completely. The vetted professionals in our network cover the cost of being matched with families they can genuinely help. We're never paid to push you toward selling or any single choice.
Tell us a little about your situation — about two minutes. We'll point you the right way and connect you with vetted local professionals. It's completely free, and every choice stays yours.
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