Private Probate Estate Loans Secured by California Real Estate

Probate Estate Loans
in California.

HCS Equity provides private probate estate loans in California secured by estate-owned real estate. These loans are designed for estates being administered by an executor or administrator that require short-term liquidity during the probate process.

how probate & estate loans help

Probate Loans for inherited real estate.

One of the most common reasons for a probate estate loan is the need to access equity from inherited real estate before the probate process is complete.

In many probate situations, the estate owns a home or other real property, but does not have enough cash to cover expenses or distribute assets among beneficiaries. A probate loan can provide short-term liquidity secured by the estate-owned property.

The loan is made directly to the estate and secured by the real estate. Once the loan closes, funds can be used for approved estate needs. The private loan may later be repaid through a property sale, refinance, beneficiary funds, or other approved repayment strategy.

when to use

What can a Probate Estate Loan be used for?

Probate estate loans can provide short-term liquidity for a wide range of estate-owned real estate needs, including:

Supporting a potential Proposition 19 or Proposition 58 transfer strategy

Paying existing mortgage payments or debt service

Covering property taxes and insurance

Paying legal, probate, or administrative expenses

Reimbursing family members or administrators who advanced funds

Funding beneficiary buyouts to equalize the distribution of estate assets

Paying legal or relocation expenses to evict tenants

Completing repairs or updates before selling the property

Key benefits

Benefits of a Probate Estate Loan with HCS Equity.

HCS Equity provides practical private lending solutions for administrators, executors, and beneficiaries who need speed, flexibility, and certainty during the probate process.

how HCS Equity helps

California Probate Estate Loans
from HCS Equity.

When a California probate estate owns real estate, the estate may require liquidity before probate is completed, the property is sold, or ownership is transferred. Executors and administrators often need access to capital to preserve estate assets and satisfy estate obligations during probate. This commonly occurs when the estate has limited cash but needs to pay expenses, preserve property, or to facilitate the buy out of beneficiaries to complete an equal distribution of assets in compliance with Prop 19/58.

HCS Equity specializes in private probate estate loans for short-term capital needs involving California real estate. As a direct private lender, HCS Equity uses its own capital and provides flexible underwriting.

HCS Equity does not provide legal or tax advice. Administrators, executors, and beneficiaries should consult their attorney or tax professional regarding probate court requirements, Proposition 19, Proposition 58, and property tax reassessment rules.

how HCS Equity helps

California Probate Estate Loans
from HCS Equity.

When a California probate estate owns real estate, the estate may require liquidity before probate is completed, the property is sold, or ownership is transferred. Executors and administrators often need access to capital to preserve estate assets and satisfy estate obligations during probate. This commonly occurs when the estate has limited cash but needs to pay expenses, preserve property, or to facilitate the buy out of beneficiaries to complete an equal distribution of assets in compliance with Prop 19/58.

HCS Equity specializes in private probate estate loans for short-term capital needs involving California real estate. As a direct private lender, HCS Equity uses its own capital and provides flexible underwriting.

HCS Equity does not provide legal or tax advice. Administrators, executors, and beneficiaries should consult their attorney or tax professional regarding probate court requirements, Proposition 19, Proposition 58, and property tax reassessment rules.

How It Works

How the Trust Buyout and Equalization Process Works

Whether referred to as a sibling buyout, parent-to-child transfer, trust equalization, or a Proposition 19 or Proposition 58 transfer strategy, these transactions generally follow the same process. HCS Equity provides financing to the trust, allowing the successor trustee to create the liquidity needed to complete the distribution of trust assets.

01

Confirm the Probate Estate Owns Real Estate

The estate must own California real estate that can be used as collateral for the probate estate loan.

02

Determine the Estate’s Funding Need

The administrator or executor, together with legal counsel when appropriate, determines how much liquidity is needed for expenses, beneficiary buyouts, repairs, debt service, or equalization.

03

HCS Equity Reviews the Probate Loan Scenario

HCS Equity reviews the estate-owned property, available equity, loan purpose, repayment plan, and the administrator or executor’s authority to proceed.

04

HCS Equity Provides Private Capital to the Probate Estate

If approved, HCS Equity provides a private loan secured by the estate-owned real estate. The funds can be used for approved estate needs during the probate process.

05

Estate Expenses, Buyouts, or Property Needs Are Addressed

Loan proceeds may be used to pay expenses, buy out beneficiaries, prepare the property for sale, preserve the property, or support the agreed distribution of estate assets.

06

The Private Loan Is Repaid

The probate estate loan may be repaid through a property sale, refinance, beneficiary funds, or another approved exit strategy once the estate matter is resolved.

Recently Funded

Recently funded Probate Estate Loan scenarios.

