Should You Sell an Inherited Property or Keep It?
Families often ask whether they should sell or keep the property as a rental or investment. Here are questions to consider:
Are there multiple heirs?
Is the property paid off, or would you inherit debt?
Does the home need repairs you’re able to manage?
Would renting or maintaining it be stressful?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer but I can help you run the numbers so you can make the best decision for your family.
What an Executor Needs Before Listing the Property
To sell real estate during probate, the executor usually needs:
Letters Testamentary (if there is a will)
Letters of Administration (if there is no will)
A clear understanding of debts, liens, or title issues
Agreement from heirs (if required by the court or attorney)
Once the executor receives their authority, the property can typically be listed right away.
Why Many Probate Homes Are Sold “As-Is”
It’s extremely common for inherited properties to need updates or repairs. Many families don’t have the time, budget, or emotional energy to renovate. That’s why probate real estate is often sold as-is.
The good news?
Buyers — especially investors expect this.
They’re prepared for repairs and are often willing to purchase quickly.
A probate-focused agent can help you price the home correctly and attract the right buyer pool.
A Simple Guide for Families
It all begins with an idea.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and handling their property afterward can feel overwhelming. Many families suddenly find themselves responsible for decisions they’ve never had to make before and probate is one of those processes that can feel confusing, emotional, and time-consuming.
As a Probate Real Estate Specialist in East Texas, my goal is to help families understand their options and guide them through each step with clarity and compassion. Below is a simple breakdown of what probate is, how the real estate portion works, and what you can expect if you’re preparing to sell a property during probate.
What Is Probate?
It all begins with an idea.
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. This includes:
Verifying the will (if there is one)
Appointing an executor or administrator
Paying debts or taxes
Distributing remaining assets to heirs
If real estate is part of the estate, the court may need to approve the sale — depending on the type of probate.
Can You Sell a House During Probate?
It all begins with an idea.
Yes! In Texas, most probate properties can be sold during the probate process, especially if the executor has “independent administration” authority. This gives the executor more control and typically speeds up the sale.
Even if approval is needed, selling is still very possible with proper guidance.
How a Probate Real Estate Agent Helps
It all begins with an idea.
Working with an agent trained in probate makes the process smoother, faster, and less stressful for families. Here’s what I personally help with:
Determining the property’s market value
Recommending the best selling strategy (traditional market or investor sale)
Coordinating directly with your probate attorney
Handling showings, marketing, and negotiations
Connecting you with estate clean-out or repair services
Managing timelines required by the court or attorney
My goal is to remove as much stress as possible and ensure the estate gets the best outcome.