You inherited a house. Before deciding whether to keep it, rent it, or sell it, first get a clear picture of what came with the property.
That does not mean something is wrong. It means confirming the facts before making a decision.
Watch the Video
This short video explains the first property questions to check after inheriting a house.
What Does the Ownership Record Show?
Start by confirming how the property is titled and who currently owns it.
An inherited house may have one owner, several owners, or an estate or trust involved. The names family members use when discussing the house may not tell you what the legal records show.
A title company or estate attorney can help confirm the ownership record and explain what it means. My role as a Realtor® is not to decide who owns the property.
Who Has the Legal Authority to Act?
Confirm who has the authority to sign documents and make decisions for the property before making plans to rent or sell it.
That may involve an executor, personal representative, trustee, owner, or another legally authorized person, depending on the circumstances. An estate attorney can review the documents and determine who has authority. I can then help that person understand the real estate process and the practical next steps.
Are the Property Taxes Current?
Check the property-tax status with the appropriate local tax office or municipality.
You are looking for the current balance, whether any amount is past due, and whether there are bills or notices that need attention. Not every inherited property has unpaid taxes. The point is to check rather than assume.
Are There Water, Sewer, or Other Municipal Balances?
Depending on the property and municipality, there may also be water, sewer, trash, utility, registration, or other local balances to confirm.
The municipality or appropriate service provider can tell you what is currently due and whether an account needs to be updated. These details may affect timing, but they do not automatically mean there is a problem with the property.
Are There Liens, Judgments, or Title Questions?
A title review can help identify liens, judgments, ownership questions, or other title issues that may need to be addressed before a transfer or sale.
Again, do not assume that every inherited house has these issues. A title company or attorney can review the records and explain any concerns they find.
Which Professional Handles Which Part?
- An estate attorney can explain estate documents, ownership questions, and who has legal authority to act.
- A title company can examine title records and identify liens, judgments, or ownership issues connected with a potential transfer.
- The municipality or tax office can confirm property taxes and applicable local balances.
- Other qualified professionals may be needed for tax, financial, property-condition, or rental questions.
- My role as your Realtor® is to explain the real estate side: the property’s current market, possible value, condition, preparation choices, timing, and what keeping, renting, or selling may involve.
Get the Facts Before You Choose a Direction
You do not have to decide immediately whether to keep, rent, or sell the house.
First, confirm the ownership, authority, taxes, municipal balances, and title status. Once you know what came with the property, you can compare the real estate options with clearer information.
If you are trying to understand the real estate side of an inherited property in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, or Bucks County, start with the questions you have now. I can help you understand the options before you make a decision.
This article provides general real estate information. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult the appropriate attorney, title professional, municipality, tax professional, or other qualified adviser for guidance about your specific situation.