How to Sell an Inherited Property
Inheriting a home can be a gift — but also a responsibility. Whether the property is across town or across the country, deciding what to do with it often involves emotional, financial, and legal considerations. For many, selling the inherited property becomes the most practical and beneficial option.
At Real Estate Kingz, we specialize in guiding families through this transition with professionalism, care, and local expertise. If you’ve recently inherited a home and are considering selling, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
1. Understand the Legal Process
Before anything else, make sure the inheritance process — usually called probate — is complete or underway. Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s assets, including real estate, according to their will or state law.
In some cases, a property can be transferred without probate if it was held in a trust or jointly owned with survivorship rights. Otherwise, the home must go through probate before it can be sold.
If you're unsure about the legal status of the property, consult with a probate attorney or estate planner. At Real Estate Kingz, we can connect you with trusted legal professionals to ensure a smooth process.
2. Determine Who Owns the Property
If there are multiple heirs — siblings, cousins, or other relatives — you’ll need to establish joint ownership or have the executor act on behalf of the estate. All owners must typically agree to sell, and the title must be clear.
In cases of dispute or uncertainty, mediation or legal intervention may be necessary to move forward.
3. Assess the Home’s Condition and Value
Once ownership is clear, it’s time to assess the home’s condition. Has it been well maintained? Are there structural issues or deferred repairs? Many inherited homes are older or haven’t been updated in years.
We recommend a professional inspection to understand any issues that could affect resale value. Then, get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a local real estate professional to determine fair market value.
At Real Estate Kingz, we provide free CMAs and help sellers weigh the cost of improvements versus selling as-is.
4. Decide Whether to Renovate or Sell As-Is
Depending on the condition of the home and your timeline, you have two main options:
Renovate and Sell at Full Market Value: This may require investing in repairs, paint, landscaping, or even a full update — but it could significantly boost your sale price.
Sell As-Is: This appeals to investors or buyers looking for a deal. While you may net less, it reduces time, effort, and out-of-pocket costs.
Not sure what makes the most sense? Real Estate Kingz can help you analyze local demand, renovation costs, and buyer preferences to make the right choice for your situation.
5. Handle Tax and Financial Implications
Inheriting property can have tax consequences, including:
Step-Up in Basis: You typically inherit the home at its market value at the time of the original owner's death. This can minimize capital gains taxes when you sell.
Capital Gains Tax: If the home sells for more than the stepped-up basis, you may owe taxes on the difference.
Estate Taxes: Most families won’t owe federal estate tax unless the estate exceeds the exemption limit ($13.61 million in 2024), but it’s worth checking state requirements.
We strongly recommend speaking with a tax advisor before selling. Real Estate Kingz works closely with financial professionals who can guide you.
6. Prepare for Listing
Once you're ready to list, preparing the home for sale includes:
Cleaning out belongings: This can be emotional, but it's a necessary step. Consider hiring estate clean-out services if needed.
Staging and marketing: Professional staging, photography, and online marketing can make a big difference — even for inherited homes.
Our team at Real Estate Kingz handles everything from listing photos to open houses, ensuring maximum exposure and a streamlined sale.
7. Sell with Support and Compassion
Selling an inherited home is not just a business transaction — it's a deeply personal experience. Memories, emotions, and family dynamics often come into play.
At Real Estate Kingz, we don’t just sell homes — we guide families through major transitions with integrity and empathy. Whether you're local or managing the sale remotely, we handle the logistics and legalities while keeping your goals front and center.
Final Thoughts
Selling an inherited property can be overwhelming, but with the right team and clear steps, it can also be a smooth and empowering process. From legal questions and tax concerns to pricing and staging, Real Estate Kingz is here to support you every step of the way.
Let us help you turn your inherited home into a smart, successful sale — with professionalism, compassion, and results you can count on.
Contact Real Estate Kingz Today
📧 info@realestatekingz.com
🌐 www.realestatekingz.com
📞 866-735-4649
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/866ReKingz
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/866rekingz