Selling an Inherited Home: A Guide to Help You Through the Process

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences we go through, and dealing with the financial and legal aspects of their estate can feel overwhelming. If you’ve inherited a home and are considering selling it, you may feel unsure about where to begin or how the process works. While it is different in some ways from a traditional home sale, our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible so you can focus on what really matters—honoring your loved one and taking care of yourself and your family.

Let’s walk through the steps of selling an inherited home, and how we can support you through this journey:

Understanding the Probate Process

In many cases, an inherited property may go through probate before it can be sold. Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of the deceased, which includes determining the validity of any will and settling any debts. If the property is part of a will, the executor (the person responsible for managing the estate) may handle this process.

If you’re in the position of selling a home while it’s still in probate, you may need approval from the probate court before you can move forward. This can vary depending on whether the property is in a trust, if there are multiple heirs involved, and other factors as well.

Consult with Professionals (And We're Here for Your Real Estate Needs)

While I'm not an attorney, and this is not legal advice, it may be wise to consult with one regarding the probate process and any legal requirements for the sale of the property. You might also want to speak with a financial advisor, especially if there may be tax implications.

On the real estate side, we're here to walk you through the selling process and help you get the property listed and sold as smoothly as possible. We can assist with everything like property evaluations, pricing strategies, and coordinating any necessary inspections.

Discuss the Condition of the Property

Inherited properties can vary in condition, depending on how long they’ve been vacant or how well they were maintained. Before listing the home, we’ll assess its condition together to determine if any repairs, upgrades, or cleaning are needed. Some families prefer to sell the home "as-is" to avoid the stress of preparing the property for sale. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re comfortable with whatever decision makes the most sense for your situation.

Determine Ownership and Titles

Before selling an inherited home, it’s important to ensure that the title is clear. This step may involve resolving any liens or debts associated with the property and making sure ownership is properly transferred. If there are multiple heirs, everyone must agree to the sale or their portion of the property must be handled appropriately. Again, this is something an attorney can guide you through, but on our end, we’ll ensure all real estate-related paperwork is in order.

Price the Property Correctly

Pricing an inherited home can be tricky. Often, there is emotional attachment involved, and it can be difficult to view the property objectively. That’s where we come in. We’ll provide a market analysis based on similar homes in the area, local market trends, and the condition of the property. Our goal is to price the home in a way that honors your loved one’s legacy while ensuring you receive the best possible value.

Navigate Tax Considerations (Speak to a Tax Professional)

Selling an inherited home may come with tax implications. The rules can vary, and they can be complex. A tax professional can give you a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to proceed.

List the Home and Market It Effectively

Once everything is in place, we’ll list the property and market it to buyers. From staging (if necessary) to professional photos and a strong online presence, we’ll do our best to ensure that your loved one’s home is presented in the best way possible. This step is where we handle the heavy lifting—coordinating showings, negotiating offers, and ensuring a smooth transaction. Our goal is to take as much off your plate as possible during this difficult time.

Close the Sale and Move Forward

When you’ve accepted an offer, we’ll guide you through the closing process. At this point, our team will handle the final paperwork, coordinate with the title company, and make sure everything is in order. The closing process may take a little longer than a typical sale if probate is still ongoing, but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Once the sale is complete, we hope you’ll be able to move forward, knowing that this chapter has been handled with care.

How We Can Help

We understand that selling an inherited home is more than just a transaction—it’s about honoring your loved one and handling their legacy with respect. Our team is here to assist you with this real estate process, offering guidance and support at every stage, so you can focus on what matters most during this time.

If you have any questions or need help with your next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make things easier, one step at a time. In the meantime, download my free seller's guide below to learn more about the home selling process.

Brigitte Keene

Real Estate Agent

Scottsdale, AZ

Direct: (602) 806 - 5489

Email: info@brigittekeenerealestate.com

Website: www.brigittekeenerealestate.com