Real Estate Properties Guide

The Sunset API helps you manage real property owned by the deceased, including primary residences, rental properties, and land. This guide covers property tracking, title analysis, and disposition.

API Path

/cases/{case_id}/properties
/cases/{case_id}/properties/{property_id}

Typical Workflow

1. Add properties to the case

Record real estate as it is identified through deeds, tax records, or title searches:

curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/properties" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "property_type": "primary_residence",
    "address": {
      "street": "123 Main Street",
      "city": "Salt Lake City",
      "state": "UT",
      "zip": "84101"
    },
    "ownership_type": "sole_ownership",
    "title_vesting": "John J. Johnson, a single man",
    "estimated_value": 385000.00,
    "outstanding_mortgage": 142000.00,
    "mortgage_holder": "US Bank",
    "annual_property_tax": 3200.00,
    "parcel_number": "16-05-230-012",
    "deed_type": "warranty",
    "is_homestead": true,
    "requires_probate": true
  }'

2. Record co-owners and liens

Track other parties with interest in the property:

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/properties/{property_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "co_owners": [
      {
        "name": "John Johnson",
        "relationship": "son",
        "ownership_share": 50
      }
    ],
    "liens": [
      {
        "lien_type": "mortgage",
        "holder": "US Bank",
        "amount": 142000.00,
        "recorded_date": "2018-03-15"
      }
    ]
  }'

3. Track disposition

Update as the property is transferred or sold:

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/properties/{property_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "status": "sold",
    "notes": "Sold for $395,000 on 2025-12-01. Mortgage paid off at closing."
  }'

Property Types

Type	Description
`primary_residence`	Primary home
`vacation_home`	Secondary/vacation home
`investment_property`	Investment property
`rental_property`	Income-producing rental
`vacant_land`	Undeveloped land
`commercial`	Commercial property
`farm_ranch`	Agricultural property
`mixed_use`	Mixed-use property

Ownership Types

Type	Description
`sole_ownership`	Deceased was sole owner (goes through probate)
`joint_tenancy`	Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship (passes to survivor)
`tenants_in_common`	Tenants in Common (deceased’s share goes through probate)
`community_property`	Community property (state-dependent rules)
`transfer_on_death_deed`	TOD deed (passes directly to beneficiary)
`lady_bird_deed`	Enhanced life estate deed (avoids probate)
`trust`	Held in a trust (passes per trust terms)
`life_estate`	Life estate (remainder passes to designated party)

Deed Types

Type	Description
`warranty`	Full warranty deed
`quitclaim`	Quitclaim deed (no warranties)
`grant`	Grant deed
`special_warranty`	Special/limited warranty deed
`transfer_on_death`	Transfer on death deed
`lady_bird`	Lady Bird / enhanced life estate deed

Key Considerations

Homestead exemptions may protect the primary residence from creditors in many states.
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship passes automatically to the surviving owner outside of probate.
Transfer on death deeds are available in about 30 states and allow property to pass without probate.
Mortgage obligations continue after death. Heirs who inherit the property can usually assume the mortgage under federal law.
Property taxes must continue to be paid during estate settlement to avoid tax liens.
Rental income from investment properties should be collected and tracked as estate income.

Getting Started

Guides

Real Estate Properties Guide

Real Estate Properties Guide

API Path

Typical Workflow

1. Add properties to the case

2. Record co-owners and liens

3. Track disposition

Property Types

Ownership Types

Deed Types

Key Considerations

​Real Estate Properties Guide

​API Path

​Typical Workflow

​1. Add properties to the case

​2. Record co-owners and liens

​3. Track disposition

​Property Types

​Ownership Types

​Deed Types

​Key Considerations

Real Estate Properties Guide

API Path

Typical Workflow

1. Add properties to the case

2. Record co-owners and liens

3. Track disposition

Property Types

Ownership Types

Deed Types

Key Considerations