Chelsea McFarland, Certified Probate Specialist in Spokane Certified Probate Specialist (CPS) designation
Probate & estate sales · Spokane and North Idaho

Selling a loved one’s home, with a steady guide beside you

When you’re settling an estate, the house is often the biggest and most emotional piece. I handle the real estate side from the first walkthrough to closing, and I work alongside your attorney so you can focus on your family.

I’m Chelsea McFarland, a Certified Probate Specialist and co-founder of the McFarland Prey Real Estate Team. I’ve helped many families through estate, probate and inherited-home sales, including heirs who live out of state.

Certified Probate Specialist (CPS) · Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) · Military Relocation Professional (MRP)

263
Homes sold by Chelsea
$100M+
Personal sales volume
2016
Licensed since
5.0★
Client reviews

Chelsea’s individual closed sales from MLS records as of November 2026.

Who I help

You don’t have to figure this out alone

Whether you’re the personal representative, one of several heirs or the attorney handling the estate, I’ll meet you where you are and keep everyone informed.

Personal representatives

A clear plan, honest numbers and one person to call for everything house-related.

Families and heirs

Regular updates for everyone involved, so decisions are easier to make together.

Out-of-town owners

Photo and video updates, local vendors I trust and e-signing, so you don’t have to fly in.

Attorneys and trustees

Prompt communication, organized paperwork and a smooth handoff to escrow.

How it works

A simple, step-by-step process

Every estate is different, but most sales follow the same path. I’ll walk you through each step and we’ll go at a pace that works for your family.

  1. A first conversation

    We meet at our office on Grand Boulevard near Manito Park, or I come to you, whichever is easier. We talk through the property, the timeline and who needs to be involved. There’s no cost and no obligation.

  2. Walkthrough and pricing

    I visit the home and put together a printed presentation you can walk through with me and keep. It shows what the home could sell for as-is and with light preparation, so you can weigh the options.

  3. Clean-out and preparation

    I coordinate estate sale companies, clean-out crews, contractors, landscapers and stagers as needed, and only recommend updates that make financial sense.

  4. Marketing and offers

    Professional photos, a full marketing plan and careful negotiation, with every offer explained in plain language.

  5. Closing

    I work with your attorney, the title company and the buyer’s agent to get to the finish line. Most paperwork can be signed electronically.

What I take off your plate

The details, handled

Settling an estate comes with a long to-do list. Here’s the house-related part I can manage for you.

  • Checking on a vacant home and coordinating access
  • Referrals to estate sale, donation and clean-out companies
  • Getting bids from trusted contractors for repairs
  • Comparing an as-is sale with a prepared sale
  • Keeping heirs, attorneys and trustees updated
  • Helping a parent find their next home, if that’s part of the plan
Questions families ask

Probate and estate home sales: FAQs

Can the house be sold before probate is finished?

Often, yes. Once the court has given the personal representative authority to act for the estate, the home can usually be listed and sold. Your attorney will confirm exactly what’s needed in your situation, and I’ll coordinate with them.

Do we need to clean out or fix up the house first?

Not necessarily. Some homes sell best as-is, and others are worth a little preparation. I’ll show you the numbers for both so you can decide, and I can arrange clean-out and repair help if you need it.

Several of us live out of state. Can we still do this?

Yes. Many of my estate clients don’t live in Spokane. I send regular photo and video updates, meet vendors at the house and set up electronic signing, so most families never need to travel.

What happens to everything in the house?

I can connect you with estate sale companies, donation pickups and clean-out crews I trust. Many families keep a few special items, sell what they can and donate the rest.

Do you work with our estate attorney?

Yes, and I keep them in the loop throughout. I’m not an attorney or tax advisor, so for legal and tax questions I’ll always point you back to your attorney or CPA.

What does it cost to talk with you?

Nothing. The first conversation and the market analysis are free, with no obligation to list.

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Every estate is different, so please check with your attorney about your situation.

Inherited a house? Read my guide, Selling an Inherited Home in Washington →

Helping a parent downsize or move instead? See how I help with senior moves →

What Chelsea’s probate and estate clients say

“So thankful for Chelsea and her help. She stepped into a very difficult situation after the house was lost to the Grey fire and my Dad’s health began to decline. She did more than she needed and supported us both through a very emotional time in our lives. She was fair and took on more than what the sale of the property would ever net her. Happy to recommend working with her!”
— Nicole L., estate & probate sale, Google review, October 2026

“Recently, circumstances made it necessary for me to sell the home I shared with my late husband for twenty-five years, a painful business. Thank God my realtor was Chelsea McFarland! From our first meeting I was struck by her kindness, deep knowledge of the home-buying process, and her unfailing support. She guided me wisely throughout, from helping me locate the perfect new home for me to purchase to preparing my marital home to be sold; I was particularly grateful for her guidance on home preparation, helping me make the changes such as new paint and carpeting that would help the home show well but skipping other updates which would require money that I wouldn't recoup upon selling. I had heard from many people that it's a tough time to be selling a house in Spokane, but thanks to Chelsea, on the third day after listing, I had four offers to purchase my home, and the negotiation process went quickly and smoothly. I can't say enough about Chelsea's skill and professionalism; I give her my highest recommendation! Besides, she's a terrific person who is a pleasure to work with. Thanks Chelsea!”
— Carole B., Google review, August 2025

“Chelsea was a pleasure to work with. I am not local, so she went above and beyond preparing the house for market. She was well connected with other services I needed (contractor fix, staging, landscaping services). She was responsive, usually within minutes to my inquiries. She communicated often and thoroughly with me so I always knew where we were in the process. I always felt represented well in the negotiation process. I highly recommend Chelsea with no reservations!”
— Peter L., Google review, May 2024

“Chelsea did a fabulous job selling our mom's house. She's highly organized, an excellent communicator and very knowledgeable about the real estate market. Her help and service with prep, staging, pricing and negotiating final terms were outstanding. Chelsea facilitated and managed every aspect of the sale to our absolute satisfaction.”
— David C., Yelp review, May 2024

“House sold 1st day!! Chelsea is not only a great realtor, she is a great person! She helped us sell Dad's house after his passing. Her marketing skills, housing market knowledge, and responsiveness were impressive. Her advice was spot on. We had a solid asking price first offer, accepted, and closed within weeks with minimal delays. Highly skilled people person! She earned our respect and trust on this deal and we highly recommend Chelsea! Thank you Chelsea! You're the best!!”
— Terri C., Zillow review, October 2017

Read more success stories

Chelsea McFarland
Let’s talk

Settling an estate and not sure where to start?

Call, text or email me, and we’ll talk through your situation and next steps.

We can meet at our office on Grand Boulevard near Manito Park, or I’ll come to you. I’ll bring a printed plan you can walk through and keep.

Chelsea McFarland, Real Estate Broker, licensed in WA and ID (DOL 124056 / SP49745) · Prime Real Estate Group, 1402 S Grand Blvd, Suite 201, Spokane, WA 99203