Maine Probate Real Estate Sale Calculator

Selling a Maine probate house

Enter the sale price to see the typical cost picture.

Does the will authorize selling real estate without the 10-day notice?

Sale price

Include a 6% realtor commission?

Estimated cost of this Maine probate sale

Do I need court approval? →

Facing probate in Maine?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Maine attorney

A mandatory 10-day notice, unless the will waives it

What makes Maine different: Maine law prohibits the personal representative from selling or transferring any interest in real property of the estate without giving notice at least 10 days prior to the sale or transfer, unless the will authorizes the personal representative to sell or transfer real estate without that notice.

A state estate tax most states don't have

Maine is one of a small number of states with its own state estate tax, with a 2026 exclusion of roughly $7.16 million and rates from 8% to 12% on the excess — a genuine planning consideration for larger estates, on top of the federal estate tax.

No statutory fee percentage

Maine sets no statutory percentage for the personal representative's fee — compensation must be reasonable, with the actual figure determined by the probate court based on the estate's complexity.

A creditor window with two possible endpoints

The creditor claim period runs 9 months from the appointment of the personal representative, or 12 months from the date of death, whichever expires first. See Capital Gains Tax on the Sale for Maine's separate income tax treatment of the gain.

Maine probate real estate sale — frequently asked questions

Does a Maine personal representative need to give notice before selling the house?

Yes, by default — Maine law prohibits the personal representative from selling or transferring real property without giving at least 10 days' notice before the sale, unless the will authorizes selling without that notice.

Does Maine have a state estate tax on top of the federal one?

Yes — Maine is one of a small number of states with its own state estate tax, with a 2026 exclusion of roughly $7.16 million and rates from 8% to 12% on the excess.

How much does a Maine personal representative get paid for selling the house?

Maine sets no statutory percentage — compensation must be reasonable, with the actual figure determined by the probate court based on the estate's complexity.

How long is Maine's creditor claim period?

9 months from the appointment of the personal representative, or 12 months from the date of death, whichever expires first.

What is Maine's state tax rate on the sale's gain?

Up to 7.15% for most filers in 2026, taxed as ordinary income with no separate rate for long-term gains, plus a new 2026 surcharge tier for very high earners.

Sixteen counties, sixteen elected probate judges

Maine's Probate Court sits one per county, 16 total, each led by a separately elected probate judge, but Title 18-C (the Maine Uniform Probate Code) applies identically statewide.

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Figures are based on 18-C M.R.S. Part 7, and typical realtor commission rates. Actual costs depend on the estate's own facts. Confirm current figures with the Probate Court or a licensed Maine attorney before acting.