# Selling an inherited house: the steps in order > First get the legal right to sell, usually through probate where the court names an executor; trusts, joint ownership or transfer-on-death deeds may skip it. Meanwhile, tell the insurer the house is vacant and keep paying the mortgage, taxes and utilities. Agree with all heirs in writing. An agent usually gets the best price; cash buyers are faster but pay less. Inherited homes usually get a stepped-up value, so selling soon often means little capital gains tax. - URL: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=selling-an-inherited-house ## Step by step 1. **Need to sell a house you inherited?** You can often sell fairly quickly, but first you need the legal right to sell. Here’s the order of steps. 2. **Get the legal right to sell.** Usually through probate, where the court names an executor. Houses in a trust, held jointly, or with a transfer-on-death deed may skip probate. 3. **Protect the house meanwhile.** Tell the insurer it’s empty, since many policies limit coverage for vacant homes. Keep paying the mortgage, taxes and utilities, and secure the house. 4. **Get all heirs on the same page.** Agree in writing on selling, the price, and how money will be split. If heirs can’t agree, a court may get involved. 5. **Choose how to sell.** An agent usually gets the best price. Cash buyers are faster but pay less. Get a few offers and compare with an agent’s estimate. 6. **Taxes are often smaller than people fear.** Inherited homes usually get a “stepped-up” value as of the date of death, so selling soon often means little capital gains tax. Ask a tax pro. 7. **Don’t rush into a bad deal.** Read contracts carefully, use a title company or attorney for closing, and never sign over the deed outside a proper closing. ## Checklist - Get legal authority to sell - Insure, secure and keep paying bills - Agree with all heirs in writing - Compare an agent with cash offers - Ask about stepped-up value and taxes - Close with a title company or attorney ## Step 1: Authority to sell Usually the court appoints an executor or administrator in probate, who can sign for the estate. Some homes pass without probate: through a living trust, joint ownership with survivorship, or a transfer-on-death deed. Some probate sales need court approval. ## Step 2: Protect the house - Tell the insurer it’s vacant; many policies limit coverage for empty homes. - Keep paying the mortgage, property taxes and utilities. - Lock up, check on it, and remove valuables. ## Step 3: Agree with heirs Put decisions in writing: whether to sell, the price, repairs and how proceeds are split. If heirs can’t agree, a court may order a sale. ## Step 4: Choose how to sell - **Agent, fixed up:** usually the highest price. - **Agent, as is:** less work, often still a fair price. - **Cash buyer:** fastest, usually lower price. Get several offers and compare with an agent’s estimate. - **Family member:** document a fair price. ## Taxes Inherited property usually gets a “stepped-up” basis equal to its value at the date of death, so selling soon often means little or no capital gains tax. Get a date-of-death appraisal and ask a tax professional. ## Closing safely Use a title company or real estate attorney. Never sign over the deed outside a proper closing. ## Common questions ### Can I sell a house before probate is finished? Often once an executor is appointed, even if probate isn’t fully closed. Some states require court approval. Source page: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house/questions/can-i-sell-a-house-before-probate-is-finished ### What if there’s still a mortgage? It’s paid off from the sale. Keep paying in the meantime to avoid foreclosure. Source page: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house/questions/what-if-theres-still-a-mortgage ### How do I sell a house I inherited? Get legal authority (often through probate), protect and insure the house, agree with other heirs, then sell through an agent or buyer and close with a title company or attorney. Source page: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house/questions/how-do-i-sell-a-house-i-inherited ### Do I pay taxes when I sell an inherited house? Often little, because the value is usually stepped up to the date of death. Gains after that may be taxed. Ask a tax professional. Source page: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house/questions/do-i-pay-taxes-when-i-sell-an-inherited-house ### Can I sell an inherited house during probate? Often yes, once the executor is appointed. Some states require court approval or notice to heirs. Source page: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house/questions/can-i-sell-an-inherited-house-during-probate ### What if siblings disagree about selling? Try to agree in writing or use mediation. A co-owner can ask a court to order a sale (a partition action). Source page: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house/questions/what-if-siblings-disagree-about-selling ### Is it better to sell to a cash buyer? Cash buyers are fast and buy as-is, but usually pay less. Compare several offers with an agent’s estimate. Source page: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house/questions/is-it-better-to-sell-to-a-cash-buyer ### Does homeowners insurance cover a vacant inherited house? Many policies limit coverage after a home is vacant for a period. Tell the insurer and ask about vacant-home coverage. Source page: https://explained.page/selling-an-inherited-house/questions/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-a-vacant-inherited-house ## Official sources - [IRS: basis of inherited property](https://www.irs.gov/) - [CFPB: inheriting a home](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/) - [FTC consumer advice: real estate scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your county] probate court sale of real estate" - "vacant home insurance after death" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.