It’s not uncommon for people to become homeowners by inheriting a house after a loved one dies. However, the transfer in homeownership may not be suitable for the property’s beneficiaries. As such, people sometimes ask questions like “Can you sell a house after someone passes away?” before listing the property for sale.
My Tennessee Home Solution has experience helping sellers navigate the home-selling process in Nashville, TN. Our guide below explains what you should know about selling an inherited home.
What To Know About Probate and Deceased Owner Property Rules
Selling a home after death is usually possible after the probate process. Probate refers to the legal process of settling the estate of a deceased person by validating the will, appointing an executor of the estate, and settling final debts. Distribution of assets to heirs also occurs during probate.
Can you sell a house after a loved one passes away? You can start the sale after the Tennessee probate courts approve it. The courts will ensure that all parties handle the real estate transaction legally and fairly.
If a loved one passes away without creating a will explaining their final wishes, they died “intestate.” In Tennessee, laws surrounding intestate deaths will determine who receives the property of the deceased.
Sometimes homeowners own a house jointly with someone else, like a spouse. A joint tenancy with right of survivorship means the property passes directly to the surviving owner upon the death of one owner. Tenancy by the entirety is similar but assigned to married couples.
Statute of Limitations for Selling Inherited Properties
Once an estate enters probate, its executor can sell it before the process ends, which typically takes six months to a year. Those who are both the beneficiary and the executor must still follow all relevant real estate probate guidelines and not succumb to pressure to sell the home prematurely. There isn’t a statute of limitations for selling inherited homes.
How To Sell an Inherited Home
Your steps to selling an inherited home will depend on your specific situation. For instance, if you’re not the sole owner of the house, you will need to identify and communicate with all joint owners to prevent ownership conflicts.
During probate, the executor must maintain the house’s upkeep. Neglecting maintenance can cause the building to deteriorate and lose value.
To expedite the sale, consider an as-is cash home sale. Experienced sellers understand the probate process and local property disclosure requirements.
Enjoy a Smoother Inherited Home Sale Process
For answers to questions like “Can you sell a house after someone passes away?” turn to My Tennessee Home Solution. As a reputable cash home buyer in Nashville, TN, we help clients dealing with the death of a parent or who are interested in selling an unwanted inherited home. We purchase properties in as-is condition, regardless of the homeowners’ situation.
Our veteran-owned company has years of experience serving Nashville residents. We strive to streamline the home-selling process by making fair cash offers and closing in as little as seven days. To request a cash offer from My Tennessee Home Solution, call (615) 933-5431.
