Bakersfield Inherited Duplex — Probate, Non-Paying Tenants, $285K in 16 Days
Three siblings inherited a Bakersfield duplex through probate. Both units had non-paying tenants. Two wholesalers offered $240K–$255K with 30-day inspection periods. We offered $285K with no inspection contingency and closed in 16 days.
The Situation
When the patriarch of a Bakersfield family passed away, he left behind a duplex on the east side of town. Three adult children — living in California, Nevada, and Texas — were named as equal heirs. The property had been a rental for 20+ years and needed significant updating.
Both units were occupied by tenants who had stopped paying rent months before the death. The family had been advised by a property manager that evicting both tenants would take 3–5 months and cost $8,000–$12,000 in legal fees. They didn't want to manage that process from out of state.
Two wholesalers had approached the family with offers of $240,000 and $255,000 — both with 30-day inspection periods and vague language about "and/or assignee" on the contract. The family was uncomfortable with the process but didn't know they had better options.
What We Did Differently
When the executor called us, we drove the property the same day. We pulled Kern County comps, estimated repair costs for both units, and factored in the cost of handling the tenant situation after closing. We came back with a $285,000 offer — significantly above what the wholesalers had offered.
More importantly, we explained exactly how we calculated the offer: post-repair value of the duplex as a rental, minus estimated repairs, minus our carrying costs and margin. The family could see the math. There were no surprises.
We provided proof of funds within 24 hours. Our contract had no inspection contingency, no assignment clause, and a 16-day closing timeline. We worked directly with the family's Bakersfield probate attorney to confirm the executor had IAEA authority to sell without court confirmation.
Timeline
The Outcome
The three siblings received $285,000 cash — $95,000 each — 16 days after signing the contract. No repairs, no evictions, no court hearings, no commissions.
We took the property with both tenants in place and handled the tenant situation after closing. The family never had to deal with the eviction process or manage contractors from out of state.
The executor later told us that the wholesalers had called multiple times after she signed with us, trying to get her to back out. She didn't. She said the transparency of our offer — seeing the actual math — was what made her confident she was making the right decision.
Key Lessons for Bakersfield Sellers
Have a Similar Situation in Bakersfield?
Call Connor directly. He'll assess your property, explain your options honestly, and provide a written cash offer within 24 hours — no obligation.