Case Studies
Real Stories. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.
Every estate is different, but the stakes are always high. These case studies show how I’ve helped executors and administrators navigate tough challenges, protect the estate, and get the best possible outcome — even in situations most agents would not know how to handle. Here we share a few difficult cases that resulted in outcomes exceeding client expectations.
Case Study 1: Managing a Complex Multi-Property Estate from Across the Country
Case Study: Managing a Complex Multi Property Estate from Across the Country
Client: John S.
Role: Independent Executor of his brother’s estate
Location of Client: New York
Location of Properties: Austin, Texas
The Situation
When John’s brother passed away in Austin, he left behind a complicated estate that included two houses next door to each other, and plumbing warehouse and an office belonging the decedent’s business. John lived in New York and was unable to come to Austin to handle what was needed to deal with the personal and real property left behind. It was a significant burden.
The home his brother had lived in was still full of personal belongings including several vehicles. The house next door had a tenant in place without a lease agreement, and the plumbing warehouse was filled with work trucks and a large amount of inventory. The sheer amount and scope of work involved in addressing both the real and personal property would have required hundreds of hours to complete and presented numerous landmines.
The Challenge
The combination of multiple property types, tenant management, and valuable business assets created a complex situation. Without someone local who could coordinate and manage each piece, John risked delays, loss of value, and significant logistical headaches. Most importantly, John wanted to bring closure to the long ordeal of the probate process. Many agents are equipped to list a single home, but few have the probate experience, vendor network, and logistical systems to manage an estate of this scale and complexity from start to finish.
The Solution
I became John’s boots on the ground in Austin, overseeing every step of the process. This included:
Coordinating the removal, storage, or sale of personal property and vehicles from the residence with trust vendors
Managing the tenant situation in the second house and preparing it for sale which had the potential for significant legal and financial risks
Securing and inventorying assets in the plumbing warehouse, including work trucks and materials with trusted vendors
Marketing each property strategically to reach the right type of buyers for maximum value
Handling all local logistics so John could manage the estate confidently from New York
The Outcome
All properties and assets were handled efficiently, with each sale or transition completed in a way that preserved the estate’s value and gave piece of mind. John was able to fulfill his role as executor, bring closure to the estate, and avoid the expense and disruption of repeated cross-country travel. Most importantly, he expressed relief and gratitude that everything was handled professionally and with care, allowing him to focus on honoring his brother’s memory rather than being overwhelmed by the logistics.
Key Takeaway for Executors and Administrators
Complex estates with multiple properties and business assets require careful coordination and a wide range of skills. With the right local support, even the most complicated situations can be handled smoothly, maximizing value and minimizing stress for out-of-town executors.
Case Study 2: “Maximizing an Estate’s Legacy: Turning Investor Pressure into a Competitive Sale”
Client: Julia G.
Role: Independent Executor of her late brother’s estate
Location of Client: Austin, TX
Location of Subject Property: Austin, TX
The Situation
After the devastating loss of her brother, our client was appointed to administer his estate. Among her many responsibilities, the most difficult decision was what to do with the family home. The property had significant damage and years of deferred maintenance, making it a prime target for aggressive investor offers.
The Challenge
Investors approached my client with promises of cash and a quick closing. While tempting, she knew the home was the estate’s largest asset and that its equity represented the lasting legacy for the heirs. Accepting the first offer would have meant leaving money on the table and risked falling short of her fiduciary duty.
Most real estate agents in this situation would have suggested selling the property off market to their own investor list — or even worse, positioned themselves as the buyer. Many would not have known how to handle a severely deteriorated property at all.
The Solution
Instead of taking the first investor offer, we launched a targeted marketing campaign to reach all potential buyers, including owner-occupants and qualified investors. Our process included:
Advanced pricing strategy and positioning the property to create competition despite its condition
Full market through the MLS and targeted outreach using our proprietary methodology
Managing showings and communication to ensure offers were truly competitive
The Outcome
After multiple offers, the property sold for the highest possible price far beyond her expectations. It turns out an investor ended purchasing this property after all, but not because of a lack of options, but because it was the strongest offer after a competitive bidding process; thus, our client was positive of having received the highest possible price possib. This ensured the estate received the highest possible price given the property’s need for substantial rehab, far exceeding the early unsolicited offers.
Key Takeaway for Executors and Administrators
Even when a property ultimately sells to an investor, the difference between taking “off-market” offers and creating competition can mean tens of thousands of dollars more for the estate and its beneficiaries. Full market exposure protects the heirs and helps fulfill your fiduciary duty.