HCS Equity has funded probate estate loan scenarios across California involving beneficiary buyouts, estate expenses, legal costs, mortgage payoff, and inherited property needs.

Case Studies, Probate

Cash-Out for Probate Administration

$314K probate loan in Elk Grove funded a mortgage payoff, sibling buyout, and estate costs, with refinance planned after probate closes.

San Mateo Co.

Closed in 6 days

Case Studies, Probate

Sibling Buyout – Probate

HCS Equity funded a $669K probate loan in San Jose, enabling a sibling buyout and preserving property tax benefits under Prop 19.

San Mateo Co.

Closed in 6 days

Bridge Loans, Case Studies, Probate

Investment Property Cash-out

$225K equity-backed loan secured by a free & clear property. Funds used for the downpayment on a new investment. Quick funding with flexible terms.

San Mateo Co.

Closed in 6 days

Case Studies, Probate

Cash-out for Probate Administration

$50K probate loan in Auburn, CA to cover legal and administrative expenses—funded by HCS Equity, a California lender for estate and trust property loans.

San Mateo Co.

Closed in 6 days

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about
Probate Estate Loans.

A probate loan is private financing secured by real estate owned by an estate during the probate process. The loan is typically made directly to the estate and approved by the administrator, executor, or authorized representative. It can provide liquidity before estate assets are sold, refinanced, transferred, or distributed to beneficiaries.

Yes. An estate may be able to get a loan during probate if it owns California real estate, has sufficient equity, and the administrator or executor has the legal authority to borrow against the property.

A probate administrator, executor, attorney, or fiduciary may initiate an inquiry. The loan is generally approved for and signed by the authorized estate representative, subject to any required court approval.

A probate loan may be used for estate expenses, legal fees, funeral costs, property taxes, insurance, mortgage payments, repairs, beneficiary buyouts for Prop 19/58, or preparing inherited property for sale.

A probate estate loan may help create liquidity for equalization and distribution when beneficiaries are pursuing a Proposition 19 or Proposition 58-related transfer strategy. Administrators and beneficiaries should work with their attorney or tax professional to confirm eligibility and proper execution.

Yes. Probate loans are commonly used when one beneficiary wants to keep inherited property and other beneficiaries want to receive their share in cash in compliance with Prop 19/58.

In many HCS Equity probate estate loan scenarios, no personal guarantee or down payment is required. The loan is secured by the estate-owned real estate.

HCS Equity may not require the administrator to provide personal financial information when the loan is made to the estate and secured by estate-owned real estate. Requirements may vary by scenario.

No. HCS Equity does not charge prepayment penalties or require a minimum number of months of interest.

Probate estate loans are generally structured as short-term financing. Loan terms vary depending on the property, the probate timeline, and the planned repayment strategy.

Funds are typically available within 7–10 business days, depending on the estate documents, title, court requirements, property details, and overall complexity of the loan.

HCS Equity can consider many types of California real estate owned by an estate, including residential, multifamily, commercial, and investment properties.

HCS Equity can typically lend from $30,000 to $4,000,000, depending on the property, available equity, loan purpose, and repayment strategy.

A probate estate loan is usually repaid through a property sale, refinance, beneficiary funds, or another approved exit strategy.

What Clients Say

Two decades of five-star relationships.

FRANCIENE BLACK profile picture
FRANCIENE BLACK
2 months ago
I had an outstanding experience working with Justin Aldi at HCS Equity. From start to finish, Justin provided exceptional customer service and made the entire loan process smooth, efficient, and stress free , Justin was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and took the time to answer all of my questions. He kept me informed throughout the process and insured everything moved forward quickly and seamlessly. I truly appreciate the excellent service I received and I would highly recommend Justin to anyone seeking financial assistance. If you are looking for a loan professional, who is dedicated, reliable, and committed to helping his clients, Justin Aldi is a person to call. Thank you, Justin for making this such a positive experience. I look forward to working with you again for any future loan needs!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eddie Ortiz profile picture
Eddie Ortiz
2 months ago
Worked with Ben, the process was smooth, easy, and professional. I highly recommend HCS Equity..
Richard Steiny profile picture
Richard Steiny
5 months ago
HCS Equity is owned and run by two highly qualified individuals, both with strong business ethics. I have done business with them for approx 15 years and have found them to be communicative, timely, straight forward and really good at their trade. Highly recommend.
George Grengs profile picture
George Grengs
5 months ago
I’ve invested with Justin Aldi and Jordan Must for over 10 years and have nothing but good things to say about them and their investment vehicle – short term real estate loans backed by trust deeds and made at substantial discounts to appraised value. The best part of the experience has been the great service they provide. Good information is provided before each investment, including appraisals, and the individual loan background summary. When there are questions, they are answered promptly and thoroughly. Their back office includes long time employees who are friendly and efficient. Since these types of loans are costly for the borrower and there are no pre-payment penalties, they are typically paid off within 3-12 months, leaving little market risk with the secured property. I would highly recommend HCS Equity as a component to your investment profile.
ken wilson profile picture
ken wilson
5 months ago
done business with Justin for almost two decades - would not go anywhere else! Justin is thorough, careful and puts his own money into the same projects he puts me in. I've lent through him and borrowed from him. Experiences on both sides have been excellent.
Hilary Howard profile picture
Hilary Howard
5 months ago
I've been investing with Justin and Jordan at HCS Equity for several years now, and they've become an important part of my investment portfolio. If you're looking into first trust deed investing, these are your people.

