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

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.

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt sits down with board‑certified psychologist Dr. Krista Jordan to explore the emotional and psychological challenges that families face during the Texas probate process.

Dr. Jordan explains why grief, stress, and family dynamics can make even simple probate tasks feel overwhelming, how the brain changes after loss, and why executors often struggle with procrastination, decision‑making, and conflict among heirs.

Jeremy and Dr. Jordan discuss the emotional weight of sorting through a loved one’s belongings, the pressure of managing estate responsibilities while grieving, and how stress can cloud judgment during critical real estate and financial decisions. Dr. Jordan also shares practical guidance on when to seek counseling, what therapy actually looks like, and how mental health support can help executors and administrators move through probate with more clarity, stability, and confidence.

This conversation offers compassionate insight and actionable tools for anyone navigating probate real estate in Texas.

Resources:
A helpful resource for grief is **The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman. It’s a well-known guide that offers practical tools many people find helpful when working through loss.

The **The Christi Center in Austin offers grief support groups for many types of loss, including the loss of partners, children, siblings, suicide, or violent crime. Being with others who have experienced similar losses can provide a unique kind of support that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. They offer both online and in-person groups.

**Hospice Austin also provides grief support, including a free virtual drop-in group that requires no appointment or commitment. They also offer a more structured 8-week grief support program, organized by type of loss, which may meet virtually or in person.

Many churches, mosques, and synagogues also host free grief support groups, so people comfortable in faith-based environments may want to check local places of worship.

For managing anxiety and stress, practices like guided imagery, diaphragmatic breathing, and mindfulness can help regulate the nervous system during difficult times.

Research also shows that a simple gratitude practice can be very powerful. Studies suggest that even a single act of gratitude can increase happiness and significantly reduce depressive symptoms. Resources such as Mental Health First Aid, research from Robert Emmons, and guided meditations from Greater Good Science Center offer helpful introductions.

Another valuable support network is Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA), a free 12-step program that helps people navigate complex family dynamics. Many participants find insight in the program’s well-known “Laundry List” of 14 traits often seen in adults raised in dysfunctional homes.

For learning how to set healthy boundaries, two widely recommended books are **Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend, and Codependent No More by Melody Beattie.

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt, Licensed Texas Real Estate Broker, sits down with award‑winning probate attorney Nancy Perry Eaton to unpack the real‑world challenges Texas families face when navigating probate, affidavits of heirship, title issues, and investor pressure.

Nancy was voted Best Attorney and Best Law Firm in the Killeen Daily Herald’s “Best of Central Texas” (2025). She explains why affidavits of heirship are being rejected more frequently by Texas title companies and how missing heirs, inaccurate affidavits, or investor‑driven contracts can jeopardize title and expose families to legal risk.

Jeremy and Nancy also break down the dangers of signing contracts before being legally appointed as executor or administrator, the tactics wholesalers and “We Buy Houses” companies use to target grieving families, and the red flags every heir should watch for. They discuss why DIY probate, online templates, and AI‑generated legal documents often lead to costly mistakes, clarify the key differences between independent and dependent administrations in Texas, and highlight how attorneys and real estate professionals can work together to protect the estate’s equity and ensure heirs receive the full value of what was left behind.

If you are in Texas and wondering about selling a house in probate, this episode breaks down the probate process in plain English.

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt — a licensed Texas real estate broker specializing in selling property in probate — sits down with Austin probate attorney Eric Grogan, who has an unconventional approach of making house calls.

Together, they explain what every Texas executor needs to know before selling estate property. Learn the difference between types of probate administration, when you need court approval to sell real estate, why those cash offers flooding your mailbox are probably 30-40% below market value, and Eric's #1 piece of advice for new executors: slow down.

Where you are in Texas and wondering about selling a house in probate, this episode breaks down the probate process in plain English.

Summary

In this episode of the Probate Real Estate Power Sessions podcast, Jeremy Kritt and Brandon Mirabal discuss the challenges faced by executors in probate situations, illustrated through a detailed case study of a client named Robert. They explore the services offered by Caring Transitions, including liquidation and move management, and emphasize the importance of timely decision-making in the probate process. The conversation highlights the emotional burden of dealing with a loved one's estate and the value of professional assistance in navigating these complexities. Brandon shares insights on the clean-out process, the significance of trust in their business, and practical advice for personal representatives.

Takeaways

Caring Transitions provides essential services for probate executors.

Timely decisions can significantly impact the probate process.

Emotional support is crucial for families dealing with estates.

Professional help can alleviate the burden of estate management.

Online auctions are an innovative way to liquidate assets.

Trust is a key component in the probate real estate business.

Understanding the value of personal property is essential.

Collaboration between professionals can streamline the process.

Every probate situation is unique and requires tailored solutions.

Building a support team is vital for successful estate management.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Caring Transitions and Case Study

11:41 Understanding the Probate Process and Client Challenges

19:30 Navigating Complex Estates and Property Management

23:53 Collaborative Solutions for Estate Resolution

27:16 Evaluating Property Value and Liquidation Strategies

31:37 Selling Vehicles and Managing Financial Constraints

35:47 Navigating Estate Challenges

38:08 The Importance of Timely Action

41:02 Understanding the Value of Personal Items

44:27 Building Trust in Real Estate Transactions

48:11 When to Seek Professional Help

54:29 Assembling Your Support Team

59:26 The Role of Real Estate Agents in Probate

In this presentation, Jeremy Kritt, a licensed real estate broker in Texas and certified probate expert, discusses the advantages of selling probate properties as-is. He highlights the challenges faced by executors, the financial implications of repairs, and the benefits of a quick sale without the burden of renovations. Kritt emphasizes that selling as-is can be more profitable and efficient, allowing for a smoother transition.

Takeaways

• Selling a probate property as is is usually the best approach.
• Executors face challenges managing repairs and renovations.
• Selling as is minimizes stress and costs for the estate.
• Repairs often do not guarantee a higher sale price.
• 85% of buyers prefer to customize improvements themselves.
• Time is money in probate; delays can be costly.
• Selling as is allows for immediate action without repairs.
• Insurance and liability risks increase with vacant properties.
• Communication with a real estate expert can provide valuable insights.
• A competitive bidding process can maximize sale price.