📋 Quick Summary: Selling an Inherited Home in Sacramento
The Challenge: Inherited homes come with unexpected costs, decisions, and responsibilities — from probate to property taxes to cleanouts.
Your Options:
Keep it and move in
Rent it out and become a landlord
Sell it (often the simplest solution)
Why Sell to a Cash Buyer:
✅ No repairs or cleanout required (we buy as-is)
✅ No realtor commissions or fees
✅ Fast closing (even during probate)
✅ We handle the paperwork and complexities
Important: California Prop 19 may increase property taxes on inherited homes if you’re not using it as your primary residence.
Ready to discuss your situation? Get your cash offer or call us (925) 302-2905 for a private, no-pressure conversation.
Selling Inherited Property Sacramento
Selling an Inherited Home in Sacramento can be both a blessing and a burden. Whether the home is paid off or still has a mortgage, many heirs quickly realize that owning an inherited house comes with unexpected decisions, responsibilities, and costs.
So if you’re thinking, “I inherited a house and want to sell it,” you’re not alone. Let’s walk through your best options and what to know about selling an inherited house in Sacramento.
Table of Contents
- What Happens When You Inherit a House in Sacramento?
- Common Situations We See in Sacramento
- Should You Sell Your Inherited House?
- Need to Sell Your Inherited Property Fast?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Sell My Inherited House Sacramento
What Happens When You Inherit a House in Sacramento?
When someone passes away, their property typically goes through probate — a legal process where the estate is settled and debts are paid. If you’re the named heir, you may become the legal owner, but only after the probate process is complete (unless it’s in a trust).
If you’re inheriting a house in California under Prop 19, be aware that property taxes could increase — especially if you’re not living in the home as your primary residence.
Selling An Inherited Home in Sacramento
Common Situations We See in Sacramento
Many of our clients come to us with questions like:
- “My sister is living rent-free in the inherited house. What can I do?”
- “Can I sell an inherited house before probate ends?”
- “We inherited a hoarder house — where do we even start?”
Whether the home is vacant, rented, or filled with decades of belongings, we can help guide you through the next step — especially if you’re considering selling an inherited house quickly and easily.
Selling House I Inherited Sacramento
Should You Sell Your Inherited House?
Maintaining an inherited home comes with expenses — property taxes, insurance, utilities, and possible repairs. If you’re not ready to move in or become a landlord, selling could be the easiest and most financially sound option.
When you sell directly to a cash home buyer in Sacramento, you avoid:
- Realtor commissions and fees
- Repairs, cleanout, or inspections
- Waiting months for a buyer
- Legal and title complications
We buy inherited homes as-is, handle the paperwork, and can even coordinate with your probate attorney.
Need to Sell Your Inherited Property Fast?
Sell Inherited Home Sacramento
At R&H Distressed Properties, we specialize in selling inherited houses throughout Sacramento County. No matter the condition, we offer a fast and respectful solution.
👉 Get a no-obligation cash offer today
📞 Or call/text us to discuss your situation privately. (925) 302-2905
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling an Inherited House in Sacramento
Can I sell an inherited house without going through probate in California?
Only if the property was held in a living trust or had a transfer-on-death deed that allows ownership to pass directly to heirs. In most cases, probate is required before you can legally sell an inherited house in Sacramento. The probate process typically takes 6-12 months in California, but you can still list or negotiate a sale during probate with court approval. Cash buyers often work with sellers during the probate process to streamline the timeline.
How long does probate take in Sacramento County?
Probate in Sacramento County typically takes 9-18 months, depending on the complexity of the estate, whether creditors make claims, and how quickly paperwork is processed. Simple estates with no disputes may move faster, while contested estates or those with complex assets can take longer. Working with an experienced probate attorney and a cash buyer familiar with probate sales can help expedite the process.
Is selling an inherited house taxable in California?
California does not have an inheritance tax or estate tax, so you won’t pay state taxes simply for inheriting a home. However, you may owe federal capital gains tax if you sell the property for more than its “stepped-up basis” — the fair market value at the time of the original owner’s death. For example, if the home was worth $400,000 when inherited and you sell it for $450,000, you may owe capital gains on the $50,000 difference. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
What is the stepped-up basis and how does it affect me?
The stepped-up basis is the fair market value of the inherited property on the date of the decedent’s death. This “steps up” the cost basis from what the original owner paid to what it was worth when you inherited it. This can significantly reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes when you sell. For instance, if your parent bought the house for $100,000 but it was worth $500,000 when they passed, your basis is $500,000 — not $100,000.
What if multiple heirs don’t agree on selling the inherited house?
Disagreements among heirs are common, especially when siblings or family members have different financial needs or emotional attachments to the property. If heirs cannot reach an agreement, you may need a partition action — a legal process where the court forces the sale and divides the proceeds. Mediation is often a less costly alternative. We’ve worked with many families in these situations and can coordinate with attorneys to help reach a resolution that works for everyone.
My sibling is living in the inherited house rent-free. What are my options?
If one heir is occupying the inherited property without paying rent or contributing to expenses, or a sister living rent free in inherited house, it can create tension and financial strain on other heirs. Your options include: negotiating a formal rental agreement, seeking a partition action to force a sale, or buying out the occupying heir’s share. In some cases, the occupying heir may have a legal right to stay during probate. Consulting with a probate attorney is advisable, and we can work with legal counsel to facilitate a fair solution.
Can I sell an inherited house that’s in terrible condition or filled with belongings?
Absolutely. We specialize in buying inherited homes as-is, regardless of condition. Whether the property is a hoarder house, needs major repairs, has decades of belongings, or hasn’t been maintained, we’ll buy it in its current state. We handle all cleanouts, junk removal, and repairs after purchase — you don’t have to lift a finger or spend a dime preparing the home for sale.
Do I become responsible for payments when inheriting a house with debt?
If the inherited house still has a mortgage, someone must continue making payments to avoid foreclosure — even during probate. Many heirs are surprised to learn they’re responsible for mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utilities while the estate is being settled. If you’re unable or unwilling to cover these costs, selling quickly to a cash buyer can relieve this financial burden before expenses pile up.
How does California Prop 19 affect inherited property taxes?
California Proposition 19, which took effect in February 2021, significantly changed property tax rules for inherited homes. Previously, children could inherit a parent’s low property tax rate. Now, unless you move into the inherited home as your primary residence within one year and file the proper paperwork, the property will be reassessed at current market value — potentially increasing your property taxes dramatically. This makes selling an inherited home more attractive for heirs who don’t plan to live there.
Can I sell an inherited house if it’s still going through probate?
Yes, you can sell an inherited house during probate in California, but it requires court approval. This is called a “probate sale” and involves additional steps, including publishing notice of the sale, court confirmation hearings, and allowing other buyers to overbid. Cash buyers experienced in probate sales can navigate this process with you and often close faster than traditional buyers. We work directly with executors, administrators, and probate attorneys to simplify the process.
What happens to liens or debts on the inherited property?
Outstanding liens, mortgages, or debts attached to the property typically must be paid from the estate before heirs receive their inheritance. This includes mortgages, home equity loans, property tax liens, mechanic’s liens, or judgment liens. These debts are usually paid at closing from the sale proceeds. In some cases, heirs may be responsible for debts if the estate doesn’t have sufficient assets, though this varies by situation.
How quickly can I sell an inherited house for cash in Sacramento?
When you sell to a cash buyer like us, you can close in as little as 7-14 days once you have legal authority to sell. If the property is still in probate, the timeline depends on court schedules and probate requirements, but we can move forward quickly once you receive authorization. We’ll work with your attorney and the court to expedite the process as much as possible.
Do I need to make repairs before selling an inherited house?
No. When you sell to a cash home buyer, you don’t need to make any repairs, updates, or improvements. We buy inherited houses in any condition — whether they need a new roof, have foundation issues, outdated systems, or cosmetic damage. You also don’t need to clean out belongings, mow the lawn, or stage the property. We handle everything after purchase.
Will I have to pay realtor commissions when selling an inherited house?
Not if you sell directly to a cash buyer. Traditional real estate sales involve 5-6% in realtor commissions (split between buyer’s and seller’s agents), which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. When you sell directly to us, there are no commissions, no listing fees, and no hidden costs. You keep more of the proceeds from your inherited property.
What if I live out of state and inherited a Sacramento property?
Many of our clients are out-of-state heirs who inherited Sacramento property and don’t want the hassle of maintaining or managing it from afar. We handle everything remotely — you don’t need to travel to Sacramento for inspections, repairs, or even closing in many cases. We can coordinate with local probate attorneys, title companies, and even arrange remote notarization when possible to make the process as convenient as possible.