What to do When Inheriting a House?
Inheriting a house can be a financial windfall involving significant work if handled incorrectly. Several complications can arise when you inherit a property, from dealing with the estate’s responsibility to maintaining the home.
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with the estate of the inherited home. If the deceased person has accumulated debt, you may be liable for paying it off. You may also have to deal with probate, the legal process of settling an estate.
Another obstacle is maintaining the home. You may have to pay for the house if it needs repairs. You may also have to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance.
If you’re unsure what to do with an inherited house, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer, financial advisor, or real estate professional. They can help you understand your options and make the best decision.
Here are some tips for dealing with an inherited house:
- Get quotes from contractors for any repairs needed if you want to fix it up.
- Consider selling the home if it’s not in good condition or you want to live elsewhere.
- If you decide to keep the house, factor in property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance costs.
- You could talk with a property manager about maintaining the property and renting it out.
Significant financial responsibilities come with inheriting a home that most people overlook; you’ll need a plan to handle these responsibilities until you can sell that property. The financial responsibilities include paying for home insurance; when inheriting a property, most insurance companies allow thirty days for the individual to get insurance coverage. Some insurance companies may allow the current policy to carry over and not expire as long as the monthly payments are made on time.
It’s also important to remember that the individual who inherited the property will be responsible for continuing to pay the existing mortgage, running the risk of foreclosure, which means losing the property. Existing mortgages and continued insurance payments will force most individuals to sell an inherited house; selling these properties is only sometimes accessible and at times faced with obstacles, so it’s vital to approach this process with a professional who can guide you along the way.
What Are the Obstacles to Selling an Inherited House?
Selling an inherited house can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Following these tips can make the transition as smooth as possible.
1.) Hire a Real Estate Agent.
If you are looking to sell a home, consider using a real estate agent to sell the home. The only issue you run into is that they may ask you to make costly repairs to the house. That can be time-consuming.
2.) Figure Out the Asking Price.
You want to price your house high enough to get a good return on investment but not scare away buyers. Homeowners could speak with neighbors or do some quick internet research and receive an appraisal of the home. Keep in mind that you will still have to factor in the cost of repairs when you get your figure from the appraisal company.
3.) You Can Try the FSBO Route.
Once your house is listed, it’s essential to market it to potential buyers. You can do this by listing it on real estate websites, holding open houses, and advertising in local newspapers and magazines. That could save you the fees that an agent would charge. You must remember, though, that this can cost time and money.
Best Way to Sell an Inherited Home
Selling an inherited house can be a lot of work, but it can also be a rewarding experience. Following these tips can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The best route to sell an inherited home can be sold to a cash home-buying company. Most of these companies can help you probate the property without paying an attorney. In Philadelphia, all you need is the will and death certificates. You can go to city hall to file for a couple hundred dollars for probate.
These companies help you probate, and you can also have them help you value the property. When dealing with a home-buying company, they have access to sold homes in every Pennsylvania area. They can help provide you with a list of cash-sold properties in the area of your property.
These companies do not ask for any repairs to be made. They handle homes that need work daily and they complete all renovations to their homes. You will walk with more profit when you do not have to make repairs.
Finally, most of the time, these home buyers will be willing to pay all the closing costs of selling their inherited home. The only thing you are responsible for when selling an inherited property to a cash home buyer is your inheritance tax. That is the responsibility of any person who inherits a property.
If you want to sell an inherited home, choose a company that can close quickly, pays all fees, and does not require repairs. That can be the best way for someone who has inherited a home to get their home sold.