Inheriting a house after the loss of a loved one can be emotional, confusing, and overwhelming…especially when you find out the home has to go through probate before it can be sold.
Probate is a legal process that verifies a will and manages the estate of someone who has passed away. And while it might sound complicated (and it can be), selling a house in probate is absolutely possible.
Let’s walk through some of the myths, pros and cons, and what to expect.
Common Myths About Probate
Myth #1: You can’t sell the house until probate is finished.
Truth: In many cases, you can sell during probate; you just need court approval.
Myth #2: If the house is in probate, it’s stuck for years.
Truth: Probate can take time, but in Ohio, some estates qualify for simplified procedures that move faster.
Myth #3: All heirs must agree to sell.
Truth: While it’s ideal for everyone to be on the same page, the court-appointed executor has the legal authority to sell, even if heirs disagree.
Pros of Selling During Probate
- Settle debts and taxes quickly using proceeds from the sale
- Avoid the burden of ongoing maintenance, repairs, and property taxes
- Reduce the chance of family disputes over what to do with the property
- Move forward emotionally and financially
Challenges and Hurdles
- Court Approval: You may need to file paperwork with the probate court and possibly attend a hearing for sale approval.
- Disagreements Among Heirs: Tensions can arise if multiple people are involved in the estate.
- Deferred Maintenance: Inherited homes are often older or in need of repairs, which can make a traditional sale harder.
- Timing: Even a straightforward probate case in Ohio can take 4 to 9 months. More complex estates can take a year or longer.
What If the House Needs Work?
If the inherited property has issues (i.e an old roof, mold, foundation cracks, etc.), don’t worry. You don’t need to fix anything to sell.
You can sell the home as-is, either after probate is complete or during probate with court permission.
Many sellers in areas like Strongsville, Medina, Parma, Brunswick, and North Royalton choose to work with local cash buyers who understand the probate process and are comfortable buying properties that need work.
What’s the Process for Selling a Probate House?
- File for probate and get an executor or administrator appointed by the court.
- Get the house appraised or evaluated to determine a fair market value.
- Notify the court of your intent to sell (if required).
- Accept an offer and work with a title company familiar with probate sales.
- Close the sale and use the proceeds to pay debts, then distribute the rest to heirs.
We Make Selling a Probate House Easy
If you’re dealing with probate and not sure where to start, or if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning, fixing, and listing a home, we can help.
We buy homes as-is, even in probate, and we can work with your attorney or estate representative to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Let’s talk.
We’ve helped families in Parma, North Royalton, Medina, Brunswick, Strongsville and beyond sell probate properties quickly and compassionately. If you’re looking for a respectful, no-pressure solution, reach out today.
