Inheriting a house can feel like a blessing—and a burden. Whether it’s your childhood home or a property you’ve never seen, figuring out how to sell inherited property can be emotionally draining and legally confusing.

But don’t worry. You’re not alone, and the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s walk through the steps in plain English—plus give you local insights if you’re selling in West Michigan.

Step 1: Understand the Legal Process (Probate or Nonprobate?)

Before you can sell an inherited house, you need to know if it must go through probate. Probate is the legal process of transferring ownership of a deceased person’s assets. If you’re unfamiliar with how probate works in Michigan, the Michigan Courts’ guide to probate offers a helpful overview.

There are two main scenarios:

If the property was in a trust or had a joint owner: You may be able to skip probate and transfer ownership more quickly.
If the property was solely in the deceased person’s name: Probate will likely be required before the home can be sold.

🔍 Tip: In Michigan, simplified probate may apply if the estate is small. A probate attorney or your local court can help determine what’s required.

Step 2: Transfer Ownership Into Your Name

Before you list or sell the house, ownership must be legally transferred to you or the rightful heirs.

This means:

Filing the will with probate court (if required)
Getting legal documentation that proves you have the authority to sell
Updating the deed with your name or your name as executor

Until that paperwork is done, no one can legally sell the property—even if the keys are in your hand.

Step 3: Decide What to Do With the Property

Once you legally own the house, you have options:

✅ Keep It

You can move in, rent it out, or fix it up later.

✅ Sell It As-Is

No need to make repairs. Selling the property as-is can save time and stress—especially if you’re juggling grief, legal steps, or long-distance logistics.

✅ Fix It Up and List It

Some heirs choose to repair and stage the home for the traditional market. This can lead to a higher sale price, but also costs time, energy, and money.

If the home is in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, or Holland, and in decent condition, fixing it might bring you a better offer—but it’s not always necessary.

Step 4: Understand the Tax Implications

Good news: In most cases, you won’t owe taxes on the full value of the home.

When you inherit property, the IRS gives it a stepped-up basis, which means the value of the home is adjusted to its fair market value at the time of the original owner’s death.

So, if you sell the home shortly after inheriting it, you likely won’t owe much in capital gains tax.

✅ Still, it’s smart to talk to a local tax advisor to be sure—especially if the home is sold months or years later.

Step 5: Prepare the Property for Sale (Without Overdoing It)

If you’re selling inherited property as-is, here’s how to make it marketable without stress:

Remove personal belongings or valuables
Clean up any trash or clutter
Fix anything that poses safety risks (optional)
Take photos or ask for a walkthrough if you’re not local

💡 If you’re overwhelmed, working with a local cash buyer like Hometown Development means you can skip this step altogether—we handle cleanouts, repairs, and paperwork.

Step 6: Choose How You Want to Sell

Traditional Listing

This route takes longer but may bring in top dollar. Be ready for showings, inspections, and buyer negotiations.

Cash Buyer or Real Estate Investor

Want to sell fast and skip repairs, fees, and commissions? A cash buyer will make you a fair offer and close on your timeline.

Step 7: Communicate with Co-Heirs (If Applicable)

If you inherited the property with siblings or other family members, open and honest communication is key.
Discuss these questions early:

Will everyone agree to sell?
How will the profits be divided?
Who will handle the paperwork or contact buyers?

Disagreements can delay the sale or create tension. If things get complicated, you may want to bring in a probate attorney or mediator to help reach a fair resolution.
Selling to a local, professional buyer can also simplify things—especially when multiple heirs are involved.

Step 8: Avoid Common Mistakes That Cost Time and Money

Inherited property sales come with emotional and legal pressure. To avoid unnecessary stress, try not to:

Delay paperwork or probate steps
Overspend on repairs that won’t increase the sale price
Wait too long to act (vacant homes can create insurance or code issues)

Instead, focus on clarity and momentum. The sooner you understand your options and make a plan, the sooner you can move forward.

