Home Seller 6 min read

Everything You Need to Know When Selling an Inherited House

bryan November 20, 2024
Two-story gray house with a large front porch, white railings, and dormer windows, surrounded by green grass and trees on a sunny day.

Inheriting a house can feel like both a blessing and a burden. While the sentimental value might tug at your heartstrings, the practical decisions you need to make can feel overwhelming.

In fact, nearly 70% of people who inherit a home choose to sell it rather than keep it or rent it out for passive income. If you’re in that boat, knowing what steps to take is crucial. Selling an inherited property isn’t just about listing it; it involves careful planning to make sure you get the best outcome. 

Here’s how you can navigate the process with ease.

Understanding the Legal Process for Your Inherited Property

Probate Process for an Inherited House

Probate is the legal process that happens after someone passes away. It’s where you use their assets to pay off debts, and whatever’s left passes on to you as the heir.

Each state has its own set of probate rules. But, the main deal is appointing someone (usually a family member or a lawyer) to handle all the nitty-gritty. They ensure everything goes by the book, following the wishes in the will or the state laws if there isn’t one.

During the probate process, you may need to resist the urge to renovate the property for sale. This is because you have to wait until all the legal hoops are complete.

Probate takes time, often several months. Once it’s all settled and the house is officially yours, you can consider selling it if that’s what you want. But remember, selling an inherited property after probate will require you to sort out any debts the estate owes. Sometimes, you’ll need to sell off the property to clear those debts.

Alternatives to the Probate Process

If you want to skip the whole probate hassle, there are a couple of smart ways to inherit a house before the sale.

Transfer-on-death Deed

This lets the property transfer to you quickly without worrying about the probate process. It saves you months of waiting if you want to sell quickly.

As effortless as this process is, you’ll wonder why people still go through the probate process. This is because only about half of the states in the US accept this method. So, it is crucial to check if your state allows it.

An Inherited House in a Trust

If the house is in a living trust or any other trust, it doesn’t have to go through probate at all. Even if other parts of the estate deal with the probate process, the house in the trust follows its clear path without all the legal hoops.

The trust’s rules govern how you inherit the house. This makes it a much smoother and hassle-free process.

What You Need to Know About the Financials of Selling an Inherited House

Costs of Inheriting a House

Do You Need to Pay Taxes When You Inherit a House?

How to Sell Your Inherited Property

Need to Sell Fast?

What Roadblocks Can You Encounter When Trying to Sell Your Inherited House?

Sell Your Inherited House Swiftly With Grandview Homes! 

While homes typically stay on the market for around a month, you don’t have to endure such a wait. Grandview Homes offers the perfect solution. We specialize in acquiring homes promptly and as is.

Whether you find yourself as the inheritor, seeking a seamless transition, or a retiree yearning for a simpler life, Grandview Homes is ready to help.

Within a mere 24 hours, you can get a compelling offer that resonates with your needs and desires.

At Grandview Homes, we empower you to sell your house on your terms, ensuring a smooth journey into your next chapter.