Inherited Property

Inheriting a home isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Even though the property may feel like a gift, it often comes with responsibilities, financial burdens, and decisions that need to be made quickly — especially when multiple heirs are involved or probate hasn’t been completed.

In most cases, a house that’s inherited must go through probate — the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s assets. This can take several months depending on your state, the condition of the estate, and whether or not there’s a will. If multiple heirs are listed, everyone has to agree on what to do with the home, which can be challenging if opinions or emotions don’t align.

Here are some common questions that come up when someone inherits a house:

1. Who is responsible for the mortgage and taxes? If the property still has a loan on it, someone must keep payments current to avoid foreclosure — even during probate. Property taxes and insurance are also the heir(s)’ responsibility.

    

2. What if the house needs repairs? Many inherited homes haven’t been updated in years. If you plan to keep it or sell it on the open market, you may be facing thousands in repairs, cleanup, or updates.

    

3. Can the house be sold during probate? Often yes, with court permission. Many heirs choose to sell during probate to avoid ongoing expenses, settle estate debts, or distribute the value equally.

    

If you’ve inherited a house — especially one that’s out of state, occupied by someone else, or in disrepair — it’s worth having a conversation about your options. We help people evaluate whether keeping, selling, or transferring the home makes the most sense based on timelines, legal factors, and your goals.