Mark Darfler Real Estate
Trust, Probate & Estate Home Sales · Contra Costa & Alameda Counties
Need Help Selling Mom or Dad’s House—and What’s Inside?
Selling a parent’s house can mean sorting through a lifetime of belongings and figuring out where to begin. There’s a lot to handle, especially when you’re also dealing with a loss.
I can take much of that work off your hands. With over 25 years in real estate, I’ve helped hundreds of families sell belongings, arrange cleanouts, and get the house sold—with a clear plan from start to finish.
Mark Darfler · RE/MAX Accord
Serving East Bay Families Since 2001
CA DRE #01331310
Serving East Bay Families Since 2001
CA DRE #01331310
Let’s Start With Your Situation
You may be sorting through belongings, managing everything from out of town, or wondering what the house needs before it can sell. We’ll talk about what your family needs, what you want to handle, and what I can take off your hands.
Your priorities · Your timing · Your budget
Every home pictured below is a property I’ve sold—each with a different starting point and a plan shaped around the client’s needs.
Belongings & Cleanout
Coordinate estate sales, donations, and removal after the family chooses what to keep.
Your family chooses what to keep. I coordinate estate-sale professionals, donations, and cleanout crews to handle the rest.
Inspections & a Clear Plan
Understand the house’s condition and decide what’s worth doing.
I coordinate inspections so we understand the house’s condition before listing. Together, we’ll decide what needs attention and what can be left as-is.
Prepare the House
Coordinate approved cleaning, repairs, landscaping, and presentation.
I arrange the cleaning, repairs, landscaping, and presentation you approve. You decide how much to take on; I coordinate the work.
Get the House Sold
Handle pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, and the sale.
I handle pricing, marketing, showings, and negotiations, keeping you informed along the way. My goal is to get you the best possible result with as little work on your shoulders as possible.
Hidden Red Flags
Catching Problems Before They Cost You
A house can come with issues you didn’t know to look for. I help identify potential problems early and coordinate the right professionals to address them—so your family can make informed decisions and keep the sale moving.
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
You Don’t Have to Handle It All Yourself
From estate-sale professionals to hauling crews and photographers, I coordinate the people and the work—so you don’t have to.
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.
Staging, Photos & Marketing
Staging, photography and marketing to present the home at its best.
Property Inspections
Property inspections arranged early, to identify potential issues before the house goes on the market.
Repairs & Preparation
Repairs, landscaping and other preparation, only where it makes sense.
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. Your family can choose what to keep, and I can coordinate estate sales, donations, and removal of the rest.
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.