Their honesty and integrity is what keeps me coming back. They walk you through exactly what you're investing in, what the risks are, and what to expect. That kind of integrity is hard to find.

I really appreciate their communication style, I'm never left wondering what's going on with my investments. Justin and Jordan are responsive, proactive, and they explain things in plain English without making you feel like you need a finance degree to keep up!

Returns have been solid. Year after year, they've delivered — which at the end of the day is what matters most.

I highly recommend HCS Equity if you're serious about trust deed investing.
Lee VanHouten profile picture
Lee VanHouten
5 months ago
I’ve worked with Justin as a customer for more than 25 years, which says a lot about the trust I have in him and the team at HCS Equity.
What keeps me coming back is how careful and thoughtful Justin and Jordan are in the way they manage investments. They run their business with integrity and a very steady, disciplined approach.
Each year they provide a clear and insightful annual summary that helps me understand performance without all the noise you often see in traditional investing.
For me, HCS Equity has been a great alternative to the constant ups and downs of the stock and bond markets. After all these years, I can honestly say I trust them and highly recommend Justin, Jordan, and HCS Equity.
Tony Cutler profile picture
Tony Cutler
6 months ago
We needed to obtain a loan to our mother’s trust in order to equalize the estate between siblings and utilize the parent-child property tax exclusion. When my sister’s and I were referred to HCS Equity, we spoke with Justin and immediately felt like we were talking to the right person. He understood exactly what we needed to accomplish and supplied us with a detailed step-by-step guide.

Over the next three months, while the estate distribution details were being finalized, Justin consistently responded to our emails and phone calls with kindness and professionalism. Once all of our paperwork was complete, the loan was available within about a week.

We would highly recommend HCS Equity. Justin was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process and truly a pleasure to work with.
Jill Carrade profile picture
Jill Carrade
6 months ago
I had the opportunity to work with Ben Heilig at HCS Equity on a recent private loan transaction, it was an excellent experience from start to finish. Ben was strategic in his approach with my challenging client scenario and kept my client and I informed throughout the entire process. I truly appreciated Ben's partnership and can't wait to work with him again.
Matt Pentecost profile picture
Matt Pentecost
6 months ago
I have invested with HCS Equity for years now and they always deliver! Jordan and Justin are my trusted advisors and have both financed my properties and provided solid investment returns on my own capital. Great firm to work with.
Brian O'Toole profile picture
Brian O'Toole
6 months ago
I have worked with HCS Equity for years. I appreciate their conservative approach to appraisals and debt to equity ratios. Their results (yield and principal protection) speak for themselves. In addition, their client services and responsiveness to questions are always prompt and helpful.
Mark Gole profile picture
Mark Gole
6 months ago
I’ve done many deals over the years with HCS equity and am invested currently with them and there Wamm fund. I have had only positive experiences. Justin and Jordan are great to work with , and make themselves available if you any questions or concerns about your investment. I highly recommend investing in them
Working with Justin has been a wonderful experience. I was connected with him when I needed information regarding probate loans. It was new territory and I was nervous about the process. Justin explained everything well and immediately put me at ease. Since that first introduction, HCS Equity has been a life saver. Efficient, professional, timely-these are the words that best describe my experience with them. Questions were always answered quickly, loans were closed faster than I have ever experienced, the rates are competitive and the up front transparency of what they can and can not do eliminates so much wasted time. Justin is particularly wonderful to work with, as he is all of the descriptions above and works with you to find a solution to any problems that arise. Justin is always my first call for funding because he and HCS are so easy to work with. I HIGHLY recommend them and I am thankful that I was introduced to all that HCS offers through Justin.
I highly recommend Justin for anyone seeking a reliable hard money lender. He has been outstanding to work with extremely responsive, efficient, and always on top of every detail. Justin moves quickly and understands the importance of timing in real estate transactions. He consistently demonstrates professionalism, strong communication, and a solutions-oriented approach. Justin is always proactive and keeps things moving smoothly from start to finish. It has been a pleasure working with him, and I confidently recommend his services to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and dependable lending partner.
Dennis Scott profile picture
Dennis Scott
2 years ago
I had the privilege of working with Ben on a transaction recently in Santa Cruz, and I was so fortunate that he dealt with the financing for my buyer. He made the process so easy and smooth and he was able to overcome challenges through throughout the transaction that I don’t think any other lender would have been able to do. I look forward to working with him again on many more transactions in the future!
jessica espinola profile picture
jessica espinola
2 years ago
It's been a great experience working with Justin Aldi. He's IT! Professional , knowledgeable, trust worthy and great communicator. We've been fortunate to purchase a few properties using his services and every time it's a smooth transaction.

