John Fontamillas
John FontamillasBroker Associate & Co-Owner · Align Homes
Inherited & Trust Property Specialist

Selling an inherited home doesn't have to be overwhelming.

If you've been named executor, administrator, or trustee, you already have enough to carry. I guide California families through every step of a probate or trust sale — with patience, clarity, and a plan that protects the estate's value.

150+Estate families served
20+ yrsCalifornia real estate
5.0★Average client rating

Talk to a Probate Specialist

Free, confidential, and no obligation. I'll answer your questions and explain your options.

🔒 Your information is private and is never shared or sold.

You're Not Alone In This

A trusted guide when the responsibility feels heavy

Settling an estate involves the court, the attorney, the other heirs, and a property that may need work — all while you're grieving. Here's how I take the real estate piece off your shoulders.

I speak “probate”

Court confirmation, the Independent Administration of Estates Act, overbids, notice requirements — I coordinate directly with your attorney and the court so deadlines are never missed.

🏠

I prep the property — even from out of state

Cleanouts, repairs, trusted vendors, and staging. Many heirs live elsewhere; I manage everything locally so you don't have to fly back and forth.

I protect the estate's value

A proper market strategy often nets the estate far more than a quick cash offer — money that goes back to the family, not an investor.

John Fontamillas
My Personal Promise

You work directly with me — start to finish.

When you call, you reach John Fontamillas — not an assistant, a call center, or a rotating team of associates. One person who knows your family, your property, and your case, personally handling every detail from our first conversation to closing day.

Simple, Step by Step

How a probate or trust sale works with me

You'll always know what's happening now and what comes next. No jargon, no surprises.

STEP 01

Free Consultation

We talk through the estate, the timeline, and your goals. No pressure, no obligation.

STEP 02

Valuation & Plan

I provide a current market valuation and a clear plan that works with the court's requirements.

STEP 03

Prep & List

I handle cleanout, repairs, staging, and marketing to attract the strongest buyers.

STEP 04

Sell & Close

I manage offers, any court confirmation, and closing — and keep every heir informed.

Free Download

The California Probate & Trust Home Selling Guide

A plain-English walkthrough of everything you need to know before selling an inherited property — written for families, not attorneys.

  • The probate timeline and where the home sale fits in
  • Court confirmation vs. full authority — what it means for you
  • How to handle repairs, cleanouts, and out-of-state logistics
  • Avoiding the costly mistakes that shrink the estate
  • Tax basics every heir should understand (step-up in basis)
Send Me the Free Guide
Align Homes Presents

Selling an Inherited Home in California

A Family's Step-by-Step Guide to Probate & Trust Sales

2026 Edition · Free
What Families Say

Trusted during a difficult time

Verified 5-star reviews from Zillow and Yelp.

★★★★★

“When my brother passed and I had to sell, John stepped in and walked me through the process. He took care of any and all repairs out of his pocket till escrow closed. He made such an overwhelming time so easy. When you are still in the midst of grieving and can hardly think, he just did it all.”

LeannSold a family home, Lakewood, CAZillow · 5.0
★★★★★

“I took over responsibility of selling my step-dad's home. It seemed pretty scary… John helped me so much to get all the paperwork and construction work done for the sale. Went through in a short time. Got a very good price. John answered all questions 24/7. Dependable, honest, efficient.”

Brad B.Eastsound, WAYelp · 5.0
★★★★★

“My brother and I had a wonderful experience working with John to sell our mom's home. He made the entire process simple and stress-free… Thanks to his expertise and negotiation skills, he was able to sell the house well above the asking price. We're incredibly grateful.”

Ana TanSold a family home, Duarte, CAZillow · 5.0
★★★★★

“John stood out as professional and yet ‘down to Earth.’ He provided a realistic description of the sale process, expected prices, and market trends… always delivered on their promises. His selling strategy ended up yielding a price toward the top of the range. We could not be happier.”

Alexandre B.Loma Linda, CAYelp · 5.0
John Fontamillas, Broker Associate, Align Homes
Meet Your Specialist

John Fontamillas

Broker Associate & Co-Owner, Align Homes · DRE #01782532

I've spent my career helping California families navigate real estate during life's biggest transitions. Trust and probate sales are different — they call for patience, discretion, and someone who understands both the court process and the emotions involved. As a Broker Associate and co-owner of Align Homes, I bring senior-level experience and a hands-on, compassionate approach to every estate I serve. And you work with me directly — not an assistant or a rotating team. When you call, you get me.

Probate & Trust Sales
Broker Associate
Los Angeles County
DRE #01782532
Common Questions

Probate & Trust sales, answered

Do I have to wait until probate is finished to sell the home?

Often, no. Depending on the authority granted by the court (full or limited under the Independent Administration of Estates Act), the property can frequently be marketed and sold during probate. I'll coordinate with your attorney to confirm what's possible in your case.

What if the house needs a lot of repairs or a cleanout?

That's very common, and it's handled. I have trusted vendors for cleanouts, light repairs, and staging, and I manage the whole process — including for heirs who live out of state.

Isn't it easier to just take a cash investor's offer?

It can feel that way, but a quick cash offer often leaves significant money on the table — money that belongs to the family. A proper market strategy frequently nets the estate substantially more, even after costs.

How do you work with the attorney and the other heirs?

I keep everyone informed in writing, coordinate directly with the estate attorney, and make sure every required notice and court deadline is respected. Transparency keeps families at ease.

What does it cost to talk to you?

Nothing. The initial consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation. My goal is to give you clarity, whether or not you decide to work with me.

Let's take the real estate worry off your plate.

A short, no-pressure conversation is the easiest first step.

Request My Free Consultation ☎ 323.610.0474

john@alignhomesinc.com