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Selling an Inherited Home

When a home is part of an estate, families must decide how the property will be handled. While many estates choose to sell the property, others may consider keeping or renting the home. Understanding the available options can help families make the decision that best fits their circumstances.

Situations We Commonly Help Families With

Probate real estate often involves unique challenges. Here are some of the situations we regularly assist families with during this process.

Multiple heirs who need to agree on selling the home and dividing the proceeds fairly

A property that needs repairs, updates, or general cleanup before it can be listed

A vacant inherited property that needs ongoing maintenance and security attention

Executors who live out of state and need a trusted local professional to manage the sale

A home filled with personal belongings that need to be sorted, donated, or removed

Families who are unsure whether to sell, keep, or rent the inherited property

If any of these situations sound familiar, you are not alone. Many families face similar decisions when handling an inherited property, and having the right guidance can make a meaningful difference.

Weighing Sell, Keep or Rent

Each of the three options carries a different set of costs, responsibilities and timelines. They are set out side by side, with what each one usually means in practice, on a page of their own.

See the Three Options

Preparing the Home for Sale

If the decision is made to sell, a few key steps can help the process go smoothly and potentially improve the outcome.

Secure the property by changing locks, checking insurance coverage, and ensuring utilities remain active
Remove personal belongings and determine what should be distributed to family, donated, or discarded
Arrange for a professional cleaning to make the home presentable for potential buyers
Address any minor repairs or cosmetic improvements that could increase the home's appeal
Maintain basic landscaping and curb appeal to make a strong first impression
Have the property evaluated by a real estate professional to understand its current market value

Considering Selling As-Is

For some families, selling the property in its current condition may be the preferred approach. Here are some potential benefits of an as-is sale.

Faster timeline from listing to closing, which can help expedite the estate settlement
No need to invest time and money into repairs or renovations before selling
Reduced stress for the executor and family members who may already be managing many responsibilities
Fewer ongoing carrying costs such as property taxes, insurance, and utilities
Less coordination required for managing contractors and home improvement projects
Ideal for families where the executor lives far away and cannot easily oversee property work

I can help you determine whether selling as-is or making improvements first is the better option for your specific situation.

Talk Through Selling the Home

Whether the estate is ready to list or you are still working out what has to happen first, we can walk through the steps, the likely timeline, and what the property is realistically worth today.

Schedule a Free Consultation