Thank you!
Jessica
Raza Chishti profile picture
Raza Chishti
2 years ago
All the processes were easy and the people are very good in dealing as well.
Teresa Wolcott profile picture
Teresa Wolcott
2 years ago
Dealing with HCS Equity was my first experience at obtaining a loan. Ben Hellig made the process easy. He was responsive, informative and professional. If ever the need for a new loan, HCS Equity will be my first stop.
James Ziegler profile picture
James Ziegler
3 years ago
Trusts and trust loans were new territory for me, I wasn’t even aware that a loan could be taken out against a trust. It turns out that I did need a short term loan to buy out a sibling and maintain the parent-child property tax reassessment exclusion. My estate lawyer referred me to Ben Heilig at HCS Equity and I could hardly believe how quickly he was able to put everything together. Ben was always available to answer my many questions in ways that made complete sense. He was friendly and patient. I was extremely impressed with Ben and HCS Equity and highly recommend them.
Annette Boggs profile picture
Annette Boggs
3 years ago
If you are looking for a hard money loan - Justin is your guy! From start to finish (6 days) he made the loan and funded it! He is honest, a good businessman, and very cordial. I will definitely recommend him to others looking for FAST MONEY.
Alis Whitman profile picture
Alis Whitman
4 years ago
The partners at HSC Equity are down-to-earth. They explain the terms of lending in a way that anyone can understand and feel comfortable with. There is no hard sell here, just knowledgeable people looking out for their client’s best interests. Every touch point with this firm has the feel of genuine white-glove service. It is a pleasure to work with them, and I highly recommend HSC Equity.
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Rebecca Smith
4 years ago
Justin and his entire team are amazing. Easy to work with, and kept in constant communication, I never once had to follow up with them.
Brian Berman profile picture
Brian Berman
4 years ago
Our attorney advised us to contact HCS Equity regarding a loan to our family's irrevocable trust. We worked with one of the managing partners, Ben Heilig, who was extremely knowledgeable, professional, kind and very patient with our endless questions and concerns. We closed on the loan a few weeks ago, and the process couldn't have been smoother from start to finish. We recommend Ben and his team to anyone in need of a loan for their family trust.
J M Clay profile picture
J M Clay
4 years ago
I am the successor trustee for my parents' family trust. Trust administration is new territory for me, so I was stressed about having to take out a trust loan. I spoke with a few lenders but decided to keep searching, which I am so glad I did or I would never have discovered HCS Equity. Their website clearly explained the process, and it made me feel comfortable enough to give them a call. I spoke with Ben, and like others have said, he is professional, patient and very knowledgeable, so I decided to proceed with HCS Equity. Each step of the way, Ben explained what to expect and what I needed to do. Closing of the trust loan was a breeze and a relief all due to Ben! Because of my positive experience with Ben and HCS Equity, the law firm that is assisting me with trust administration requested Ben's info so that their other clients can utilize his services. Thanks again Ben and HCS! I really appreciate all you have done!!
Scott Faverty profile picture
Scott Faverty
4 years ago
I contacted HCS Equity to request information about the trust lending process, and Ben Heilig took the time to explain everything in great detail. His professionalism, expertise, and patience guiding me through the process definitely put me at ease. It was a pleasure working with Ben, and I highly recommend HCS Equity if you are in need of a trust loan to buyout your siblings.
One of the most difficult problems for Professional Fiduciaries is obtaining a third- party loan for their client. HCS Equity came to my "rescue" with their rescue reverse mortgage. Now I can continue to take care of my cash-strapped client without fear of creditors taking her assets. Thank you Ben, and HCS Equity!
Justin and his team are the best of the best; going above and beyond for their clients. You will feel at ease with their expertise.
Kevin Jones profile picture
Kevin Jones
6 years ago
We have worked with Justin Aldi for over 20 years and he always delivers a great product and stellar service! Always going up and beyond to get our loans done, very reliable and is our go to for all of our loans! Thank you for all you have done for us and becoming a friend in the process!
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