SHOPPROP GUIDE
Trustee duties, tax implications, required documents — and how flat-fee listing preserves more for beneficiaries.
The most common type. The grantor (creator) retains control during their lifetime and can sell the property freely as trustee. After the grantor's death, the successor trustee handles the sale.
The grantor has permanently transferred ownership. The trustee must follow the trust document strictly and may need beneficiary consent or court approval to sell.
Trust properties tend to be high-value homes — often held for decades, fully paid off, and located in premium neighborhoods. When percentage-based commissions are applied to these properties, the cost to beneficiaries is staggering:
| Property Value | Traditional 2.5% | ShopProp Flat Fee | Beneficiary Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $800,000 | $20,000 | $4,495 | $15,505 |
| $1,500,000 | $37,500 | $4,495 | $33,005 |
| $2,000,000 | $50,000 | $4,495 | $45,505 |
| $3,500,000 | $87,500 | $4,495 | $83,005 |
| $5,000,000 | $125,000 | $4,495 | $120,505 |
Confirm the trustee's authority to sell real property. Look for any restrictions, required approvals, or distribution instructions that affect timing.
Trust document or Certificate of Trust, trustee ID, death certificate (if grantor has passed), trust amendments, property deed, and any court orders.
Trust sales often need an appraisal to establish fair market value — especially for beneficiary transparency and tax purposes.
A managing broker experienced with trust sales ensures proper documentation, title transfer, and compliance. ShopProp's flat-fee model keeps costs predictable for estate planning.
Full MLS listing, professional photography, and full marketing exposure — the same service as any listing, but at $4,495 instead of percentage-based commission.
Title company handles the trust-specific closing. Proceeds are distributed per the trust's instructions. Managing broker reviews all documents before signing.
Treated identically to personal ownership for tax purposes. If the home was the grantor's primary residence for 2 of the last 5 years, the Section 121 exclusion applies ($250,000 single / $500,000 married filing jointly).
The property receives a stepped-up cost basis to fair market value at the date of death. This means if the home was purchased for $200,000 decades ago but is worth $1.5M at the grantor's death, the new cost basis is $1.5M — potentially eliminating capital gains entirely if sold promptly.
The trust is a separate tax entity. Capital gains are taxed at trust tax rates, which reach the highest bracket (37%) at just $14,450 in income (2026). This makes minimizing commissions and costs even more critical — every dollar saved reduces the trust's tax burden.
Trust sales involve more documentation, more legal nuances, and more stakeholders than typical transactions. At ShopProp, every trust sale includes managing broker oversight — not just an agent.
Full-service listing at $4,495 — with managing broker oversight on every document.
Calculate Your Savings Get StartedYes. For revocable living trusts where you're the trustee, you can sell freely. For irrevocable trusts, the trustee must have authority granted in the trust document and may need beneficiary consent or court approval depending on the state.
It depends on the trust type. Revocable trusts are treated like personal ownership — the Section 121 exclusion may apply. Inherited properties often receive a stepped-up cost basis, potentially eliminating capital gains. Irrevocable trusts are taxed as separate entities at trust rates.
Typically: the trust document or Certificate of Trust, trustee identification, death certificate (if applicable), trust amendments, property deed, and standard seller disclosures. A managing broker guides you through state-specific requirements.
Trust properties are often high-value. ShopProp's $4,495 flat fee means a $2M trust property saves $45,505 vs. traditional 2.5% listing commission. That money stays in the trust for beneficiaries — and may reduce the trust's tax burden at trust tax rates.