The documents you'll encounter, decoded

Affidavit of death — a short sworn statement, recorded with the county, that says the owner died and attaches a certified copy of the death certificate. It clears the deceased person's name off the title. There are variants for joint tenants, trustees, and spouses.

Certified death certificate — issued by the county health department. You'll need several copies; banks, the county, insurers, and lenders each want one.

Letters testamentary / letters of administration — court documents that give an executor or administrator legal authority over a probate estate. Only exist if there's a probate.

Grant deed / trust transfer deed — how the home moves to its next owner when administration is done.

Preliminary change of ownership report (PCOR) — a form filed with any recorded transfer that tells the assessor what happened, so they can decide whether to reassess.

General education, not advice — verify anything you’ll rely on with a CPA or estate attorney.