Inherited and estate homes
Getting a parent's house ready to sell
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, and the rest can wait until you are ready.
The first few weeks
Where to start
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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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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.
Clean outs and repairs
Spend only where it pays
- Clean outs and estate sales: we can connect you with estate sale, junk removal and cleaning companies and coordinate the schedule.
- Repairs worth doing: we get quotes and tell you honestly which repairs pay for themselves. Many estate homes sell best with a clean out and small fixes rather than a renovation.
- Town requirements: we schedule the smoke alarm, carbon monoxide and fire extinguisher inspection every New Jersey sale needs, plus any resale certificate of occupancy the town requires.
Common questions
Questions about clean outs and repairs
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.
Should we make repairs before selling a parent's house?
Only the ones that return more than they cost. Many estate homes sell best with a clean out and small fixes rather than a renovation. We get quotes and show you the numbers before you spend anything.
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)More for families
Other guides that may help
- Probate and taxesHow probate works in New Jersey, who can sign, and what inheritance tax and capital gains mean for the house.
- 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.
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.
Want help planning the clean out? Call or text either of us.