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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.

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API Path

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

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Typical Workflow

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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
  }'

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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"
      }
    ]
  }'

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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."
  }'

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Property Types

TypeDescription
primary_residencePrimary home
vacation_homeSecondary/vacation home
investment_propertyInvestment property
rental_propertyIncome-producing rental
vacant_landUndeveloped land
commercialCommercial property
farm_ranchAgricultural property
mixed_useMixed-use property

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Ownership Types

TypeDescription
sole_ownershipDeceased was sole owner (goes through probate)
joint_tenancyJoint Tenants with Right of Survivorship (passes to survivor)
tenants_in_commonTenants in Common (deceased’s share goes through probate)
community_propertyCommunity property (state-dependent rules)
transfer_on_death_deedTOD deed (passes directly to beneficiary)
lady_bird_deedEnhanced life estate deed (avoids probate)
trustHeld in a trust (passes per trust terms)
life_estateLife estate (remainder passes to designated party)

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Deed Types

TypeDescription
warrantyFull warranty deed
quitclaimQuitclaim deed (no warranties)
grantGrant deed
special_warrantySpecial/limited warranty deed
transfer_on_deathTransfer on death deed
lady_birdLady Bird / enhanced life estate deed

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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.