Selling an inherited house: a plain-English guide

Inheriting a house often comes at a hard time. On top of grief, there are keys to find, bills to pay and family members to talk with. This guide walks through the general steps most people go through when selling an inherited house, so you know what questions to ask.

1. Figure out who has the authority to sell

Before a house can be sold, someone needs the legal authority to sign. Depending on how the property was held and whether there was a will or trust, that might be an executor, a trustee, an administrator, or the heirs together. Sometimes a court process called probate is involved. The rules vary by state, so this is the step where an estate attorney is most helpful.

2. Keep the house protected while you decide

• Make sure insurance stays active. Tell the insurer if the house is now vacant — vacant homes can need different coverage.
• Keep paying property taxes and any mortgage so penalties don't add up.
• Keep utilities on at a basic level to prevent frozen pipes or other damage, and check on the house regularly.

3. Decide what to do with belongings

Take your time with personal items and anything with sentimental value. For everything else, families often use an estate sale company, donate, or hire a cleanout service. Some buyers, including cash buyers like us, purchase the house with the remaining contents, so you only take what you want.

4. Compare your selling options

Listing with an agent can bring the highest price, especially for a house in good shape. It usually means preparing the house, showings, commissions, and waiting for a buyer's financing.

Selling to a cash buyer is usually simpler and faster: no repairs, no cleanout, no showings, and a closing date you choose. The tradeoff is a price below full retail. It can make sense when the house needs work, the heirs live far away, or the family wants a clean, simple process.

5. Agree as a family, in writing

When several heirs are involved, it helps to agree on the plan early and keep everyone looped in. A written offer and a closing at a licensed title company mean everyone sees the same numbers.

6. Ask about taxes

Selling inherited property can have tax consequences, and the details depend on your situation. A CPA or tax professional can explain what applies to you before you sell.

If you'd like a no-obligation cash offer on an inherited house, start here. We're glad to work alongside your attorney and the title company.