Probate is the court process that validates a will, if there is one, appoints someone to administer the estate, and oversees paying debts and distributing what remains to heirs or beneficiaries. A house owned solely by someone who died usually cannot be sold with clear title until probate opens and the right person is authorized to sign.
Why it matters
A house generally cannot be sold with a clean title until probate identifies who has the legal authority to sign for it.
General information, not legal or tax advice.