Bay Area Certified Probate & Trust Specialists
Probate Real Estate Services
Miriam Cruz is a Certified Probate & Trust Specialist. Before becoming a Real Estate Broker, Miriam was a Santa Clara County Court Supervisor. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies at San Jose State University. Her wealth of knowledge and experience with the probate legal process and current real estate trends sets her apart from others.
In addition to her being an agent for eXp Realty of Northern California, Miriam serves as an agent for the County of Santa Clara Public Administrator's Office. In this role, she assists in managing and selling real estate properties that fall under the jurisdiction of the public administrator, ensuring that these transactions are handled with the utmost professionalism and care.
Managing probate real estate transactions requires meticulous attention to detail and efficient coordination of various tasks. Miriam's organizational skills and experience enable her to manage the transaction seamlessly, ensuring that all aspects are handled promptly and accurately. From coordinating inspections and appraisals to managing negotiations and closing processes, Miriam's efficiency minimizes stress for her clients.
By choosing Miriam as your real estate agent, you can navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence, knowing that you have a trusted professional by your side every step of the way.
Think of her as a single solution for all of your inherited real estate!
What Is “Probate” in California?
Probate means that there is a court case that deals with:
Deciding if a will exists and is valid
Figuring out who are the decedent’s heirs or beneficiaries
Figuring out how much the decedent’s property is worth
Taking care of the decedent’s financial responsibilities
Transferring the decedent’s property to the heirs or beneficiaries
I am excited to introduce one of my clients, she faced the challenging task of selling her family member's home after their passing.
In her heartfelt testimonial, she shares the details of our journey together. From coordinating with attorneys and hiring multiple vendors to staging the home and securing a successful sale, it was an honor to support her through every step. Her story is a testament to the power of collaboration, trust, and dedication in turning a stressful situation into a seamless and positive experience.
Listen to learn how we turned a challenging chapter into a success story.
Get Your Free Probate Checklist.
California Probate Timeline -- Explained by Attorney Paul Horn (2020)
In a probate case, an Executor (if there is a will) or an Administrator (if there is no will) is appointed by the court as the Personal Representative to collect the assets, pay the debts and expenses, and then distribute the remainder of the estate to the beneficiaries (those who have the legal right to inherit), all under the supervision of the court. In California, the entire case can take between 9 months to 1 ½ years, maybe even longer, but the Personal Representative can sell any real estate once the Letters have been ordered by the court.
Your Letters are your official Court powers to administer the estate based on the authority and limitations described in the Orders for Probate. This document is ordered and filed by the court once the Judge has appointed the Personal Representative to represent the estate.
“Handling your probate matter together”
No matter if you are a Personal Representative, Administrator, Executor or an Attorney
Miriam and her team will help you!
What if you are the attorney?
We work especially well in these situations because we can be a resource for you and your clients. As a Certified Probate and Trust Specialist, Miriam has over five years of experience working with different attorneys and she understands how valuable your time is. She works closely with the Personal Representative, Administrator, or Executor to ensure that the probate process goes smoothly and you are informed of any pertinent information.
We will work as a TEAM!