What's the very first thing I should do?

Secure the property — change locks if needed, switch the homeowner's policy to a vacant-property policy, and locate the will or trust documents.

Do I need probate to sell?

Not always. Property held in a trust, joint tenancy, or transfer-on-death deed often passes outside probate. We'll help you find out.

When should I get a date-of-death appraisal?

Within the first 60 days. It establishes your stepped-up basis and can dramatically reduce capital gains tax.

Can I sell before probate finishes?

Often yes, with court approval. We coordinate directly with your estate attorney throughout.

What if I don't want to keep any of the contents?

We buy as-is — leave anything you don't want. We'll dispose of it after closing.

Inherited Property Guide

You just inherited a house. Here's what to do in the first 90 days.

The decisions you make in the first few months after inheriting a property have lasting financial consequences. Start here.

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First 30 Days

What actually needs to happen first.

Do immediately

Secure the property
Switch to vacant-property insurance
Locate the mortgage info
Find the will or trust
Notify utilities and the post office

Can wait 30–60 days

Decide: sell, keep, or rent
Accept any offers
Make repairs (or skip them)
Distribute personal property

Tax moves to make

Get a date-of-death appraisal
Confirm probate requirements
Consult a tax professional before selling
Document the stepped-up basis

Your Three Options

Sell, keep, or rent — the honest breakdown.

Sell

Fastest path to liquidity. No ongoing costs. Tax-efficient if sold soon.

Closes in 10–21 days
No carrying costs
Stepped-up basis minimizes tax

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Keep as a residence

Preserves the family home but requires title transfer and ongoing costs.

Title must transfer
Mortgage may need refinance
Long-term carrying costs

Compare scenarios

Rent it out

Generates income, but comes with landlord responsibilities and tax implications.

Tenant management required
Depreciation rules apply
Different tax treatment on sale

See rental considerations

Tax Strategy

The tax rule that changes everything for inherited property.

The step-up in basis resets the property's tax basis to its fair market value at the date of death. Decades of appreciation are wiped out for capital-gains purposes — and if you sell soon after inheriting, your taxable gain is often near zero.

Example

Mom bought the house in 1985 for $80,000. At her passing in 2026, fair market value is $420,000. You sell six months later for $425,000. Taxable capital gain = $5,000 — not $345,000.

Free Cash Offer

Find out what your inherited house is worth — free, no obligation.

Takes less than 2 minutes. No commitment required.

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This is an illustrative estimate only. Actual offers depend on property condition, local market conditions, and due diligence. No offer is binding until a formal written agreement is signed by both parties.