If you’re unsure what to fix—or whether to fix anything at all—Hometown Development can evaluate the home and make a no-obligation offer, helping you skip the guesswork entirely.
Also visit our blog Top Things You Should not Fix Before Selling Your House

Local Insight: Inherited Homes in West Michigan

If you’ve inherited a home in West Michigan, you’re not alone. Many properties passed down in this region were built decades ago—often by parents or grandparents who lived in the same home for generations.

While these homes hold sentimental value, they also come with challenges, especially when it comes to maintenance and market readiness.

In cities like Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, and Holland, older homes are commonly inherited and often need repairs, updates, or full cleanouts.

Some still have the original furnace or outdated electrical systems. Others may be sitting vacant, which can raise concerns about insurance, security, or property taxes.

But here’s the good news—these homes are still valuable. West Michigan’s real estate market has remained strong, with steady demand and rising home values.

Even if a property is outdated or hasn’t been touched in years, there’s a growing number of buyers (especially investors and first-time homeowners) looking for affordable options with character and potential.

If the thought of managing repairs, inspections, or agent commissions feels overwhelming, you can skip all of that by selling the property as-is. Companies like Hometown Development specialize in buying inherited homes quickly and respectfully—no updates or showings required.

Whether the home is in Comstock Park, Zeeland, Lowell, or a rural area of Ionia County, you still have options to sell fast and move forward with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Selling an Inherited Property Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Grieving a loved one and dealing with legal steps is hard enough. Selling the property shouldn’t add more stress to your life.

Whether you want to sell fast, sell as-is, or just need guidance on your options, Hometown Development is here to help. We’ll walk you through every step with compassion and clarity—no pressure, no commissions, no surprises.

Ready to Sell an Inherited Property in Michigan?

Let’s make it simple. Contact Hometown Development for a fair, fast offer—backed by local experts who care.

Inherited a House? Here’s What You Can Do With It

Inheriting a house can bring up a mix of emotions—grief, confusion, maybe even stress. While it’s a generous gift, it also comes with big decisions. One of the most common questions is: What should I do with this inherited house?

Whether the property needs repairs, is located far away, or you’re unsure how to handle it with other family members, don’t worry. You’re not alone—and you do have options. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in simple terms, so you can make the right choice for your situation.

1. What Does It Mean to Inherit a House?

Before we talk about what to do, let’s break down what it actually means to inherit a house.

When someone passes away and leaves their home to you—either through a will, a trust, or as part of their estate—that’s called inheriting a house. This can happen if you’re a child, spouse, sibling, or other relative of the deceased.

Sometimes you’ll inherit a house by yourself, and sometimes you’ll share it with other family members (called co-heirs). The property may come with a mortgage, property taxes, or even back bills attached to it.

In many cases, this all happens through a legal process called probate. If you want to understand probate in more detail, we recommend this helpful guide from Nolo.

2. What Are Your Options After Inheriting a House?

Once the house is officially yours, you have three main options:

✅ 1. Move Into the Home

If you’re interested in living there yourself, you can choose to make it your primary residence. This may be a good choice if the house is paid off or in good condition.

✅ 2. Rent It Out

Some people choose to turn the home into a rental property. This could bring in monthly income—but you’ll need to be ready to manage tenants, repairs, and maintenance.

✅ 3. Sell the Property

Many people decide that selling the house is the best option—especially if they already have a home or live out of state. Selling lets you avoid ongoing costs and move forward.

Not sure which route to take? Start by asking:

Do I want to live in the home?
Can I afford the maintenance, taxes, and insurance?
Do I want to manage renters?
Is this house creating stress or peace?

Your answers will help guide your decision.

3. Check These Things Before Making a Final Decision

Before you take action, there are a few important steps to check off:

🔍 Is the Mortgage Paid Off?

Some inherited houses are owned free and clear. Others still have a mortgage—or worse, are behind on payments. You’ll want to contact the mortgage company to understand what’s owed.

