Being appointed executor is a significant responsibility, often at an already difficult time. When an estate includes a property, the task involves more than finding a buyer. You want confidence that the property has been properly marketed, buyers have had a fair opportunity to compete, and the result can be clearly explained to beneficiaries.
At Ray White Urban Springs, we regularly help executors manage deceased estate property sales across Perth, particularly in Rivervale, Belmont, Cloverdale, Redcliffe, Kewdale and Ascot. Led by Andrew Huggins, our team combines local market knowledge, extensive auction experience and regular communication to help make a demanding responsibility easier to manage.
A successful auction campaign begins well before auction day. It requires thoughtful presentation, effective marketing, thorough buyer follow-up and sound advice about price expectations. Andrew brings more than 20 years of real estate experience and was awarded REIWA’s Top Salesperson by Auction Listings Sold for three consecutive years: 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19.
For an executor choosing a real estate agent, that experience matters. Knowing how to attract buyers, assess their interest and manage competition can make a substantial difference to the campaign. The right approach also depends on the property and the estate’s circumstances. We explain the options and recommend a strategy suited to both.
Beneficiaries may have different views about a property’s value. Some remember an earlier appraisal; others compare it with a nearby sale or attach understandable emotional significance to the family home. An auction allows the property to be marketed without a fixed asking price, inviting buyers to assess its value and compete.
You do not need to predict the final selling price at the outset. Throughout the campaign, we gather buyer feedback, comparable sales and evidence of genuine interest to help you make an informed decision about the reserve. The reserve is the minimum price you authorise us to accept at auction. If bidding does not reach that figure, the property can be passed in and further negotiations considered. (consumerprotection.wa.gov.au)
A properly documented campaign gives executors a clearer basis for explaining the outcome: how the property was promoted, who inspected, what buyers said and what they were prepared to pay. No sale method can prevent every disagreement, but a transparent process helps move the discussion from competing opinions to market evidence.
Under standard unconditional auction terms, the purchase is not subject to the buyer obtaining finance or selling another property. Buyers should complete their due diligence, including any building and timber pest inspections they require, before bidding. (consumerprotection.wa.gov.au)
For an estate, this can reduce uncertainty associated with outstanding buyer conditions and provide a clearer path towards settlement. The deposit and settlement period are established in the contract. An unconditional sale does not eliminate every settlement risk, but it removes several common hurdles that can delay or derail a conditional purchase.
Executors may never have lived in the property. They may not know whether every appliance works or be familiar with the condition of the electrical, gas and plumbing systems.
Where appropriate, we work with the estate’s legal adviser to arrange clearly drafted “as is” sale terms. These help define the condition the buyer is accepting and address warranties or repair obligations the executor may be unable to confidently provide.
An auction does not automatically make a property an “as is” sale. The contract needs to address these matters, and applicable disclosure and legal obligations still apply. Our role is to identify these questions early and help ensure the appropriate advice is obtained before the property is offered for sale.
Our usual auction campaign includes three weekends of home opens, supported by weekly written reports covering buyer interest, inspection feedback and our recommendations. Weekly meetings can also be arranged. This gives executors a manageable timetable and regular opportunities to ask questions, consider the evidence and keep beneficiaries informed.
We commonly propose settlement 30 or 45 days after auction, subject to the estate’s circumstances and the agreed contract terms. Before committing to dates, we coordinate with the estate’s legal or settlement adviser about authority to sell, probate and title requirements. These requirements depend on how the property is owned and the circumstances of the estate. (landgate.wa.gov.au)
If the property does not sell at auction, the campaign still provides valuable information. We use the buyer feedback and bidding evidence to advise on further negotiations and the next steps.
Selling a deceased estate in Rivervale, Belmont, Cloverdale, Redcliffe, Kewdale or Ascot requires an understanding of the buyers considering each location and property type. A long-held family home, a strata apartment and a potential development site may attract very different buyers. Presentation, marketing and the sales strategy should reflect those differences.
Ray White Urban Springs combines Andrew’s local experience with the reach and recognition of the Ray White network. Our aim is straightforward: to give executors clear advice, a well-managed campaign and a result supported by evidence.
If you are responsible for selling a deceased estate in Perth or the City of Belmont, speak with Andrew Huggins about a practical plan for the property and the people relying on you.
Andrew Huggins is Principal of Ray White Urban Springs, specialising in property sales across Rivervale, Belmont, Cloverdale, Redcliffe, Kewdale and Ascot. With more than 20 years of experience, Andrew shares insights into Perth property trends, the Western Australian real estate market, housing supply and demand, and long-term property strategy.
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