Beyond the Will: How REALTORS® Can Guide Clients Through Life’s Transitions

🏡 Real Estate and Probate: Guiding Clients Through Life Transitions

The aging of America is reshaping the real estate market.

The Freddie Mac “Boomer Housing Market 2024” analysis estimates that over the next decade approximately 8 million homes owned by older Americans are expected to come to market (rising to about 9 million later) as they age and transition.

The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University reports that the homeownership rate among those aged 60+ is nearing 80%, which means the aging homeowner cohort holds a large volume of real‐estate assets.

Over the next 20 years, more than one in four U.S. homes could change hands as Baby Boomers age, downsize, or pass away — a demographic wave often called the “Silver Tsunami.”

With roughly 60% of U.S. adults lacking a will or estate plan, many of these transitions will involve probate, tangled titles, or unclear ownership.

REALTORS® who understand this process will be uniquely positioned to guide families through some of the most emotionally and legally complex real-estate situations.

This session brings together experts in title, law, and real estate to explain exactly how probate works, what clients need to know, and how you can turn knowledge into confidence and service.

🎯 You’ll Learn

• What happens when someone dies with or without a will
• The timeline and steps of the probate process in Alabama
• How to discuss probate clearly and compassionately with clients
• Why adult children of aging parents should prepare now — not later
• How REALTORS® can identify and serve clients facing estate-related sales
• Legal and title considerations for buying or selling probate properties

💡 Why This Matters Now

Baby Boomers own nearly 40% of U.S. homes and hold record home-equity levels.

Zillow projects that 27% of owner-occupied homes may hit the market by 2045 as older homeowners age out.

In Alabama, probate delays can extend listing timelines by months to a year when estates aren’t planned properly.

👥 Speakers

Deborah Hobbs – Canopy Title
A seasoned title expert who specializes in complex and estate-related closings, Deborah brings years of experience resolving title challenges that arise during probate. She’ll share insights on preventing costly title delays and protecting your clients.

Matt Wright, Attorney at Law
Based in Trussville, Matt focuses on probate, estate planning, and real-estate law. He’ll walk agents through the probate process, timelines, and common pitfalls — empowering you to guide clients confidently.

👩‍💼 Who Should Attend

REALTORS®, brokers, and agents from any brokerage across the Birmingham metro area who want to expand their knowledge, serve families more effectively, and prepare for the coming generational shift in housing.

Come join us for an informative event where we will discuss how to navigate the complexities of real estate and probate when guiding clients through life transitions.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is designed to provide valuable insights and strategies to help you better assist your clients.

The event will be held at 240 Applegate Pkwy, so mark your calendars and don't miss out! Coffee, breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees.