Mark Darfler Real Estate
Trust, Probate & Estate Home Sales · Contra Costa & Alameda Counties
Need Help Selling a House That's Part of an Estate?
I’ll help you prepare the house, manage the details, and get it sold.
I work with trustees, personal representatives and the attorneys advising them. Let’s determine what the property is worth, what’s worth doing before selling and a practical plan to get it sold.
Mark Darfler · RE/MAX Accord
Serving the East Bay since 2001
CA DRE #01331310
Serving the East Bay since 2001
CA DRE #01331310
Wherever You're Starting
You Don't Have to Figure Everything Out Before You Call
If you’re handling a house after the loss of someone close to you, there can be a lot to sort through: personal belongings, maintenance, paperwork and decisions about what comes next.
You may live nearby or be managing everything from another state. The house may be ready to sell, need some attention or require a complete cleanout.
Wherever you’re starting, we’ll help you work through the property decisions one step at a time.
Your Options
Let's Find the Right Approach for This House
Before you spend money on repairs or start clearing rooms, let’s look at the property together. We’ll discuss three questions:
What is the house worth? · What should we do to get it sold? · What will it cost?
Then we’ll compare the options based on the house, your timing and the estate’s priorities.
Sell It "As-Is"
A house doesn’t have to be updated to attract buyers. We can market it in its current condition, with a plan that accounts for the work it needs.
Make Selective Improvements
Sometimes cleaning, paint, landscaping or a few repairs can improve the sale. I’ll help you weigh the likely benefit against the expense, time and effort involved.
Consider a Cash Offer
If speed or convenience is a priority, we can evaluate a cash offer alongside an open-market sale so you can understand the tradeoffs before deciding.
The same room, before and after preparation
Hidden Red Flags
Catching Problems Before They Cost You
Most people see memories and paint colors. I look for the issues that cause surprises, delays or failed escrows.
Fire Clearance & Insurance
What you might think: "The mature trees look great."
What I check: Trees and brush too close to the home that could affect insurance eligibility. Without insurance, a buyer’s loan—and your sale—can stall.
Hidden Damage & Costly Surprises
What you might think: "It just needs carpet and paint."
What I check: Signs of termites, dry rot, leaks and foundation problems—so inspections don’t turn into surprise repair demands..
Permit & Closing Problems
What you might think: "We'll just sell it as it is."
What I check: Unpermitted additions, sewer requirements and local resale inspections that could create unexpected costs or delay closing.
Spending That Shrinks Your Proceeds
What you might think: "Should we remodel before we sell?"
What I check: What’s worth fixing, what to leave alone and whether selling as is makes more sense—before you spend estate funds.
How I Help
Help With the Work That Comes Before the Sale
You don’t have to find every service provider yourself. I can help coordinate:
Estate Sales & Cleanouts
Estate sale and cleanout services, so belongings are handled with care.
Hauling, Donations & Cleaning
Hauling, donation pickups and cleaning to get the house ready.
Property Inspections
Property inspections arranged early, so there are no surprises later.
Repairs & Preparation
Repairs, landscaping and other preparation, only where it makes sense.
Staging, Photos & Marketing
Staging, photography and marketing to present the home at its best.
Access & Communication
Property access for vendors and inspectors, and communication with your attorney, fiduciary and escrow team.
You approve the work and expenses before we move forward.
The Process
A Clear Plan, From the First Walkthrough to Closing
01
Understand Your Situation
We’ll talk about your role, the property, your timing and the people involved. I’ll listen to what you need and help identify the next steps.
02
Evaluate the House
We’ll review its condition, comparable sales and preparation options. Together, we’ll decide what makes sense to address and what can be left for the buyer.
03
Prepare and Market the Property
I’ll coordinate the agreed-upon preparation and build a pricing and marketing plan designed to attract buyers. You’ll receive updates as the sale progresses.
04
Review Offers and Get to Closing
I’ll help you compare price, terms, contingencies and timing, negotiate on your behalf and coordinate with escrow and the appropriate professionals through closing.
