Detailed answer — step-by-step overview

When a parent dies and you need to sell the estate home, the core legal task is to make sure the estate’s creditors are notified and any valid claims are handled before or from the sale proceeds so the buyer receives clear title. Under Nevada law, probate and claims against an estate are governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes (see Chapter 146). Review that chapter for statutory procedures: NRS Chapter 146 (Administration of Estates).

1. Confirm whether the property is in probate and who has authority.

   If the decedent left a will, the court appoints a personal representative (executor). If there is no will, the court appoints an administrator. Only the court-appointed representative (or a person authorized by a valid power of attorney that survived) can sell estate property free of competing claims in most cases. If the estate qualifies for summary or informal procedures (small-estate rules), those processes may allow a quicker transfer — check the statutes and local court rules.

2. Secure the property and assemble estate records.

   Lock and insure the home, gather the mortgage statements, deeds, tax bills, HOA records, recent utility bills, insurance policies, the will (if any), bank and account statements, and any documents showing other debts or lien instruments. A title search (through a title company) will reveal recorded mortgages, tax liens, judgment liens, and other encumbrances.

3. Provide statutory notice to creditors.

   Nevada law requires that creditors be given notice of the estate administration so they can present claims. The personal representative usually must publish notice and mail notice to known creditors. Follow the notice and claim-filing procedures in Nevada’s probate statutes and court rules (see NRS Chapter 146).

4. Receive, evaluate, and resolve claims.

   Creditors will submit written claims. The representative must evaluate each claim, allow valid ones, and reject or contest invalid or disputed ones. Valid debts secured by the home (mortgages, tax liens, mechanic’s liens) generally must be paid or otherwise resolved before or at closing so the buyer gets clear title. Unsecured claims may be paid from estate funds after liquidation of assets including sale proceeds.

5. Obtain court authorization if required.

   If the estate is in formal probate, the personal representative often must petition the court to sell real property or obtain confirmation of the sale. The court’s order will typically authorize distribution of sale proceeds to pay valid claims and distribute what remains to heirs or beneficiaries. Make sure any required court orders are in place before closing.

6. Clear recorded liens and obtain payoff statements.

   Before closing, get payoff statements for mortgages and liens and arrange to pay them from escrow or estate funds. The title company or escrow agent will usually require lien releases and will record satisfaction documents after funds disburse.

7. Close the sale and distribute proceeds according to law or court order.

   Proceeds from the sale normally pay closing costs, taxes, mortgage payoffs, valid creditor claims, and any court-ordered fees. After paying allowed claims and court costs, distribute the remainder to heirs or beneficiaries per the will or Nevada intestacy rules (NRS Chapter 134 and related provisions).

8. Record necessary documents to show clear title.

   Ensure satisfactions of mortgage and lien releases are recorded. The buyer’s title company will issue a title policy showing the recorded chain of title and recorded releases.

Because procedural details and timing can change your options and the required court filings, promptly consult local Nevada probate rules and an attorney. For basic Nevada court guidance for probate matters, see: Nevada Judiciary — Probate & Estate Self-Help.

Common outcomes to expect:

• Valid secured claims (mortgages, tax liens, recorded judgments) survive the decedent and must be paid or released at sale.
• The personal representative’s authority and any required court order will determine whether you can sell without opening full probate (possible with small estate procedures) or must follow formal sale/confirmation processes.
• Selling without clearing liens can leave a buyer exposed and may not eliminate creditor rights — recorded liens typically run with the property unless released.

Helpful hints

• Start by checking whether probate is necessary. If the estate is small, summary procedures may allow transfer without a full administration.
• Hire a title company to perform a full title and lien search as early as possible.
• Publish required creditor notice and mail notices to known creditors per Nevada probate rules; keep proof of publication and mailings.
• Obtain written payoff statements for mortgages, tax liens, and HOA liens before accepting an offer.
• Keep meticulous records: creditor claims, correspondence, payments, court filings, and receipts.
• Consider escrow or court-supervised sale to protect the personal representative and buyer while claims are resolved.
• If a creditor’s claim is disputed, file a timely objection and be prepared to resolve disputes by settlement or court hearing.
• Ask the title company about a ‘‘gap’’ endorsement or owner’s policy conditions that address risk between the date of title search and closing.
• Work with a Nevada probate attorney or experienced real estate lawyer when liens, disputed claims, or court petitions are necessary — an attorney can prepare petitions, objections, and motions for sale confirmation.
• If you’re acting as a personal representative, follow court orders and statutory duties carefully; mishandling estate claims can create personal liability for estate debts or distributions.