How it works

Four steps, and most of the work is ours.

A short call, a written offer, the probate and paperwork handled, and payment at closing. Here's exactly what happens, what it costs you (nothing out of pocket), and how long it usually takes.

How it works

Four steps, and most of the work is ours.

The hard part in the middle — the evaluation and the probate — that's the part we carry for you.

1
Your part

Reach out

Tell us about the property and your situation. A short, unhurried conversation is all it takes to begin.

2
We handle this

We evaluate & offer

We review the property and make a fair cash offer for it — usually within 24–48 hours. We go over the offer with you privately.

3
We handle this

We handle the probate

We manage the New Jersey probate and all of the paperwork from start to finish, with one point of contact throughout.

4
Your part

Get paid & move on

You're paid directly at closing. Because we handle the probate, many estates are ready to close in 30 to 60 days.

Want the whole road map? Read our plain-English guide to New Jersey probate →

At closing

What happens to the money, in plain English.

You'll see every number in writing before you sign anything.

ItemHow it's handled
Probate costsWe can cover them as part of our purchase. They're paid by us, not taken out of your proceeds.
Liens, judgments & back taxesPaid off at closing. You don't pay anything up front or bring money to closing.
Mortgage or reverse mortgageThe remaining balance is paid off at closing.
Repairs & cleanoutNone. We buy the property exactly as it stands.
Fees & commissionsNone on your side.
Your paymentPaid at closing — to you, or to each heir for their share.

Typical timeline

From the first call to closing.

WhenWhat happens
Day 1A short call about the property and your family's situation.
24–48 hoursA written cash offer for the property.
Next few weeksThe estate is opened at the county Surrogate's Court (a will can be probated 10 days after the death), heirs are coordinated privately, and title and payoffs are lined up.
Often 30–60 daysClosing, on the date you choose. Estates with no will, missing heirs or title problems can take longer.

Typical timeframes, not guarantees. Every estate is different.

Questions about the process

How long does the whole process take?

In most cases New Jersey requires probate before an inherited property can be sold, and when you sell to us we handle that step for you. Many estates are ready to close in 30 to 60 days, depending on whether there's a will and how many heirs there are, and we keep you informed at every stage — you're never left wondering where things stand.

How fast can I get an offer?

Usually within 24–48 hours of learning about the property, we can present you with a fair cash offer. There's no cost and no obligation to accept it.

What if there are other heirs?

That's common — it's usually the reason families call us in the first place. We work with each heir individually, and everyone's privacy is respected. We handle the probate process, and we do the coordinating so your family doesn't have to.

Will my relatives find out what I agreed to?

Not from us. We work with each heir individually, and everyone's privacy is respected. What you discuss with us stays between you and us.

Do I have to pay anything or fix up the property?

No. We buy strictly as-is, and there are no fees or commissions to you. You don't repair, clean out, or maintain anything before the sale.

What if the property has back taxes, liens or judgments?

We regularly take on properties carrying back taxes, liens or judgments, and they're paid off at closing, so nothing comes out of your pocket.

What if the title is a mess or the estate was never settled?

That's often exactly when we're most useful. We regularly take on properties with clouded title, missing heirs, or estates that were never properly closed, and we handle the work to set it right. You don't need to have any of it figured out before you reach out — that's our job, not yours.

What if I'm the living owner, not an heir?

We work with living owners too. If you own a property — on your own or with a spouse — that's carrying liens, judgments, back taxes, or a clouded title, we can buy it as-is, those are paid off at closing, and you receive the net amount — with your exact numbers in writing before you sign. You don't have to be an heir, and the property doesn't have to be part of an estate.

Can you handle the probate if I can't afford an attorney?

Yes. When your family sells the inherited property to us, we handle the probate at the county Surrogate's Court and can cover the attorney's fees and court costs as part of our purchase. They're paid by us, not taken out of your proceeds. If you decide not to sell to us, you're free to handle the probate however you like.

Do I have to pay off liens or judgments before I sell?

No. When you sell to us, court judgments, creditor liens, back taxes, tax-sale certificates and municipal liens are paid off at closing. You don't pay anything up front, and you'll see your exact net in writing before you sign.

Do you buy inherited property in my town?

Almost certainly. We buy in all 21 New Jersey counties and all 564 municipalities — cities, boroughs, townships, towns and villages, from High Point to Cape May Point. Use the town finder on this page to see your county and where its probate is handled.

Is your offer fair?

The properties we buy often carry unknown liens, unpaid back taxes, or unresolved title issues — and we take on the work and the uncertainty rather than passing it to you. Our offer reflects both the value of the property and the uncertainty we take on. We believe that's a fair exchange, made with everyone's eyes open, and we always put the numbers in writing so you can decide with confidence.

Are you a law firm?

No. Gembrook Properties is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. In every transaction, we are the buyer.

See all 60 answers about probate, liens, heirs, taxes, title and property problems →

Talk to a real person

Tell us about the property.

No call centers, no scripts, no pressure. A real member of our family will pick up.

Call (732) 515-3885 Free Consultation