Whatcom County Certified
Probate Real Estate Agent
Helping executors, trustees, and families figure out what to do with a home after a loss — without pressure or rushed decisions.
No pressure. Just clarity on what to do next.
You’re in the right place.
Let’s slow this down and get you oriented.
If any of the following sound like your situation, you don’t need to have answers yet:
• You’ve been named executor or administrator and there’s a house involved.
• You’re serving as a trustee and trying to figure out what comes next.
• You’ve inherited a home and aren’t sure whether to keep it or sell.
• A family member has passed, and you’re not sure if there’s a will, what probate means, or who to call first.
This is normal. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you’d like, we can talk through your situation together and take the real estate side of this off your plate.
In a short call, I’ll help you understand where things stand, whether probate applies, and what options make sense — even if the answer is “not yet.”
No obligation. Just a conversation to help you understand your options.
We’ll take this one step at a time.
I’ve helped many people in situations like yours, and I want you to know a few things from the very beginning:
You are not alone in this.
You do not need to rush or make decisions before you’re ready.
You don’t have to manage every detail yourself — that’s what I’m here for.
Most people I help are looking for someone who can take the real estate side of this off their plate — carefully, respectfully, and without rushing decisions.
My role is to help you understand your options, protect the value of the property, and guide you through each step at a pace that makes sense for you.
As a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist with two decades of experience here in Whatcom County, I understand the legal, logistical, and emotional weight that often comes with this process.
That’s why I stay involved from start to finish — coordinating details, answering questions, and making sure nothing gets overlooked.
I offer Comprehensive Support Every Step of the Way
My services start with a discovery call where you and I can get clear on your specific situation, and you can ask me all your initial questions.
If it’s early in your process, you may first need help simply securing the property.
Or you may be well into the probate process and have been told you are cleared to sell the property.
At any point in that spectrum, I coordinate what needs to happen with the house so you don’t have to manage it alone.
In practice, many clients have told me that my role feels more like a project manager than a traditional Realtor. I help coordinate the moving pieces — timelines, vendors, preparation, and communication — so the process stays organized and nothing falls through the cracks during an already difficult time.
I’m eager to hear about your situation.
My Expertise in Handling Diverse Property Conditions
When it’s appropriate, I will conduct a thorough property evaluation to determine the best strategy for maximizing your sale value.
Throughout my career, that has ranged from:
Hundreds of “normal” sales of homes that needed simple packing and cleaning first
“As-is, cash-only” sales of unlivable homes.
Organizing a Haz-Mat team to do a $65,000 clean-up prior to a sale.
Having a custom home in a gated community professionally repainted inside and out, floors refinished, deep cleaned, staged, and sold for a neighborhood-leading price.
In practical terms, this means I handle the coordination, vendors, timing, and strategy — whether the right move is selling as-is or preparing the home for market.
(When there is pre-listing work to be done, our Compass Concierge loan program can cover up-front expenses at 0% interest or fees, up to $25,000, and settle with you at closing from the proceeds of the sale.)
MY Professional Background and Expertise
Whatever condition the property is in, my role is to reduce risk, prevent costly mistakes, and guide the sale so the estate is protected.
Before becoming a Realtor in 2006, I was a home inspector here in Whatcom County, with over 700 inspections professionally conducted. Before that, I worked as a general contractor and carpenter — which means I understand houses inside and out, not just how to sell them.
That technical background allows me to spot potential issues early, make informed decisions about preparation or as-is sales, and coordinate the right professionals when they’re needed.
I work closely with attorneys, subcontractors, cleaners, and stagers to ensure legal requirements are met and the transaction moves forward smoothly, without unnecessary delays or surprises.
Throughout the process, I demystify the estate, trust, or probate side of the sale — providing clear, practical information so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
As a Probate Realtor, I am first and foremost a Project Manager
My clients appreciate my proactive communication, my list of curated referrals and resources, my action-oriented approach, and the personalized attention I give to each case.
I am here to answer your questions, alleviate your concerns, and handle the complexities of the sale so you can focus on what matters most during this time.
If you’re ready to move forward with a conversation about the sale of a property after a loss, or simply need advice on where to start, please reach out to me.
Let’s discuss your unique situation and explore how I can assist you in achieving the best possible outcome.
And please know, I am sorry for your loss.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, that’s usually the right time to reach out.
Sincerely,
Brandon Nelson
Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
No obligation. Just a clear next step.
Answers to Common Probate Questions in Whatcom County
Learn more about Probate and Estate Sales in Real Estate