🧾 Has Probate Been Completed?

If the home is still in probate, you may not be able to sell it yet. You’ll need to wait until the court officially transfers ownership to you. If it was held in a living trust, probate may not be needed.

👨‍👩‍👧 Are There Multiple Heirs?

If you’re not the only person who inherited the home, you’ll need to agree with co-heirs about what to do. You can either:

Buy out the others
Sell and divide the profits
Co-own the house together (not always ideal)

🧾 Are There Any Outstanding Bills?

Check for unpaid property taxes, liens, or utility bills. These need to be settled before or during a sale.

4. How to Sell an Inherited House in Michigan

Selling is a popular choice—especially when the house is too far away, needs major work, or feels like more responsibility than you’re ready to take on.

Here’s how to sell an inherited house step by step:

Step 1: Transfer Ownership

If the house is still in the deceased person’s name, work with a probate attorney to legally transfer it to yourself or the rightful heirs.

Step 2: Talk to Co-Heirs (if applicable)

If others are involved, meet to discuss what to do with the home. Agree to sell, split profits, or transfer it to one person.

Step 3: Decide How You Want to Sell

You can:

List with a realtor (takes time, may need repairs and updates)
Sell it yourself (FSBO) (you handle all paperwork, marketing, etc.)
Sell to a cash home buyer (fast, no repairs, no fees)

If the home is outdated, has damage, or you’re on a tight timeline, selling to a cash buyer can be the simplest way.

5. Can I Sell an Inherited House As-Is?

Yes, and many people do.

Selling a house as-is means you don’t fix it up, clean it out, or update anything before the sale. This is especially helpful if:

The house has old plumbing, roofing, or electrical work
It’s been sitting empty for months or years
There’s too much stuff left behind
You live in another city or state

A cash buyer or real estate investor will buy the home in its current condition—saving you the time, money, and stress of preparing it for the market.

For more about this, check out HomeLight’s guide to selling as-is.

6. Why Many Sellers Choose a Quick Sale

Selling an inherited house fast isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. Here are common reasons people choose to sell quickly:

✅ They Don’t Live Nearby

Managing a property from far away can be costly and exhausting.

✅ The Home Needs Too Many Repairs

If the house is outdated, damaged, or cluttered, prepping it for a traditional sale may feel impossible.

✅ They’re Paying Out-of-Pocket

You might already be covering utilities, taxes, or mortgage payments you didn’t plan for.

✅ They Want to Avoid Family Conflict

Selling fast with a clean split can help avoid arguments among heirs.

✅ They Just Want to Move On

For many, letting go of the property helps with emotional closure after losing a loved one.

7. Tips to Make the Process Easier

Dealing with an inherited home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some ways to reduce stress:

✅ Gather all paperwork early (will, death certificate, mortgage details)
✅ Stay in communication with co-heirs
✅ Work with professionals you trust
✅ Don’t rush—take the time you need to feel ready
✅ Explore selling options without pressure

You’ve got this—and there are people who can help.

8. Inherited House in West Michigan? We’re Here to Help

If you’ve inherited a house in Kent, Ottawa, or Ionia County, or nearby towns like Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Holland, Jenison, Belding, or Rockford, Hometown Development is ready to help you through the process.

We buy inherited houses in any condition—no cleaning, no repairs, no long wait. Whether the home is in probate, occupied, or completely empty, we can give you a fair, no-pressure cash offer and close when you’re ready.

👉 Get a free cash offer here
Or call us directly to talk through your situation with someone local.

Final Thoughts: You Have Options With an Inherited Home

An inherited house may feel like a burden, a blessing, or something in between. No matter where you are emotionally or financially, just know this: you are allowed to move forward in a way that’s best for you.

Whether you keep the home, rent it, or sell it, there’s no “right” answer—just the one that works for your life.

If selling feels like the best step, there are people right here in Michigan ready to support you.