Inherited a House You Don’t Want? Here’s What to Do

Inheriting a home is supposed to be a gift. But in practice, it often feels like a burden. The property might be in another state. It might need repairs you can’t afford. You might already own a home and have no interest in being a landlord.

Whatever the reason, you’re not alone. Thousands of Americans inherit properties every year and choose to sell. Here’s how to navigate the process.

First Things First: Is the Property in Probate?

Before you can sell an inherited property, you typically need to go through probate — the legal process of transferring ownership from the deceased to the heir(s).

How Probate Works

1. The will (if one exists) is submitted to the local probate court 2. The court appoints an executor (often named in the will) 3. Debts and taxes are paid from the estate 4. Remaining assets, including real estate, are distributed to heirs 5. The court issues paperwork transferring the property title

How Long Does Probate Take?

• •Simple estates with a clear will: 3–6 months
• •Complex estates or contested wills: 6–18 months or more
• •Some states have simplified probate for small estates

Can You Sell During Probate?

In many states, yes — with court approval. The executor can petition to sell the property during probate if it’s in the estate’s best interest (for example, to avoid ongoing maintenance costs or pay debts).

What If There’s No Will?

The property passes according to your state’s intestacy laws, which determine the heirs based on family relationships. The probate process still applies, but it may take longer.

Understanding the Tax Implications

Stepped-Up Basis

This is the good news for inherited property: you get a “stepped-up” cost basis equal to the home’s fair market value on the date of the owner’s death. This means:

• •If the home was purchased for $100,000 in 1990
• •And it’s worth $250,000 when you inherit it
• •Your cost basis is $250,000, not $100,000

If you sell for $250,000, you owe zero capital gains tax. This is a significant advantage of selling soon after inheriting.

Capital Gains Tax

If you hold the property and it appreciates beyond your stepped-up basis, you’ll owe capital gains tax on the difference. This is one reason many heirs choose to sell promptly.

Property Taxes

You’re responsible for property taxes from the date you inherit. If the previous owner had a homestead exemption, it may no longer apply, potentially increasing the tax bill.

Estate Tax

Federal estate tax only applies to estates worth more than $13.61 million (2026). Most inherited homes are not subject to estate tax. Some states have lower thresholds.

Your Options for an Inherited Property

Option 1: Sell the Property

The most common choice for heirs who don’t want to keep the property. You can:

• •List with a real estate agent (takes 60–90+ days)
• •Sell to a cash buyer (closes in 7–21 days)
• •Use a cash home buyer like FairOffer to get a fair cash offer

Selling for cash is especially attractive for inherited properties because:

• •The home may need repairs you don’t want to pay for
• •You may not live nearby and can’t manage a traditional sale
• •You want to avoid months of carrying costs (taxes, insurance, utilities)

Option 2: Rent It Out

If the property is in a good rental market, you could hold it as an investment. But this means becoming a landlord — or hiring a property manager. Consider:

• •Is the property in rentable condition?
• •Are you prepared for the ongoing responsibility?
• •Does the rental income justify the effort?

Option 3: Move Into It

If the home is in a location and condition you like, you could make it your primary residence.

Option 4: Keep It as a Vacation Home

For homes in desirable locations, some heirs keep the property for personal use.

Selling an Inherited House: Step by Step

1. Complete probate (or get court approval to sell during probate) 2. Assess the property’s condition — Visit or have someone visit to document the state of the home 3. Get a valuation — Research comparable sales or get a professional appraisal 4. Decide on your selling method — Agent listing vs. cash sale 5. Clear out personal belongings — Many cash buyers will handle this for you 6. Accept an offer and close — Cash sales can close in as little as 7 days

Common Challenges with Inherited Properties

Multiple heirs. If the property was left to multiple people, all heirs must agree on the sale. This can get complicated if there’s disagreement.

Out-of-state property. Managing a sale remotely is difficult with a traditional listing. Cash buyers and cash home buying companies make this easier since most of the process can be done remotely.

Deferred maintenance. Inherited homes, especially from elderly owners, often need significant work. Cash buyers purchase as-is, so you don’t need to invest in repairs.

Emotional attachment. Selling a family home can be emotionally difficult. Take the time you need, but also be realistic about the financial burden of holding a property you don’t need.

Title issues. Old properties may have title complications — unpaid liens, unclear ownership history, or easement issues. A title company will handle these during the sale process.

Markets Where Inherited Property Sales Are Common

Inherited property sales are common across all markets, but particularly active in areas with aging populations:

• •Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida
• •Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona
• •Houston and San Antonio, Texas
• •Atlanta, Georgia
• •Las Vegas, Nevada

For more on selling in specific situations, read our guides on inherited property, estate settlements, and out-of-state property.

Ready to Sell Your Inherited Property?

You don’t need to repair it, clean it out, or even live nearby. With FairOffer, submit the property details and receive a fair cash offer. Many close in under 3 weeks and handle everything from clean-out to closing.

Get your free cash offer at FairOffer.com or call 1-800-FAIR-OFFER.