For Attorneys & Professional Fiduciaries
A Resource for Attorneys and Professional Fiduciaries
When your client needs to sell a house, I can help manage the real estate work, from the initial walkthrough and market analysis to preparation, marketing and closing.
I provide clear communication, coordinate approved vendors and keep you informed about property issues and sale progress.
Have a property or client situation you’d like to discuss?
How I help your clients
- Initial walkthrough and market analysis
- Coordination of approved vendors
- Preparation, marketing and closing
- Clear updates on property issues and sale progress
About Mark
Local Experience. Practical Help. Personal Attention.
I’m Mark Darfler. I’ve lived in the East Bay since 1972 and have helped clients buy and sell real estate since 2001.
My work includes helping successor trustees, executors, probate administrators and fiduciaries sell estate properties, including houses that need repairs, have years of belongings inside or are being managed from out of the area.
I’m a UC Berkeley Haas School of Business graduate with a background in marketing and operations. I bring that experience to organizing the work, evaluating preparation costs and marketing your property.
When you call, you’ll speak directly with me.
Mark Darfler · RE/MAX Accord · CA DRE #01331310
Client Reviews
What Clients Say
★★★★★
I lived in my home for 20 years and it was a big decision to sell. It was with careful consideration that I chose Mark Darfler to sell my home. Mark was always available to assist from the listing of my home to the final sale. My home sold quickly for over the asking price.
Home Seller, Pleasant Hill
Zillow review
★★★★★
Mark was the ultimate professional to work with when selling our home in Concord. I cannot imagine working with anyone with more knowledge or integrity than Mark. He clearly articulated and explained each step of the process and constantly asked for our input. Mark far exceeded our expectations in the selling of our home and we are most grateful to him.
Home Sellers, Concord
Zillow review
★★★★★
I decided to sell my primary residence and second home and asked Mark to list both properties. Mark was insightful, clear, professional, and candid. Mark takes the time to truly know the product. Relationships have value, and I value Mark's expertise and would recommend him without reservation.
Builder-Developer, Walnut Creek
Google review
5.0 ★★★★★ on Zillow and Google
Areas Served
Serving Contra Costa & Alameda Counties
Helping estates throughout the East Bay since 2001, including:
Walnut Creek · Lafayette · Orinda · Moraga · Pleasant Hill · Martinez · Concord · Alamo · Danville · San Ramon · Berkeley · Oakland · Alameda · Richmond · El Sobrante · Pinole · Pleasanton · Antioch · Brentwood
FAQ
Questions You May Have
Do we need to empty the house before contacting you?
No. Let’s meet before you take on a cleanout. We can discuss what needs to be removed, available services and whether selling with some belongings remaining is an option.
Should we make repairs before selling?
That depends on the property and your priorities. I’ll help you compare selling as-is with making selective improvements, including the costs and time involved.
Can you help if I live outside the Bay Area?
Yes. I can coordinate local property access, approved vendors and sale preparation, with updates by phone, email or video call.
Do you work with our attorney?
Yes. With your authorization, I’ll coordinate the real estate details with your attorney, fiduciary and escrow team.
What if we're not ready to sell yet?
That’s fine. An initial conversation can help you understand your options and plan ahead. There’s no obligation to list the property.
Is the property consultation free?
Yes. We’ll discuss your situation, walk through the property and review possible next steps, free of charge and without obligation.
Get Started
Let's Start With a Walkthrough
You don’t need to have all the answers. Let’s look at the house, talk through your options and decide on a sensible next step.
Free consultation. No obligation. No preparation needed before we meet.
Or call or text Mark directly:
Prefer to pick a time yourself? Book directly below.
Mark Darfler Real Estate
Trust, Probate & Estate Home Sales
Serving Contra Costa & Alameda Counties
RE/MAX Accord
3390 Mt. Diablo Blvd. #240
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-482-6388 · mark@darfler.com
CA DRE #01331310
Equal Housing Opportunity.
© Mark Darfler Real Estate. All rights reserved.