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EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

Whether you need assistance with preparing the home for listing, organizing or hiring an estate sale professional, or coordinating with your probate attorney (or recommending an attorney for you), I'll be with you every step of the way. My priority is to make this process as stress-free as possible FOR YOU.

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CERTIFIED PROBATE REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

Kathryn Hoffman

​CDRE, CDS, RCS-D, CPRES, SRES

THE EXPERIENCE & MY STORY

I understand how challenging and emotional it can be to sell a home that holds cherished memories of our loved ones. As an experienced real estate professional and a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
(CPRES), I've personally gone through a similar situation when my parents needed to move into a nursing home. The decision to sell their home was both practical and emotional, and I empathize deeply with what you might be going through.

Let me share my story with you, so you know that you're not alone in this journey. When my parents had to transition to a nursing home, I found myself faced with the responsibility of selling their beloved home—a place that held countless memories of family gatherings, laughter, and love. It was undoubtedly a difficult time, filled with mixed emotions. The home was also filled with furniture and decades-long collections of papers, photos, and knick-knacks that family members could not or would not take.
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Throughout the process, I realized the importance of having someone by my side who could not only handle the real estate aspects but also offer understanding and support. That experience fueled my determination to become a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist. I wanted to be that person who could guide others through this intricate process with compassion and expertise.
 
As your agent, I'm here to be your advocate and confidante. I'll take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your unique situation, and address any questions you may have. Selling a parent's home requires not only practical knowledge of the real estate market but also a compassionate approach, as each family's situation is distinct.
 
I know how essential it is to handle the sale efficiently while honoring the memories and sentimental value of the property. I'll work diligently to ensure a seamless process and take care of all the details, allowing you to focus on what truly matters during this time.

In addition to being a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, I am also a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), which means I have received specialized training to work with buyers and sellers who are facing complex moving situations, especially seniors. I understand that life transitions can be overwhelming, whether it's downsizing to a more manageable home, relocating to be closer to family, or considering senior living options. As an SRES, I bring a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges that seniors and their families may encounter during this time. My goal is to provide not only real estate expertise but also support and empathy to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for you and your loved ones. You can count on me to be your trusted advisor and guide, ready to address any concerns and find the best solutions that suit your specific needs and circumstances. Together, we'll navigate this journey with care and compassion, making sure you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way. May marking plan also includes 2 FREE hours of staging advice for the home to be sold.

When we begin the process of selling your loved one’s home, one of the first steps we'll take is a thorough assessment of its condition. As an experienced real estate specialist, I understand that properties in probate may sometimes need repairs or refreshing to appeal to potential buyers. We'll carefully evaluate the home and discuss its current condition, weighing the options of selling it "as is" or making necessary repairs and updates to maximize its market value. If the property requires significant work or renovations, selling it "as is" might be a viable choice, as it can save time and resources. However, I will always provide you with expert advice to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your best interests and overall objectives. Whether you choose to sell the home as-is or opt for improvements, my priority is to ensure the process is efficient and stress-free for you.

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Kathryn brought together her years of experience and dedication and orchestrated the many difficult details during the process of selling our home. She is very customer oriented, all the while answering questions about the home selling process- often many times over. Kathryn has a lot of integrity and I felt she had my best interests at heart. I would highly recommend her.

~ RICHARD EVANS

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Kathryn Hoffman is an exemplary realtor who exudes trust and confidence in her ability to get the job done. I wouldn’t work with anyone else! She is supportive, creative, and professional in her approach to real estate sales. Kathryn goes out of her way to ensure that the selling of the house goes smoothly. I could not have been more pleased with her efforts and the result. She is truly wonderful!

~ CARY CARLSON

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I’ve known Kathryn on a more personal level, rather than business for a long time. And knowing her level of integrity was a huge factor in choosing to work with her. She excelled in every aspect of the business transaction. And I can’t imagine that any other agent would have shown her level of patience and sensitivity to my personal issues surrounding the transaction. I strongly recommend Kathryn; she’s a rockstar!

~ MARIAN CROWLEY

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WHAT, WHY & HOW

What is probate?, reasons for filing probate, and steps in the probate process.

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What is Probate?

Why: Reasons for filling

How: Steps in the process

What is Probate?

What is Probate?

In Illinois, probate is a legal process that occurs after a person passes away, during which the court oversees the distribution of the deceased person's assets and ensures that their debts and taxes are properly settled. Probate is necessary when the deceased individual owned assets solely in their name, such as real estate, bank accounts, or vehicles.
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Probate Timeline | PDF

Why: Reasons for filling

1

Transfer of Ownership:

Probate allows for the legal transfer of the deceased person's assets to their beneficiaries or heirs.

 

2

Debt Settlement:

Probate ensures that the deceased person's debts, taxes, and final expenses are paid from their estate before distributing the remaining assets.

 

3

Dispute Resolution:

Probate can help resolve any disputes that may arise concerning the distribution of assets or the validity of the will.

 

How: Steps in the process

1

Petition:

The probate process begins with the filing of a petition with the probate court in the county where the deceased person resided at the time of their death. The petition may be filed by the executor named in the will or by an interested party, such as a family member.

 

2

Appointment of Executor or Administrator:

If there is a valid will, the court will appoint the person named as the executor in the will to administer the estate. If there is no will or no executor named, the court will appoint an administrator.

 

3

Notice: 

The court will require the executor or administrator to provide notice to all interested parties, including heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors.

 

4

Inventory and Appraisal:

The executor or administrator must prepare an inventory of the deceased person's assets and have them appraised by a qualified appraiser.

 

5

Debt and Tax Settlement:

The executor or administrator is responsible for identifying and settling the deceased person's debts and tax obligations from the estate.

 

6

Distribution:

Once debts, taxes, and expenses are settled, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the will or the state's intestacy laws if there was no will.

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Additionally, if there are items in the home that you wish to remove, I can assist in organizing an estate sale or auction to help you dispose of those belongings. If you prefer, we can also arrange for charitable donations or responsible disposal.
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The Probate Process | PDF

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I'm here to help you!

Please remember that probate can be complex, but with my expertise as a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, I'm here to simplify the process for you. I'll work diligently to ensure a smooth probate administration and a successful sale of the home, while providing guidance and support every step of the way.
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Request Appointment

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