A Nevada Executor's and Trustee's Guide to Estate Sales

This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. Talk to a Nevada probate attorney or use the Nevada Courts Self-Help Center before you sell estate property. We run estate sales; we aren't lawyers.

If you've been named executor, administrator, or trustee, an estate sale is often the simplest way to turn a household's contents into money for the estate and empty the house for sale or return. Before you sell, make sure you have the legal authority to do it, keep good records, and coordinate with your attorney.

Step 1: Confirm you have authority to sell

• Trust: If the belongings are held in a living trust, the successor trustee can usually act under the trust document without going to court.
• Probate: If a will is going through probate, the court-appointed personal representative (executor or administrator) usually needs letters testamentary or letters of administration before selling estate property.
• Small estates: Nevada has simpler routes for smaller estates. As of our last check of the Nevada Courts Self-Help Center:
  • Affidavit of entitlement (NRS 146.080): Used for estates with no real property. The limit is $25,000 (or $150,000 when the claimant is a surviving spouse), not counting vehicles, and the affidavit can be used 40 days after the death.
  • Set aside without administration (NRS 146.070): Requires a court petition, for estates up to $150,000.
  • Summary administration: Nevada raised this limit to $500,000 effective October 1, 2025 (SB 404). Some older websites still show the old figure.
  • Confirm the current numbers on the Self-Help Center or with an attorney.

Step 2: Secure the house and valuables

Change the locks if needed. Gather important papers, jewelry, firearms, cash, and keys. Don't let anyone take things "just to hold onto."

Step 3: Let heirs choose what they want first

Follow the will or trust. Write down who took what. Once heirs have chosen, we start.

Step 4: Don't throw things away

Hold off on cleaning out "junk" until we've seen the house. Old papers, costume jewelry, tools, and kitchenware can be worth more than you'd think. (What to keep before your sale)

Step 5: Hold the sale and keep records

When the sale is done, we pay by cashier's check or wire transfer (the cost of the check or wire is deducted from the final payout). Keep a record of the payment with your estate records for the court, the beneficiaries, and your tax preparer.

Step 6: Clear the house

We donate what we can, and haul-away of the rest is included. Our sister company Dunk The Junk clears out whatever doesn't sell, so the house is ready for the realtor or for return to the landlord.

Executor living out of state?

A lot of our clients don't live nearby. We can do the walkthrough by video or with your realtor or a family member, pick up keys from a lockbox, and keep you updated by phone and email.

Working with attorneys, fiduciaries and realtors

We're glad to coordinate directly with your attorney or professional fiduciary. See for realtors, attorneys & fiduciaries.

Call (775) 683-1965 · Email 180estatesales@gmail.com