Inherited and estate homes
Selling a parent's home, one step at a time.
When a parent passes away or moves into care, the house becomes one more thing on a very long list, often for a family that lives hours away. We take as much of it off your plate as we can, and we give you straight answers about your options.
Not sure where to begin? Call or text either of us. There is no cost to talk it through.
Guides for families
Answers by topic
Pick the question on your mind. Each guide is short and plain spoken.
- Probate and taxesHow probate works in New Jersey, who can sign, and what inheritance tax and capital gains mean for the house.
- Getting the house readyThe first steps, the clean out, and which repairs are worth doing before you sell.
- Selling from out of stateWhat we handle so your family does not have to travel back and forth.
- Special situationsA parent in assisted living, a reverse mortgage, an adult community home, or heirs who disagree.
Free guide to download
Selling an Inherited Home in New Jersey
Everything on these pages in one printable guide: the first steps, probate and taxes, your options, special situations, common questions, a checklist, and a house record to fill in with codes, accounts and phone numbers. Free, no sign up.
Download the guide (PDF)The first few weeks
Where to start
You do not have to decide anything about selling right away. These first steps protect the house and the estate while you catch your breath.
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Secure the house
Lock up, take photos of each room, and move valuables and important papers somewhere safe. Keep the heat, electric and water on, and if the house will sit empty through the winter, have it winterized.
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Call the homeowners insurance company
Let them know the owner has passed or moved out. Many policies limit coverage once a home is vacant for a period of time, so ask what the policy requires and whether you need a vacancy policy.
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Find the will and talk to an estate attorney
The attorney will tell you who has the authority to sell the house and what needs to happen first. In New Jersey, probate goes through the Surrogate's Court in the county where your parent lived.
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Gather the house paperwork
The owner's title insurance policy from when the house was bought, the deed, recent property tax bills, homeowners insurance, any mortgage, home equity or reverse mortgage statements, and, in an adult community, the association documents and fee statements.
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Do not rush the clean out
Before anything is thrown away or donated, make sure family members have what matters to them and that nothing of value or importance is lost. We can help you plan the clean out when the time is right.
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Get a realistic value
An honest estimate of what the house is worth helps the executor, the attorney and the family plan. We provide one at no cost, and we can also help with a value as of the date of death, which the estate's tax advisor may need.
Prefer it on one page? See what to do when you inherit a house in New Jersey, step by step.
Your options
What to do with the house
There is no single right answer. It depends on the condition of the house, how quickly the estate needs to settle, and how much the family wants to take on. We lay out the numbers for each option side by side.
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Sell it as is
No repairs, no clean out and no showings. A direct sale to an independent investment buyer, on a timeline that works for the estate. It is the simplest path, usually at a lower price, and we show you exactly how much lower before you decide.
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Prepare selectively, then list
Clear it out, fix only what pays for itself, and list it on the open market. We manage the contractors and cleaners so you do not have to be here.
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List it as it stands
Many estate homes sell well on the open market with little more than a clean out, including many adult community homes.
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Keep it or rent it
Sometimes the best answer is not to sell yet. If keeping or renting the house makes more sense for your family, we will tell you.
Frana & Silk are licensed real estate agents and are never the buyer. A direct as is purchase is made by an independent investment buyer.
Reviews
What our clients say
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“Vincent did a great job getting the house sold quickly and over asking. Was very helpful during a tough closing. Highly recommend!”
Stephanie B., seller
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“Never have I experienced an agent that has gone well above and beyond what Vincent has done. I had so many problems to deal with. … Vincent took days tracking down how to acquire necessary documents even from out of state.”
Pat, seller
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“He did his homework on every property we visited, highlighting inspection concerns and possible red flags before we even asked. He was always easy to reach and quick to respond, even when things got busy.”
Michael S., buyer
Common questions
Questions families ask us
Do we have to clean out the house before selling it?
No. An estate home can be sold with belongings still inside, especially in an as is sale to an investment buyer. For a market listing, a clean out usually helps the house sell for more. We can coordinate it for you.
We live out of state. Do we have to come to New Jersey to sell the house?
Usually not. We can handle access, vendors, showings and updates, most documents can be signed electronically, and closings can often be completed remotely. Your attorney will confirm what needs an original signature.
Talk it through
No pressure, just a plan
Tell us a little about the house and where things stand. We will call you back, usually the same day, and help you figure out the next step, even if that step is not selling.
Or call or text either of us directly.