Inheriting a house in Sacramento County often comes with the stress of probate court. The big question most heirs ask is “How long until I can sell?” For the full picture on selling an inherited house, see our complete guide: Selling an Inherited House in Sacramento County, CA (Probate Guide).
As a local cash home buyer helping Sacramento County heirs every month, Rework Cash Offers has seen probate timelines stretch longer than expected. Here’s the exact 2026 breakdown so you know what to expect.
Standard Probate Timeline in Sacramento County (2026)
California probate is court-supervised and follows these main stages:
1. Filing the Petition (First 30–60 Days)
- Executor files the petition with Sacramento County Superior Court.
- Court issues Letters Testamentary or Administration.
2. Inventory & Appraisal (Next 4–6 Months)
- Court-appointed appraiser values the home (required for inherited houses).
- Notice to creditors is published.
3. Court Approval & Sale (Months 6–12)
- You must get judge approval before listing or accepting any offer.
- Most Sacramento probate sales happen in this window.
4. Final Accounting & Distribution (Last 3–6 Months)
- After closing, proceeds go through court before heirs receive their share.
Typical total time in Sacramento County: 9–18 months for standard estates. Simple estates under $184,500 can finish in 4–6 months. Complicated cases (multiple heirs or disputes) can take 2+ years.
Why Sacramento County Probate Often Takes Longer
- High caseload at Sacramento County Superior Court (813 6th Street).
- Extra time for appraisals and hearings.
- New 2025–2026 rules require more creditor notices.
Placer County (Roseville/Rocklin) is usually 1–2 months faster. Yolo County can be slower for rural properties.
The Fastest Way to Sell an Inherited House
You don’t have to wait 9–18 months. A cash offer from Rework Cash Offers lets you skip most probate steps and close in 7–14 days — no court approval needed for the sale, no repairs, no fees.
In a recent Rocklin probate case, an heir was looking at 14 months and $25,000 in fees. We closed in 9 days and the family netted $38,000 more than a traditional probate sale would have.
Next Steps for Sacramento Heirs
Probate doesn’t have to drag on. The sooner you explore options, the more money and time you save.
If you inherited a house in Sacramento, Placer, or Yolo County and want to sell fast without waiting years, request your free cash offer from Rework Cash Offers today. We specialize in probate and inherited properties.
Stay tuned for our next guide: “Probate vs Cash Offer in Sacramento County.”