Before social media closings became popular, Sharee Body was already showing up for her clients face-to-face. As a mortgage lender in the early 2000s, she built trust simply by being present. At the settlement table, people constantly asked if she was the real estate agent.
“Are you the agent?”
“No, I’m the lender.”
“What are you doing here?”
Her answer was always the same: she cared about the people she served. That early commitment to relationship-based real estate became the foundation of everything she built later.
Encouraged by colleagues, she earned her real estate license. Then the 2007–08 crash hit, and while others ran from the industry, Sharee stepped deeper into it.
In this episode of the DealMachine REI Podcast, Sharee Body shares her inspiring journey from mortgage lending to becoming the ‘Probate Queen.’ Want to hear the full story in her own words? Watch the full episode below:
During the housing crisis, REO (Real Estate Owned) properties were everywhere. Many agents avoided them because of the complexity, constant paperwork, strict timelines, repairs, utilities, and winterization. Sharee leaned in and mastered the system.
“Once you build a relationship with asset managers, they’ll keep feeding you business.”
Through REO work, she learned:
Seeing investors profit from properties she found made her rethink her own path.
“I’m helping all these investors make money… and the math wasn’t mathin’.”
After watching clients walk away with six‑figure spreads, Sharee realized she could invest too. Her early deals were cautious but life‑changing. Investing helped her support first‑time buyers, guide families, and build generational wealth for her own household.
When people warned her she was “crazy” for choosing real estate over a secure government job, she had to silence the noise.
She immersed herself in mindset study, the Law of Attraction, success habits, and resetting the reticular activating system.
“You have to reboot yourself like a computer. If you don’t, doubt will take over.”
Sharee built a new circle, aligned with her goals, and moved with intention.
Real estate is a people business, and Sharee lives that truth.
Her grandmother taught her that there are two types of people:
Sharee chooses to be the first.
“Just a simple smile and a hello can open the door to all types of conversations.”
Her goal has always been to:
This mindset later positioned her for her most meaningful niche.
Probate real estate deals with properties tied to a deceased person’s estate, a sensitive, emotional process that requires patience and empathy.
“They’re trusting you with their loved one’s prized possession, their home.”
Sharee learned how to:
She later discovered probate tools inside DealMachine, adding efficiency to her process and enhancing her ability to serve more families with care.
After closing her first probate deal, Sharee was shocked more agents weren’t doing this work.
So she began teaching it.
Her probate course, first offered to her brokerage, then on national platforms like Real Estate Ladies Rock, became a highly requested resource for agents wanting a reliable niche.
She focuses on:
While probate rules differ by state, the typical flow includes:
Sharee often helps families from the very beginning, even before they file paperwork, guiding them from petition to settlement with clear steps and reassurance.
Outreach Script Tone:
Gentle, respectful, supportive, never pushy.
Example:
“I’m sorry for your loss. If you need help understanding the property side of probate, I’m here to answer questions.”
Tools Sharee Uses:
Systems Ensure:
Three traits appear throughout her journey:
She shows up at closings, difficult conversations, and every stage where support matters.
Her systems, checklists, and organization remove uncertainty and build confidence.
She understands that probate isn’t just a sale, it’s part of someone’s grief, memory, and family history.
What is probate real estate?
Probate real estate refers to properties owned by someone who has passed away. These homes are sold as part of settling the estate through a court‑guided process.
How do agents find probate leads?
You can access leads through public court records, the Register of Wills, or software tools that pull and organize probate filings.
Why is probate a strong real estate niche?
It’s underserved, requires empathy, and offers consistent opportunities. Agents who lead with care often earn long-term referrals.
Can investors purchase probate properties?
Yes, but they must work with the legal representative, follow state laws, and disclose terms clearly. Transparency is key.
What’s the best way to approach someone going through probate?
Begin with condolences. Offer education, not pressure. Let the family set the pace.
What documents are needed to sell a probate property?
Typically, Letters of Administration, the death certificate, and, occasionally, additional court approvals depending on the state.
Is probate real estate a good niche for beginners?
Yes, especially for people who value patience, structure, and service. With proper training, it becomes a sustainable, high‑trust niche.
To new agents and investors unsure of where to start:
“Decide what you want. Reset your mind. Block out the noise. Surround yourself with people who get it.”
Begin small:
In a world full of cold pitches and quick transactions, a real voice, a real heart, and a real system will always stand out.