Skip to Content

So You’ve Inherited a House… Now What?

House Keys Laying on Probate of Will Documents If you currently inherited a Riverside house, you may be unsure about what to do next. Being unfamiliar with the real estate market makes this intimidating. This blog post will explain what to anticipate when inheriting a property and why it’s crucial to have a property manager on your team.

The Legal Process

The legal process of inheriting a house can be very difficult, especially if you’re not unacquainted with the real estate market. Generally, you will need to go through probate to finalize the transfer of ownership. This will include going before a probate court judge, who will review the deceased person’s will and approve an executor. The executor will then be charged with carrying out the terms of the will.

During this process, the executor may need to address any taxes and fees associated with inheriting a property. It’s also important to gather as much information as possible about the property’s insurance and liens and to allocate any belongings in the house to the individuals designated in the will.

Next Steps

When you have legally inherited the house, there are a few tasks you will need to conduct next. The first thing you should do is to have the property appraised and inspected. It’s vital to know if the house is in great condition and whether or not it will be habitable for future residents. Additionally, you need to wisely evaluate any debts the deceased person owes, including any liens against the property. These debts should be settled before you can assume full ownership of the house.

If any major repairs need to be completed, you may need to acquire a contractor to perform these repairs before you can live in the home, sell it, or rent it out.

What to Do with an Inherited House

When inheriting a property, you’ll have to choose whether or not to keep it. Occasionally, you may choose to keep the house and live in it yourself as a primary residence. This option is usually the priciest, especially if any co-inheritors should be bought out. If the property is already mortgaged, you will need to figure out a way to assume the loan or replace it with new financing, which can be complicated.

A second option is to sell the house instantly. This can be the quickest method to reclaim the property’s value, depending on the situation. If there are any co-inheritors, you may be able to sell your interest in the property to them. Otherwise, you must hire a qualified real estate agent to help market and list the property for sale.

A third and better option is to keep the house and rent it out. This can be a very efficient way to generate a monthly income while allowing the property to continue appreciating over time. You can also understand some helpful tax benefits by renting out an inherited home. Renting the property can allow co-inheritors to share in that income without selling or buying out another inheritor’s stake. You can also co-own the property, making assuming or refinancing an existing mortgage loan much simpler.

It’s crucial to engage with a Riverside property manager who can help manage the property on your behalf if you plan on renting the property. They will be in control of finishing repairs, collecting rent, and managing any possible legal or financial issues. This can assist in guaranteeing that you make the most of your inherited property and generate a steady income from it for years to come.

 

When inheriting a house, there are several aspects to keep in mind. Whether you intend to keep it or sell it, having an experienced real estate professional on your side can make the task much simpler and less difficult. So don’t hesitate to reach out to the team of professionals at Real Property Management Integrity. We can help you assess the local rental market, propose a fair rental rate, find qualified tenants, and much more! You can contact us online or call the office at 951-530-1600.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details