Rising Stars: Meet Tobi Ogedegbe,ARM® of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tobi Ogedegbe,ARM®.

Hi Tobi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into real estate began with a strong desire to help people navigate significant life transitions. I started my career with a focus on understanding the intricacies of property ownership and transactions. However, I quickly recognized a specific and profound need within the real estate market: assisting families dealing with the complexities of probate, trust, and conservatorship situations.

I dedicated myself to becoming a specialist in this niche, understanding that these aren’t just real estate transactions, but often emotional and challenging times for clients. I invested heavily in education and networking within the legal community, learning the specific laws, procedures, and sensitivities involved. This expertise allows me to guide executors, trustees, and conservators through the process of selling real property, ensuring they meet their fiduciary duties and achieve the best possible outcome for the estate or protected person.

Today, I am a dedicated probate and trust realtor, and my practice is built entirely around serving clients in these unique circumstances. I’m passionate about providing a seamless, compassionate, and legally compliant experience, from initial consultation to the successful close of escrow. It’s incredibly rewarding to alleviate the burden on families during what can be a very difficult time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? I would say it’s been a rewarding road, but not always a smooth one. Like any specialized field, becoming proficient in probate and trust real estate came with its unique set of challenges.

One significant struggle was the initial learning curve. The legal landscape surrounding probate, trusts, and conservatorships is incredibly nuanced and constantly evolving. It wasn’t enough to just know general real estate practices; I had to deep-dive into specific state and local laws, court procedures, and the responsibilities of fiduciaries. This required a significant investment of time in education, attending legal seminars, and networking with attorneys who specialize in these areas. There were definitely moments of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information.

Another hurdle was building trust and credibility within the legal community. Attorneys and fiduciaries need to be confident that the realtor they refer will handle these sensitive transactions with the utmost professionalism, discretion, and legal compliance. This meant consistently demonstrating my expertise, delivering exceptional results, and proving my commitment to understanding and respecting the legal process. It took time and consistent effort to earn those relationships.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a probate and trust realtor, specializing exclusively in the sale of real property under probate, trust, and conservatorship administrations. My work is about bridging the gap between legal requirements and real estate transactions, guiding executors, trustees, and conservators through these often-complex sales.

I’m known for my deep understanding of the California Probate Code and navigating unique court procedures, ensuring a seamless and legally compliant process. What I’m most proud of is bringing clarity and peace of mind to clients during what can be very challenging times.

My singular focus and comprehensive expertise in this niche truly sets me apart. While other agents might dabble, my entire practice is dedicated to mastering these specialized sales, allowing me to anticipate challenges and deliver optimal outcomes that others might miss.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone just starting out, especially if they’re considering a niche like probate and trust real estate, my biggest piece of advice would be: Educate yourself relentlessly, and be prepared for the long game.

When I was starting, I wish I had known just how deep the rabbit hole of legal nuances goes. It’s not enough to simply understand the basics of real estate. You need to become fluent in the language of probate courts, trust administration, and conservatorship guidelines. This means dedicating significant time to:

Formal Education: Consider specialized certifications or courses in probate and trust real estate. These provide a structured foundation.
Legal Collaboration: Actively seek out relationships with probate attorneys, estate planners, and fiduciaries. They are your best teachers and referral sources. Attend their bar association meetings, even if you just listen and learn.
Read, Read, Read: Dive into the California Probate Code, articles on trust law, and conservatorship rules. Understand the different types of authority (full vs. limited for probate, for instance) and what that means for a sale.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://togedegbe.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobi-ogedegbe-136340138
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProbateandTrustSpecialist