Inheriting a home may sound like a financial windfall, but for many people, it comes with confusion, stress, and tough decisions. The house may be outdated, located out of town, or still tied up in the probate process. Maybe it’s filled with decades of belongings, or maybe you’ve inherited it with siblings who can’t agree on what to do next.
At Howell Properties LLC, we’ve helped dozens of families across Ohio navigate the complicated process of selling inherited homes—fast, fairly, and with compassion. If you’ve recently inherited a property or are stuck in probate, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the steps, explain your options, and help you decide whether it’s time to sell.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s assets—including real estate—are distributed to heirs. If there’s a will, the process validates it. If there isn’t, the court determines who inherits the estate based on state law.
For real estate, probate often means:
- The property cannot be sold or transferred without court approval
- There may be delays, paperwork, and legal fees
- The executor (often a family member) is responsible for managing the home until probate closes
In some cases, homes are passed outside of probate through trusts, joint ownership, or transfer-on-death deeds—but many go through this full legal process.
Common Challenges of Inherited Homes
Inheriting a house isn’t as simple as picking up the keys. Here are some real-life challenges people face:
1. The Home Is Outdated or Damaged
It’s common for inherited properties—especially those owned by elderly relatives—to need major repairs or updates. Original wiring, roof damage, old plumbing, or water damage are frequent issues.
2. You Live Out of State
Managing a distant property is difficult. From lawn care to security, maintaining it long-distance is often unsustainable.
3. Multiple Heirs Can’t Agree
Inheriting with siblings or relatives can lead to disagreements over what to do next—keep it, rent it, or sell it.
4. The House Is Still in Probate
Until probate is finalized or the court grants permission to sell, the property often sits, costing money in taxes and maintenance.
5. Emotional Stress and Clutter
Sorting through a loved one’s belongings is emotionally draining. The weight of grief can delay important decisions.
Your Options With an Inherited Property
You’re not stuck with the house. You can:
- Keep it as a personal residence
- Rent it out for income
- Fix it up and list it
- Sell it as-is for cash
Each path has pros and cons. What’s right for you depends on the condition of the property, your financial goals, and how much time and emotional energy you can commit.
When Selling Is the Best Option
For many people, selling an inherited house quickly and easily is the right choice. Here’s why:
- You can’t afford the taxes or repairs
- You don’t want to be a landlord
- You need to split proceeds with family
- You’re emotionally ready to move on
- You live too far away to manage it
At Howell Properties, we specialize in helping people sell inherited homes—without the hassle of agents, repairs, or delays.
How to Sell an Inherited Home in Ohio
If you’ve inherited a home in Ohio, here are the basic steps to sell it:
1. Confirm Ownership or Legal Authority
If you’re the executor or legal heir, you may need to present documentation or receive court permission to sell, especially if the home is still in probate.
2. Assess the Property’s Condition
Is the home livable? Is it outdated or in disrepair? This will affect your selling strategy.
3. Decide How You Want to Sell
You can either:
- List the property with a real estate agent (after making repairs)
- Sell it yourself (FSBO)
- Sell directly to a home buyer like Howell Properties (as-is, with no repairs or fees)
4. Coordinate With Other Heirs
If multiple family members are involved, you’ll need agreement or legal settlement on the sale and how to divide the proceeds.
5. Close the Sale and Settle the Estate
Once sold, the money goes to the estate and is distributed according to the will or probate instructions.
Selling During Probate? Yes, It’s Possible.
If the property is still in probate, you can still sell it—if the court approves. This is called a probate sale and typically involves:
- A formal appraisal
- Filing a petition with the probate court
- A court-approved sale process
We work directly with attorneys and executors to make this process smooth and compliant.
Why Sell to Howell Properties LLC?
We understand the emotional and logistical challenges that come with inherited homes. That’s why we’ve designed a process that’s fast, respectful, and stress-free.
Here’s what we offer:
✅ Cash Offers in 24–48 Hours
✅ We Buy As-Is—No Repairs or Cleanout Needed
✅ We Work With Executors and Probate Attorneys
✅ Fast Closings in as Little as 7–14 Days
✅ No Real Estate Commissions or Hidden Fees
✅ We Handle All the Paperwork
Whether the home is vacant, occupied, or still filled with belongings, we can help.
Real Story: Emily & Her Sister’s Inherited Duplex
Emily and her sister inherited a duplex from their uncle in Toledo. It was in poor shape—peeling paint, old roof, tenants who hadn’t paid rent in months. They were overwhelmed and unsure what to do.
They contacted Howell Properties. We gave them a fair cash offer and handled all the tenant and title issues. They closed in 14 days and were finally able to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if the home is still filled with belongings?
No problem. Leave everything. We’ll clean it out after the sale.
Q: What if I live out of state?
We can handle everything remotely. You don’t need to be here to sell.
Q: Can we sell before probate is finalized?
In many cases, yes—with court approval. We’ll coordinate with your probate attorney.
Q: The home is in bad shape—will you still buy it?
Yes. We specialize in buying homes that need repairs or full renovations.
Q: How quickly can we sell?
We can close in as little as 7 days or on your timeline.
The Emotional Side of Inheriting a Home
Inheriting a loved one’s home isn’t just a legal matter—it’s personal. These homes are filled with memories, family history, and emotions. That’s why we approach every inherited home purchase with respect and compassion.
We’ll work with you on your timeline. If you need time to go through belongings or coordinate with family, we’ll give you the space you need.
Ready to Move Forward?
Selling an inherited home doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re still in probate or just ready to sell, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us today at (419) 273-7355
💻 Or request your free cash offer at howellpropertiesllc.com
We’ll walk you through the process step by step—and help you move forward with peace of mind.