Real Families. Real Results.
Every inherited home has its own story. These are a few of them, shared without names or addresses, to show how preparation, honest numbers, and steady coordination protect what a family receives.
Renovate to Sell: From a Distressed Estate Home to a $865,000 Sale
The challenge
The home needed far more than a cleaning. Belongings and clutter filled three trash containers. There was a rodent problem, a sewer line blockage, and moisture issues. A solar system that was not paid in full complicated the timeline and the sale. The family wanted to fix the home before selling but had no funds to do it, and as a limited authority probate, the sale required court confirmation.
What we did
- Coordinated a full cleanout and handled the personal items left behind
- Addressed the rodent, sewer, and moisture problems
- Worked through the solar system payoff so it would not stall the sale
- Led an $80,000 renovation through the Renovate to Sell program. Gerry fronted the funds, no seller money was used during the work, and the estate repaid the $80,000 from the sale proceeds at close of escrow
- Marketed the finished home and guided the sale through the court confirmation process
The result
Instead of accepting about $550,000 as-is, the estate sold the renovated home for $865,000 and closed in February 2024. After repaying the $80,000 renovation, the estate received about $235,000 more than an as-is sale would have produced.
"Gerry was amazing; I was not sure what to do, but Gerry took care of everything. He helped me get the house ready by leading the remodeling of the house and getting us more money with his Renovate to Sell program. The estate made an extra $235,000 thanks to Gerry."
Elizabeth S.
Foreclosure Stopped, Tenant Resolved, Two Homes Sold
After losing both parents, the seller was facing a foreclosure sale only weeks away, a tenant who had not paid rent in more than nine months, and a second home that urgently needed repairs, with no funds to fix either one.
Property 1: the parents' home
Property 2: the seller's residence
The challenge
The parents' home had a foreclosure sale date set just weeks out, and the tenant living there had stopped paying rent more than nine months earlier. The seller's own home had unpaid utilities and taxes and needed urgent plumbing repairs. He had no money for repairs or upgrades on either property.
What we did
- Contacted the lender and kept them informed at every step to gain time to sell and avoid foreclosure
- Negotiated a cash-for-keys agreement so the tenant moved out peacefully
- Coordinated trash-out, electrical and plumbing work, appliance repairs, landscaping, and interior paint through the Renovate to Sell program
- Restored water service and made urgent plumbing repairs at the second home, then prepared it for sale
- Sold both homes, the first through the probate process
The result
Foreclosure was avoided for both the seller and the lender. Both homes sold with strong buyer demand, and the seller received $357,214 in combined net proceeds, which let him start fresh near family in another state.
"After losing both of my parents and facing foreclosure on my parents' home, I met Gerry by a chance meeting. He quickly got into contact with the mortgage company and ultimately saved the property after putting in more effort than can be asked for, sometimes working until midnight. Selling a home through the probate process is complicated, and I am beyond impressed with how he handled the situation while also avoiding foreclosure. ... On top of being a fantastic realtor, he shows that he truly cares for his clients. I consider myself lucky to have met Gerry."
Joshua B., Probate Sale, Eastlake, Chula Vista • Verified Zillow review
What Could Your Family's Home Be Worth?
Every property is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. A free consultation shows you the as-is, light-preparation, and full Renovate to Sell paths side by side, so you can decide with real numbers.
More client stories on gerrycarrillo.com
Case studies are shared with permission, without names or addresses. Results depend on each property's condition, the market, and court or trust requirements. Renovation programs involve costs and terms that are reviewed with the estate's representative and counsel before any work begins.