Inheriting a house usually comes at a hard time. There’s grief, family to think about, and a house full of memories and belongings. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Here’s a simple way to take it one step at a time.
1. Give yourself a little time
Unless there’s a real deadline, it’s okay to slow down. Keep the house secure, keep the utilities and insurance in place, and make a list of the questions you’ll need answered.
2. Find out who can sign
Before a house can be sold, it has to be clear who has the authority to sell it. That depends on things like whether there was a will and how the house was titled. An estate or probate attorney is the right person to answer this, and it’s worth asking early. We’re glad to work alongside your attorney.
3. Talk it through as a family
If several people inherited the house, everyone will need to agree on a plan. Some families keep the house, some rent it out, and some sell it. There’s no wrong answer, only the one that fits your family.
4. Decide what to do with the belongings
Take your time with the things that matter to you. When it comes to the rest, you have choices: a cleanout company, donating, or selling the house as-is with the belongings still inside. When we buy a house, you can leave behind anything you don’t want to keep.
5. Choose how to sell
You can fix the house up and list it, list it as it is, or sell it as-is to a direct buyer. Our guide on how to decide walks through each one.
How we help
Inherited houses are among the most common situations we see. We can buy the house as it is, belongings and all, on a timeline that respects your family. And if listing it would serve you better, we’ll tell you.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. For advice about your situation, please talk with a qualified attorney, lender or housing counselor.
