A threshold that's risen over time — check you have the current one
A rare exception: a second affidavit that reaches real estate
Unlike most Uniform Probate Code states, South Dakota offers a separate affidavit under SDCL §29A-3-1203 that can transfer real estate worth less than $50,000 — though it must also be filed with the county Register of Deeds where the property is located, on top of the usual affidavit requirements.
A Medicaid condition built into eligibility itself
The personal property affidavit is only available if the decedent has not incurred any indebtedness to the Department of Social Services for medical assistance for nursing home or other medical institutional care — an estate that owes such a debt doesn't qualify for the affidavit, regardless of value.
Two different waiting periods, not one
The personal property affidavit requires 30 days from death; the real estate affidavit requires 60 days — two separate clocks, not the same wait applied twice. The personal property affidavit needs no court filing at all; it's presented directly to whoever holds the property.
The $100,000 cap counts the whole estate, not just personal property
The personal property affidavit's $100,000 limit applies to the value of the entire estate, wherever located, including any real property — even though the affidavit itself only transfers personal property. A modest bank account next to an expensive house can still fail this cap.