Executor Responsibilities to Beneficiaries

Hi, I’m Bibi Carrington, an Orange County Realtor, certified probate real estate advisor, and author of What to Do When You Are Responsible for Real Estate a Loved One Leaves Behind.

As an executor, you have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate. This means avoiding any actions that benefit yourself at the estate’s expense. A crucial part of this responsibility is to keep beneficiaries informed throughout the probate process.

Without clear communication, beneficiaries may become anxious and start speculating about the status of the estate. To prevent this, regular updates are key. These updates don’t always need to be formal; they can be shared through conversations or weekly emails. Keeping beneficiaries informed helps reduce their stress and ensures a smoother process.

My team and I assist with this by providing structured updates. Every Tuesday, we gather the latest information from all parties involved—escrow, title, inspections, appraisers, and buyer’s agents—based on updates we receive on Monday. This system ensures you are always up-to-date and can share accurate information with beneficiaries.

Working with a knowledgeable probate real estate advisor, like me can simplify managing the decedent’s property. From preparing and marketing the home to handling the sale, my goal is to make the process as seamless as possible for you.

Managing personal property can also be overwhelming. We help by taking an inventory, determining which items family and friends might want, and working with your probate attorney to distribute them. For the remaining items, I provide expert guidance to manage the process efficiently.

Beneficiaries will appreciate seeing progress and understanding the steps being taken. As your certified probate real estate advisor, I’ll ensure you receive weekly updates that you can share with them, helping everyone feel informed and reassured.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. If you’d like a copy of my book, What to Do When You Are Responsible for Real Estate a Loved One Leaves Behind, just let me know and I’ll send it to you.