Inherited property action checklist for Bainbridge Island.

Phase 1: First 72 Hours

Immediate steps to secure the property and gather critical documents.

• Secure the property — confirm all entries locked, document existing access
• Note any time-sensitive risks: active leaks, open access, unsecured exterior
• Photograph the current exterior condition
• Locate the will, any trust documents, and estate planning paperwork
• Identify the executor or personal representative named in the will (if any)
• Contact the estate attorney if one has been identified in the documents
• Do not remove, distribute, or dispose of personal property until legal authority is established

Phase 2: Legal Authority and Probate/Trust Review

This phase requires legal guidance. The information here is a general orientation, not legal advice. Consult a Washington State attorney.

• Determine how title is held: joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, community property, or solely in decedent's name

  • Each structure has different transfer rules — do not assume probate is or isn't required without legal review
• If trust-owned: confirm trustee identity and authority to sell; gather full trust document
• If not in trust or joint tenancy: probate may be required — confirm with a Washington State estate attorney
• Obtain certified death certificate — multiple copies (title companies require one, bank accounts require one, etc.)
• Washington Courts probate self-help: courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=20
• Do not make binding sale commitments until legal authority to sell is confirmed by an attorney or title company

Phase 3: Co-Owner Communication

Applies when multiple heirs or beneficiaries have an interest in the property.

• Identify all co-owners or heirs with a potential ownership interest
• Initiate early, direct communication — disagreements between co-owners are the most common cause of delayed sales
• Document who has agreed to any proposed sale path
• Confirm all signing parties are locatable, reachable, and legally able to participate in a closing
• If co-owners cannot agree: a partition action may be the legal remedy — consult an attorney before reaching that point

Phase 4: Property Security and Insurance

• Contact the current homeowner's insurer to notify them of the change of occupancy and ownership
• Ask specifically about the policy's vacancy clause — typically activates after 30–60 days of vacancy and may restrict coverage
• Request a vacancy endorsement or separate vacant-property policy if standard coverage lapses
• Do not allow the property to go uninsured — mortgaged properties may require immediate lender notification
• Arrange for a trusted person on-island to check the property regularly
• PNW weather risk is real — even winter months without hard freezes bring moisture, moss, and wood rot if the property is not maintained
• Consider winterizing water systems if property will be vacant in cold months

Phase 5: Mortgage, Property Taxes, and Utilities

• Contact the mortgage servicer — due-on-sale clauses may apply upon transfer
• Request current payoff amount and confirm monthly payment status
• Confirm property taxes are current via Kitsap County Assessor: kitsapgov.com/assessor/
• Note next property tax due dates — delinquent taxes create title issues that slow or block any sale
• Transfer or continue utility accounts to prevent shutoffs: electric, water, heat, garbage
• Note whether any utility arrears exist and confirm they are paid before closing

Phase 6: Personal Property and Cleanout

• Inventory personal property — some items may have estate or monetary value
• Consult estate attorney or executor before removing or distributing personal property
• Consider an estate sale if significant household goods remain
• Plan ferry-aware logistics for cleanout crews and haulers — allow extra lead time
• Bainbridge Island Transfer Station for debris and bulk disposal (hours and accepted categories subject to change)
• Note hazardous materials: paint, chemicals, old appliances — separate disposal requirements apply
• Full estate cleanouts on the island can cost several thousand dollars — factor into your financial planning

Phase 7: Condition, Permit, and Septic Records

• Walk the property when safe; photograph condition including any visible damage or deferred maintenance
• Gather any records of recent repairs or known issues from the decedent's files
• Request permit history from City of Bainbridge Island Permitting: bainbridgewa.gov/1287/Permitting
• If on septic: request records from Kitsap Public Health District: kitsappublichealth.org/dwos/selling
• If private well: locate well log and most recent water quality test
• Note any unpermitted additions or work — required disclosure on Washington Form 17

Phase 8: Sale Path Comparison

• Understand the realistic probate or trust clearance timeline before committing to a sale schedule
• Get a comparative market analysis from a licensed real estate agent in 98110
• Understand what a traditional listing would require: repairs, staging, time, and cost
• Get a direct purchase offer if applicable — compare to traditional listing on a net-proceeds basis
• Use the net-proceeds estimator at webuybainbridge.com/calculator to model both paths
• Factor in carrying costs during any sale process: taxes, insurance, utilities compound monthly
• Estate tax and capital gains implications: consult a CPA or estate tax advisor — these are not real estate questions

Phase 9: Closing

• Confirm the title company has received all required estate or probate documents
• Coordinate all signing parties — heirs, trustees, or court-appointed representatives
• Review the closing disclosure carefully before signing; verify payoffs, credits, and net proceeds
• Confirm proceeds disbursement plan among heirs or into the estate
• Retain closing documents for estate tax purposes
• After closing: notify relevant agencies, update estate records, and consult CPA on tax obligations