Short answer

Yes — when property is sold as part of estate administration in Idaho, the proceeds generally become estate assets and may be used to pay reasonable and necessary estate expenses, including junk removal, personal-property cleanup, repairs needed to preserve or sell assets, and other costs of administration. The personal representative (executor or administrator) must follow Idaho probate law, keep clear records, pay prioritized claims first, and obtain court approval for unusual or large expenses when required.

Detailed answer (how this works under Idaho law)

1. Proceeds become estate property

When a personal representative sells estate property (real or personal), the money from that sale becomes part of the estate. The representative holds those funds on behalf of the estate’s creditors and beneficiaries. The representative cannot treat sale proceeds as personal funds.

2. What counts as an allowable estate expense?

Allowable expenses usually include costs that are reasonable and necessary to preserve estate assets, to prepare property for sale, or to carry out the duties of administration. Examples:

• Junk removal and hauling from the property so the house can be safely shown or sold.
• Removal and lawful disposal or sale of personal property to prepare for a sale.
• Board-up, cleaning, mowing, or emergency repairs to avoid further loss or deterioration.
• Real property repair that is necessary to market or sell the property at a reasonable price.

3. Court authorization and reasonableness

The personal representative has a duty to act prudently. If an expense is routine and reasonable, the representative can usually pay it from estate funds. For significant or unusual expenses — for example, a major rehab, repeated large cleanouts, or if beneficiaries object — the representative should seek prior court approval to avoid later personal liability. Idaho’s probate rules and statutes set out the representative’s duties and powers; see Idaho Code Title 15, Chapter 3 (Administration of Estates) for statutory guidance: Idaho Code Title 15, Chapter 3.

4. Priority of payment

Estate expenses are paid in a legal order of priority. Administrative expenses (including reasonable costs to preserve assets and complete the sale) are generally paid before distributions to beneficiaries. Creditors’ claims may have priority over distributions, and secured creditors (e.g., a mortgage) can influence how sale proceeds are applied. If the estate does not have enough money to pay all claims and expenses, the representative must follow the statutory priority rules when distributing limited funds.

5. Documentation and transparency

The representative should document everything: receipts, invoices, before-and-after photos, written estimates, and records of vendors contacted. Provide regular accountings to beneficiaries and the court as required. Good documentation supports that expenses were reasonable and necessary.

6. Liability for misuse

If a personal representative uses estate funds for improper purposes, fails to get required approvals, or spends unreasonably, they can be held personally liable and may be removed. Beneficiaries or creditors can petition the court for relief.

7. Practical scenarios (hypothetical examples)

Example A — Small cleanup before sale: The representative hires a local hauling company for a one-time junk removal so the house can be listed. The cost is modest, documented, and the sale closes. This is typically a proper estate expense.

Example B — Major renovations with no court approval: The representative spends tens of thousands on a full renovation hoping to increase sale price, but beneficiaries object and the estate later sells for less than renovation cost. The court may scrutinize and possibly disallow excessive or imprudent expenditures without prior authorization.

8. When to involve the court or get consent

Get court approval when expenses are large, controversial, or not clearly necessary to preserve or market estate assets. If beneficiaries consent in writing to an expense, that consent helps, but court approval is safest for significant expenditures.

9. Where to look in Idaho law

Idaho law governing estate administration, the powers and duties of personal representatives, and the priority for paying claims appears in Idaho Code Title 15. For statutory language and procedural rules, see Idaho Code Title 15, Chapter 3 (Administration of Estates): https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/. For court forms and local procedural rules, check the Idaho courts website and your local county probate court.

10. When you need a lawyer

Contact a probate attorney if the estate is insolvent, if beneficiaries or creditors dispute expenses, if you anticipate large cleanup or renovation costs, or if you as a representative worry about personal liability. An attorney can file necessary petitions, obtain court approval for expenditures, and help prepare accountings.

Disclaimer: This article is educational only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Idaho probate attorney.

Helpful Hints

• Document everything: get written estimates, receipts, photos before and after, and vendor contact information.
• Compare multiple bids for large jobs and keep the comparisons in the estate file.
• Make sure the work is necessary to preserve or market estate assets — routine maintenance and reasonable cleanup are usually allowed.
• When in doubt about cost or beneficiary objections, file a motion with the probate court asking for approval before spending estate funds.
• Never mix estate funds with your personal funds. Use a dedicated estate account for all receipts and disbursements.
• Check for secured loans and mortgages on property before spending sale proceeds — secured creditors may have priority claims.
• If the estate is small, look into Idaho’s simplified or small-estate procedures; those procedures may limit what you can do without court involvement.
• Keep beneficiaries informed with regular accountings — transparency reduces disputes.