The benefits of a living trust in real estate
CLAYTON, CA (Apr. 23, 2025) — Having a trust in place can be one of the most important financial decisions a homeowner makes.
Some people don’t realize that if they die without a trust, their property will go through probate – a lengthy and costly legal process that can create unnecessary stress and financial burdens for their heirs.
Probate can take months or even years to resolve, and during this time, heirs may have limited control over the property. One of the biggest downsides of probate is the cost. Attorney fees and court costs can add up quickly depending on the complexity of the estate. These expenses can significantly reduce the inheritance that loved ones receive.
Another critical issue occurs if the property has an outstanding mortgage. While the probate process is underway, mortgage payments must still be made. If no one is able to cover these payments, the property could fall into foreclosure. This means the bank could seize the home before the probate process is complete, leaving heirs with nothing.
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A trust helps avoid these problems by allowing property to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. It ensures that heirs receive their inheritance quickly and without excessive legal fees. Setting up a trust is a straightforward process and is often much less expensive than the costs associated with probate.
For homeowners who want to protect their families from financial hardship, creating a trust is a smart and proactive step. Consulting with an estate planning professional/trust attorney can help ensure that assets are preserved and passed down smoothly, giving peace of mind for the future.
Jennifer Stojanovich is an owner/broker with Better Homes Real Estate. Send questions and comments to jennifer@bhrbroker.com
Jennifer Stojanovich
Jennifer Stojanovich is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience. She is the broker and owner of Better Homes Realty of Clayton, a leading real estate firm in the area. Raised in Clayton/Concord, she has deep roots in the community and currently resides in Clayton with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
A graduate of Clayton Valley High School and Sacramento State University, Jennifer began her career in sales and marketing at Hewlett Packard Company, where she spent a decade excelling and earning numerous awards for her outstanding performance. She joined Better Homes Realty in 2004, leveraging her extensive sales and marketing experience to build a strong and successful team. In 2011, she obtained her broker's license and has since specialized in traditional sales for both buyers and sellers.
Outside of her professional life, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, hiking, camping, and cheering on her kids at their sports games. Her dedication to her clients and community is evident in her work and personal life.