Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast

Episode 9 - The Real Impact of Probate Delays, Frozen Accounts, and Authority Issues in Real Estate

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt, a licensed Texas real estate broker specializing in probate property sales, talks with Drea Haire, a Texas Board Certified attorney in Probate and Estate Planning and co‑founder of Legacy Estates & Trust in Austin. Jeremy and Drea break down the most common challenges families face when probate and real estate intersect in Texas. They discuss the “limbo period” before Letters Testamentary are issued, how frozen bank accounts affect mortgage payments, and why selling a home too early can create legal and financial setbacks. They also explore the risks of over‑leveraged properties, wholesaler tactics, inaccurate valuations, and the importance of choosing the right probate pathway. This episode gives executors and families a clear roadmap for navigating probate real estate with clarity, confidence, and the right support. Guest: Drea Haire, Attorney | Probate & Estate Planning Legacy Estates & Trust | A Texas Board Certified attorney practicing since 2012, she previously specialized in fiduciary trust administration and estate settlement before co‑founding Legacy Estates & Trust in 2020, now located at 1304 West Avenue in downtown Austin. Based in Austin since 2007, Drea focuses on helping clients navigate estate planning and probate with clarity and confidence. Website: www.legacyestatesandtrust.com [http://www.legacyestatesandtrust.com]

Episode 8 - How Funeral Homes and Banks Impact Probate Real Estate in Texas?

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt, a licensed Texas real estate broker specializing in probate property sales, talks with Stephanie A.H. Louie, Esq., an estate planning and probate attorney with Louie Legacy Law, PLLC in Round Rock, Texas. Stephanie shares her compassionate and practical approach to probate, shaped by personal experiences of loss and years of legal practice. She explains why empathy and clarity are essential for families navigating the “fog of grief,” and how simple steps like securing a death certificate, locating wills, and organizing financial records can ease the process. The discussion highlights the role of hospice and funeral homes in simplifying logistics, the frustrations families face with banks and institutions unfamiliar with probate, and the importance of keeping detailed records of every interaction. Jeremy and Stephanie also explore real estate issues unique to Texas probate, including survivorship rules, foreclosure risks, and strategies like Transfer on Death deeds to protect property value. Together, they emphasize that probate real estate is not just about legal filings; it’s about guiding families through one of life’s most difficult transitions with confidence, compassion, and practical solutions. If you are in Texas and wondering about selling a house in probate, this episode breaks down the probate process in plain English. Guest Bio: Stephanie Louie is an estate planning and probate attorney in Round Rock, Texas.  Formerly a California litigator, Stephanie loves practicing in wills and trusts and started her firm, Louie Legacy Law, PLLC, in 2025. Stephanie strongly believes in educating her clients and offers free initial consultations in person (she'll drive to you if you're within 30 minutes of Round Rock), over the phone, and via Zoom.  Her practical and compassionate approach to working with individuals and families going through estate planning and probate matters leaves clients feeling empowered and prepared to take the next step in their legal journey, so that, whether they are having testamentary documents prepared or talking to banks to close out a loved one's estate, confidence and peace of mind are always at the heart of the matter.

Episode 7: Texas Probate Real Estate Explained Through Real Family Experiences

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt, a licensed Texas real estate broker specializing in probate property sales, talks with Keely Espindola Freund, Esq., an estate planning and probate attorney with Heritage Law in Georgetown, Texas. They explore the realities of probate real estate in Texas, including the emotional challenges families face after losing a loved one, the risks of rushing into decisions, and the importance of proper planning. Jeremy shares real‑world examples of how mistakes in probate filings have led to foreclosure and costly delays, while Keely explains why specialization, clear communication, and understanding county‑specific processes are essential for smoother transactions. The conversation highlights common pitfalls such as co‑executors doubling the workload, foreclosure risks when mortgages lapse, and how billing models (flat fee vs. hourly) affect family communication. They also discuss why probate attorneys should focus on uncontested cases for efficiency, and how inclusive communication during listing appointments helps prevent conflict among heirs. With real estate often being the largest estate asset, this episode emphasizes the need for experienced guidance to protect property value, avoid foreclosure risks, and ensure heirs receive their share without unnecessary complications. If you are in Texas and wondering about selling a house in probate, this episode breaks down the probate process in plain English. Guest Bio: Keely Espindola Freund, Esq., Attorney | Estate Planning & Probate Heritage Law | Based in Georgetown, she provides thoughtful, straightforward counsel to help clients plan for the future and navigate matters after a loss with compassion.

