Wondering, can I sell an inherited mortgage note without Probate, one of your first questions might be:
👉 “Do I have to wait for probate before I can sell this?”
The good news? In many cases, you don’t have to wait — and you might even be able to sell the note quickly, without going through probate at all.
Let’s see how that works and explore the probate rules for mortgage notes. And see how companies like American Funding Group help heirs unlock cash from their inherited notes — even when the estate is still in transition.
⚖️ What Is Probate (and Why Does It Matter for Notes)?

Probate is the court-supervised legal process that distributes a person’s estate after they die. It involves:
- Verifying the will (if one exists)
- Paying off debts and taxes
- Distributing assets to heirs
While probate is often necessary for bank accounts, real estate, or stocks, some assets — like mortgage notes — can bypass the probate process entirely, depending on how the estate was structured and what legal documentation is available.
đź§ľ Is Probate Always Required to Sell a Mortgage Note?
Not necessarily. Let’s look at the probate rules for mortgage notes Whether you need to go through probate to sell a mortgage note depends on a few key factors:
- How the note was titled (individual name vs. trust or entity)
- Whether there was a valid will or estate plan
- The size and structure of the estate
- And your state’s probate laws
In some cases, you may need full probate approval before transferring the note. But in many other situations, heirs can sell a note without court involvement — especially if the estate was properly planned or qualifies for certain legal shortcuts.
Here are three common scenarios where probate is not required to sell an inherited mortgage note:
âś… 1. The Note Was Transferred to a Trust
If your loved one placed the mortgage note into a revocable living trust, the asset passes directly to the successor trustee (often you) — bypassing probate completely.
In this case:
- The trust becomes the legal owner of the note
- The successor trustee has the authority to manage or sell it
- The borrower continues making payments as usual
- And the note can be sold directly to a company like American Funding Group
🔎 Why this matters: Since the trust is a separate legal entity, the courts don’t need to get involved. You simply provide the trust agreement, death certificate, and note documentation — and the sale can move forward quickly, often within days.
This is the cleanest and fastest way to sell an inherited note.

âś… 2. The Estate Qualifies for a Small Estate Exemption
Many U.S. states offer a “small estate affidavit” or summary probate process when the estate’s total value falls below a certain limit — typically between $50,000 and $150,000, depending on the state.
If the estate qualifies:
- You don’t need to go through full probate
- You’ll likely need to sign a Sworn Affidavit of Heirship
- Provide a copy of the death certificate
- Show that no one else is claiming the asset
This streamlined process allows you to claim, transfer, and sell the note with minimal paperwork — and without waiting months for court approval.
🔎 Real-world example: In Florida, if the estate’s non-exempt assets are under $75,000, the heirs can often use a Disposition Without Administration process — ideal for simple estates where the mortgage note is the main asset.
✅ 3. You’re the Sole Beneficiary Named in the Will
Even if the note wasn’t placed in a trust, you may still be able to sell it without probate if:
- The will clearly names you as the sole heir to the note or payments
- There are no other heirs involved or contesting ownership
- The estate isn’t being formally probated
In this case, a reputable buyer may move forward based on:
- The death certificate
- A copy of the signed will
- A notarized affidavit or statement affirming your role as the sole beneficiary
🔎 Pro tip: If the note was part of a family arrangement, or the borrower is a relative making payments to you, a note buyer can help validate the documentation and establish your legal right to sell — even if the paperwork is informal or incomplete.
At American Funding Group, we often work with heirs in exactly these scenarios — and we know how to keep the process smooth, respectful, and efficient.
đźš§ What If Probate Is Required?
If the estate is already in probate or:

- The note was solely titled in the deceased’s name
- Multiple heirs are disputing the estate
- No will or trust exists
- Or other estate assets are entangled with the note
…then yes, you may need to go through formal probate before selling the mortgage note.
But don’t worry — that doesn’t mean you’re stuck waiting for months or years. In most cases, we can:
- Begin the evaluation process while probate is underway
- Prepare paperwork in advance
- Work with the estate attorney or executor to coordinate the sale once court approval is granted
đź§ Not Sure Whether You Need Probate?
If you’re holding an inherited mortgage note and don’t know whether you need probate to sell, you’re not alone.
We’ll help you determine:
- What documents you have
- What your state requires
- Whether your situation qualifies for a simplified process
- And how quickly you could turn the note into cash
📞 Request a no-pressure consultation today, and let us help you navigate this — step by step.
đźš§ Here are Some Probate Rules for Mortgage Notes where Probate Is Required
There are situations where probate may still be necessary before you can sell the note, including:

- Multiple heirs are listed and there’s no agreement
- The estate is going through formal probate already
- The note is titled in the deceased’s name only, with no will or trust
- There are disputes over the estate
But even then — you may still be able to get started. We often work alongside estate attorneys and executors to prepare offers, review documentation, and get everything ready while probate proceeds, so you’re not waiting until the very end.
Check out options for an Inherited Mortgage Note
🛠️ How American Funding Group Helps Heirs Navigate This Process
We’ve worked with countless heirs over the years — and we understand how emotionally and legally complex estates can be. If you inherited a mortgage note and want to sell it without getting tangled in court paperwork, we can help by:
- Reviewing your note and will/trust documents
- Advising whether probate is likely required
- Working with your estate attorney or CPA (if needed)
- Providing a fast, fair quote for your note — often in 7–10 days
- Helping you with assignments, affidavits, and transfer forms
Even if you’re not 100% sure about your legal standing, we can evaluate your situation and help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
🎯 Final Takeaway
Yes — in many cases, you can sell an inherited mortgage note without going through probate, especially if the note was placed in a trust, you’re the sole heir, or your state allows simplified estate transfers.
Even if probate is involved, that doesn’t mean you have to wait months or years. With the right help, you can start the process today.
📞 Have a note you’re not sure what to do with?
Reach out to American Funding Group for a no-obligation consultation and quote. Fill out the form below and/or call us at (772) 232-2383. We’ll help you turn a complex inheritance into a clear financial decision — fast.
I’d like BEST PRICE for ALL or PART of My Note
The Most Important Thing for Mortgage Note Holders
when they are looking to sell their mortgage note is getting a fair and competitive offer from a trustworthy, experienced buyer who can close quickly and handle any complexities with professionalism and discretion.
Other key factors that often matter include:
- Understanding the true value of their note (based on interest rate, payment history, property type, etc.)
- Working with a buyer who communicates clearly and transparently
- Avoiding delays and hidden fees
- Preserving their privacy and financial goals



About American Funding Group
I’m Kevin Clancy, Company President. I am a graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy. After years of military service and high-level corporate financial experience, I’ve dedicated myself to helping people prosper in real estate as one of America’s most trusted mortgage note buyers.
Our company’s core values are:
1) We do what we say, including overcoming obstacles other note buyers can’t overcome.
2) We communicate with you every step of the way so that we can close your sale ASAP.
3) And most importantly… “We treat You with respect because that’s the way we want to be treated.” That attitude has helped us become one of the most trusted note buying companies.