Start by confirming who can act for the property
Before repairs, pricing or marketing begin, the family needs to know who has authority to make decisions and sign. The answer depends on how title is held and whether the property is in a trust, an estate, or shared ownership. An executor, administrator or trustee may need court or trust documents before escrow can accept instructions. If several heirs are involved, agreeing on one point of contact can make day-to-day communication easier while still keeping everyone informed. A California estate attorney or title professional should confirm authority; my role is to coordinate the real estate work around that advice.
Build a clear picture of the home from abroad
An inherited home may have been occupied by a relative for decades, rented to a tenant or left vacant. I can help the family document its current condition through photographs, video walkthroughs and appropriate inspections. We can discuss what should be secured, what personal property remains, whether utilities are active and which repairs may affect safety or marketability. The purpose is not to recommend a renovation automatically. It is to give overseas heirs enough reliable information to compare selling as-is with a limited preparation plan.
Staying involved from a distance
Video calls and walkthroughs let family members see a property, ask questions, and weigh in on decisions in real time, no matter where they are. I'm happy to explain listings, offers, and disclosures in Mandarin so nothing gets lost between generations or across the ocean.
Signing documents from overseas
Many escrow and title documents can be signed electronically. Some still require a notarized signature, and depending on the country that may involve an apostille or other authentication at a local notary, consulate, or equivalent authority. Requirements vary by country and by document, so I recommend asking your escrow or title officer early which documents will need this, so there's time to arrange it before a deadline.
Wiring funds internationally
International wires generally take longer to clear than domestic ones and may go through additional verification steps. Wire fraud targeting real estate closings is a real risk, so always confirm wire instructions by calling a phone number you already have on file for your escrow or title company, never a number or link from an email.
Coordinate local property care before the sale
Distance can turn ordinary ownership tasks into urgent problems. The family may need a local locksmith, cleaner, gardener, estate-sale company or licensed contractor, along with someone to check mail and watch for insurance or utility notices. I can help define what the property needs for a sale and coordinate access for the appropriate local professionals. I do not act as a property manager or choose legal and tax strategies for the family, but I can keep the real estate preparation organized and visible to heirs in different countries.
Tax withholding for foreign sellers (FIRPTA)
If you are selling U.S. real estate as a foreign person, federal law under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) generally requires the buyer to withhold a portion of the sale proceeds for the IRS. The details, exceptions and rates depend on your situation, so this should be reviewed with a CPA or tax attorney well before closing, not at the last minute.
Inheritance and ownership questions need qualified advice
Property connected to relatives in China can raise questions about California probate, trust administration, title, basis, foreign reporting and the tax residency of each seller. Those questions do not have one answer, and a real estate agent should not try to provide one. A California attorney can advise on authority and estate procedure; a CPA or tax attorney familiar with cross-border matters can address filing and withholding. The dedicated trust and probate guide for Asian families explains how those professionals fit alongside the property sale.
Choose a sale plan the whole family can follow
Once authority and condition are understood, I prepare a pricing and marketing plan that can be reviewed in English or Mandarin. The family can compare preparation costs, estimated timing and the practical tradeoffs of an as-is sale. During the listing, I send updates about showings, buyer feedback and offers, then explain the terms and risks rather than presenting price alone. Clear written summaries are especially useful when heirs are spread across Los Angeles, Taiwan, mainland China and other locations.
Working across time zones
I plan calls and walkthroughs around your schedule where I can, and I follow up important conversations in writing so a late-night or early-morning call isn't the only record of what was discussed.
Note: I'm a real estate agent, not an attorney, CPA or notary. The information above is general and not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney or tax professional about your specific situation, especially regarding FIRPTA, wire transfers, and document authentication requirements for your country.