Bear is an unincorporated part of New Castle County, so an estate for someone who lived there goes to the county's Register of Wills, not a town or city office. The Register's office is in the Louis L. Redding City/County Building in Wilmington. The county says an appointment is needed to open an estate. After that office appoints a personal representative, the house can be sold.
No obligation. We respond within 24 hours.
Kaizen Home Buyers buys as-is, for cash. Our offer comes within 24 hours, and it carries no agent commission and no repair requirement. The family can close in 14 to 30 days or on a date of its choosing. Bear's 1990s subdivision homes may need updating, and an heir does not have to pay for any of it before asking.
The Register of Wills is at 800 N. French Street, 2nd Floor, Wilmington. Call (302) 395-7800 to book, or email [email protected]. In-person hours run Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., closed noon to 1:00 p.m. daily. The county also holds evening hours at the Appoquinimink library in Middletown and the Hockessin library.
Delaware raised the small estate limit from $30,000 to $50,000 for deaths on or after June 10, 2026. It covers personal property. The Sussex County booklet says an estate must be opened when the decedent owned Delaware real estate in their own name, so a Bear house in one name usually points to formal probate. A house held jointly with survivorship may use a separate affidavit.
The personal representative files an inventory within three months of opening the estate, creditors have eight months from the date of death to file claims, and the accounting is due within a year. The booklet advises caution before distributing assets early. A buyer's title company will want to know the estate is in order, so ask your attorney how those dates affect a sale. Bear's housing is led by 1990s construction, at about 30% of the stock, so heirs may be selling a house in the age range where buyers ask about roofs, windows and mechanicals.
Tell us the address and where the family stands. We make a cash offer on the house as it is, with no repairs. If some heirs live far away, it can be easier to compare one written number than to coordinate contractors. Weigh it against an agent listing after commission, preparation and months of upkeep.
We cannot decide who has authority to sign. The Register of Wills and your attorney do. Once letters are issued we can close in 14 to 30 days or on a date the heirs choose. Call 267-329-0084.
At 800 N. French Street, 2nd Floor, Wilmington, phone (302) 395-7800. Bear is in unincorporated New Castle County, so there is no separate town office.
The estate tax chapter is repealed for deaths on or after January 1, 2018, and the booklet says inheritance tax ended for deaths on or after January 1, 1999. Federal and income tax on a later sale are separate.
That is a question for the estate attorney. The booklet says creditors have eight months from the date of death and advises care about distributing assets before then.
Yes. The purchase is as-is and for cash, with no repairs and no commission to an agent. The estate must show who can sign first.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm details with the office or a professional.
No obligation. No fees. Just a fair offer from a local buyer.