Episode 6: Texas Probate Real Estate Mistakes That Cost Families Time, Money, and Trust

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt — a licensed Texas real estate broker specializing in probate property sales — sits down with Joseph Michael Dickerson, a board-certified estate planning and probate attorney in Texas since 1995. Together, they explore the intersection of probate law and real estate, uncovering the hidden challenges that executors, heirs, and agents often face. The discussion highlights the muniment of title process, why it only applies to real estate, and how overlooking assets can lead to costly amendments. They also address community property misconceptions in Texas, explaining why property doesn’t automatically transfer to a surviving spouse and why legal title updates are essential. Joseph shares real-world cases showing how family conflict can inflate legal fees from $8,000 to $33,000, while Jeremy emphasizes the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and patience in guiding families through probate. Together, they stress that probate real estate requires not only technical expertise but also empathy, communication, and a commitment to protecting estate value. If you are in Texas and wondering about selling a house in probate, this episode breaks down the probate process in plain English. Joseph Michael Dickerson's (Guest) Bio: Joseph Michael Dickerson is an author and a board-certified estate planning and probate attorney in Texas since 1995, as well as a Rotarian, and entrepreneur. Mr. Dickerson has a BBA in Finance from Texas State University, an MBA in International Trade from TAMIU, and a JD from St. Mary’s Law School. He has been in private practice since November 1995. His estate planning and business formation law firm has a base office in Laredo and recently expanded to New Braunfels in 2021. He is also an escrow officer with Texas Lone Star Title. Mr. Dickerson has owned several rental properties and has developed and sold commercial shopping centers. ATTORNEY AT LAW Texas State Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate AUTHOR - The Road Map to Rich, A Lawyer’s Perspective on Getting and Staying Rich - The 3 Bucket Method for Asset Protection (also in Spanish) - The 3 Bucket Method for the Trucking Industry - The Texan’s Guide of the Probate Process - The Dirt Bucket: A Texan’s Guide to Real Estate - Passing It On: Ensure Your Legacy Gets in the Right Hands

Episode 5: The Key to Probate Success: Facing Facts and Making Informed Choices

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt — a licensed Texas real estate broker specializing in probate property sales — sits down with elder law attorney Teresa Shapiro to uncover the hidden truths about probate in Texas. With over 25 years of experience, Teresa shares her journey into probate law and explains why grieving before rushing into the legal process is essential for families. She highlights the four‑year probate filing window, the fiduciary duty executors have to preserve estate value, and the costly consequences of waiting too long to act. Together, Jeremy and Teresa dive into misunderstood community property laws, revealing why assets don’t automatically transfer to a surviving spouse and how this misconception often creates title complications for heirs. They also discuss the risks of affidavits of heirship, why some title companies refuse to accept them, and how these shortcuts can lead to future sales being blocked. For executors, heirs, and real estate professionals, this episode provides practical guidance on avoiding probate pitfalls, protecting estate value, and ensuring smoother property transactions. Whether you’re an executor navigating probate for the first time, a family member trying to understand your rights, or a real estate agent working with probate listings, this conversation offers actionable insights, real‑world examples, and expert advice to help you make informed decisions in one of life’s most challenging transitions. Teresa Shapiro's (Guest) Bio: Teresa Shapiro is an elder law attorney based in Round Rock, Texas. Originally from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, she earned two Bachelor’s degrees and her Juris Doctor from the University of Texas at Austin. With over 20 years of experience, Teresa focuses on helping the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers. She is active in her community through various professional organizations and volunteer work, and enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time with her family and dachshunds.