Everything You Need to Know About Selling a House You Inherited

Inherited a House in Texas? Here’s What to Know About Selling During Probate

Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with an inherited property during a time of grief can add stress and confusion. If you've inherited a home in Texas, you might be unsure of what steps to take next—especially when it comes to navigating probate and deciding whether to keep or sell the property.

At Absolute Properties, we help Texas families simplify the process by offering fast, all-cash purchases of inherited homes. Whether you’re looking to avoid the costs of upkeep, settle estate debts, or just want to move on from a property you don’t want to manage, we make the sale straightforward and hassle-free.

Understanding Probate in Texas

Probate is the legal process used to distribute a deceased person’s assets, including real estate. In Texas, this process ensures that property is transferred to the rightful heirs and that any outstanding debts and taxes are paid. The type of probate process you’ll go through depends on factors like the value of the estate and whether there was a will.

When is Probate Required in Texas?

Probate is generally necessary if:

• The deceased owned property solely in their name.

• Assets weren’t placed in a living trust.

• The estate’s total value exceeds $75,000 (not including homestead property or exempt assets).

Smaller estates may qualify for a simplified process called Small Estate Affidavit, but it doesn’t apply to all situations—especially if real estate is involved.

Key Steps in the Texas Probate Process

1. Filing with the Probate Court
   A family member or the named executor submits a probate application to the county court where the deceased resided. A death certificate and original will (if available) must be included.

2. Validating the Will (if there is one)
   The court determines if the will is legally valid. If no will exists, the estate is handled under Texas intestate succession laws.

3. Appointing an Executor or Administrator
   The court officially appoints someone to handle the estate. This person will manage assets, pay debts, and oversee the distribution of property.

4. Inventorying and Valuing Assets
   All property, including real estate, must be appraised or evaluated to establish its fair market value. This information is important for both taxes and potential sales.

5. Paying Debts and Taxes
   The estate must cover any outstanding debts—like medical bills, credit cards, or mortgages—before assets are distributed. Creditors are given a legal timeframe to file claims.

6. Distributing the Remaining Assets
   After settling all obligations, the remaining property is distributed to the heirs as directed by the will or state law.

7. Closing the Estate
   Once everything is completed, a final report is filed with the court, and probate is officially closed. At that point, the property can be fully transferred or sold.

Can You Sell a House During Probate in Texas?

Yes—but you may need court approval depending on the situation. Here’s how it works:

• Court Permission
  If you want to sell before probate is finalized, the executor may need the court’s approval to move forward.

• Property Valuation
  A professional appraisal or market analysis is typically required to ensure the home is sold at fair market value.

• Notifying Beneficiaries and Creditors
  Everyone with a legal interest in the estate—including heirs and creditors—must be informed of the potential sale.

• Selling the Home
  You can sell the property traditionally with a realtor, or choose a faster route by selling directly to a cash buyer like Absolute Properties. We buy houses as-is, no repairs or listings needed.

• Closing and Distributing Funds
  Once the sale closes, proceeds are used to pay any remaining debts. Any leftover funds are then distributed to the heirs as outlined in the will or according to Texas inheritance laws.

The Burden of Inheriting a Property in Texas

Inheriting a home might sound like a blessing, but for many people, it turns into a costly and time-consuming responsibility—especially if you don’t plan to live there. You could find yourself dealing with:

• Ongoing maintenance – Things like lawn care, plumbing issues, or exterior repairs quickly add up.

• Security concerns – Vacant properties can attract squatters or vandalism, which may require extra security measures.

• Property taxes – Inherited homes aren’t always eligible for homestead exemptions, meaning you could face a larger tax bill.

• Probate complications – Transferring legal ownership can be drawn out, especially if the estate is still going through probate.

A Better Way: Sell to Absolute Properties

If you’re looking for a simple solution, Absolute Properties can help you sell the inherited house quickly and with zero hassle. We buy homes in any condition and offer a stress-free way to move on.

When you work with us, you’ll benefit from:

• A no-obligation cash offer – We’ll present a fair offer based on current market conditions.

• Fast closings – We can close in as little as 7–14 days, depending on your timeline.

• No repairs required – Sell the property as-is. We handle everything.

• We take care of the paperwork – From start to finish, we manage the details so you don’t have to.

Why Sell Your Inherited Home to Absolute Properties?

1. No More Vacant Property Worries: Keeping a vacant house safe and well-maintained costs time and money. Selling it to us means you won’t have to deal with cleaning, security, or ongoing bills.

2. Avoid High Property Taxes: Inherited properties often come with larger tax liabilities. By selling quickly, you can avoid being stuck with expensive annual taxes.

3. Get a Fair Offer Without the Runaround: You won’t have to list the property, wait for showings, or negotiate repairs. We give you a direct cash offer and handle the closing process on your behalf.

Sell Your Inherited Property in Texas—Fast and Hassle-Free

If you’re ready to move on from an inherited property, Absolute Properties can help you skip the stress. We make fast, fair cash offers and can work around probate timelines and legal requirements.

📞 Call us today at (713) 230-8059
📩 Or fill out our online form for a no-pressure cash offer

We buy inherited homes across Texas—even if you’re still in probate—and can help you turn a burden into relief quickly and legally.

Let me know if you'd like a shorter version for a landing page or one localized to a specific Texas county or city.

FAQs About Selling a House in a house in inheritance/probate

Can I sell an inherited house before probate is complete?

 It depends on how the estate is set up, but in some cases, yes. We can help you determine the best path forward.

What if the house is full of belongings or needs to be cleaned out?

You don’t have to lift a finger. You can leave the house exactly as it is, and we’ll take care of everything after closing.

Can multiple heirs sell the house together?

Yes. We regularly work with families where multiple siblings or relatives share ownership. We’ll help coordinate with everyone involved.

Will I have to pay for repairs or inspections?

No. We buy homes in any condition and do not require any repairs or prep work.