Free Tool for Michigan Heirs
Inherited a Property? Here's What to Do.
Answer a few questions about your situation and get a personalized action plan — probate steps, tax basis guidance, sell vs. rent analysis, and a realistic timeline. No cost, no obligation.
1.5M
Homes inherited annually in the U.S.
70%
Of heirs sell within 12 months
4-8 mo
Average probate timeline in Michigan
Sound familiar?
Common Inherited Property Situations
You inherited the family home and live out of state
Managing a property from a distance adds complexity to every decision. We handle the on-the-ground work — property assessment, vendor coordination, and full marketing — so you don't have to fly back and forth.
Siblings can't agree on what to do
Multiple heirs with different financial needs and emotional attachments is the most common inherited property challenge. We stay neutral, present the data, and help all parties reach a decision that works.
The property hasn't been maintained in years
Deferred maintenance doesn't mean the property is worthless. We'll assess what's worth fixing and what isn't, and we can coordinate trusted contractors. Sometimes selling as-is is the smartest move.
You're not sure if probate is needed
How the property was titled determines whether probate is required. Our tool helps you identify your situation, and we work with estate attorneys who can handle the legal process if needed.
You're worried about the tax implications
The stepped-up tax basis is one of the most significant tax advantages of inherited property — but most heirs don't know about it. We'll make sure you understand the numbers before making any decisions.
There's a mortgage or liens on the property
Outstanding financial obligations don't prevent a sale, but they affect the estate's net proceeds. We help you understand the full picture before committing to a path.
Common questions
Inherited Property: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go through probate to sell an inherited home in Michigan?
Not always. If the property was held in a living trust or joint tenancy, it typically avoids probate. Properties passed through a will (or with no will) generally require probate, which means obtaining Letters of Authority from the county probate court before you can execute a purchase agreement. Our tool helps you determine which path applies to your situation.
What is a stepped-up tax basis and why does it matter?
When you inherit property, the IRS resets the cost basis to the property's fair market value on the date of death. If the home was purchased for $80,000 in 1985 but was worth $350,000 when the owner passed, your new basis is $350,000. If you sell for $360,000, you only owe capital gains tax on $10,000 — not the full $270,000 gain from the original purchase. Get a date-of-death appraisal to document this value.
How long does it take to sell an inherited home?
It depends on the legal structure. Trust or joint tenancy properties can be listed within weeks. Probate properties typically take 4-8 weeks to get court authorization, then another 2-3 months to prepare, list, and close. Total timeline ranges from 2-6 months depending on your situation.
What if the heirs disagree about selling?
When heirs can't agree, any co-owner can file a partition action in Michigan courts, which forces a court-supervised sale — usually at a significant discount. It's almost always better to reach agreement voluntarily. We can help facilitate these conversations by providing objective market data and presenting all options clearly.
Should I fix up an inherited home before selling it?
It depends on the cost of repairs versus the potential increase in sale price. Cosmetic updates often provide a strong return, while major renovations rarely do for estate properties. We'll walk through the property, give you honest guidance, and help you run both scenarios — fix-and-sell vs. as-is — so you can make a data-driven decision.
Can I rent out the inherited property instead of selling?
You can, but it's a business decision that requires honest number-crunching: rental income minus property taxes, insurance, maintenance (1% of value per year), property management (8-10% of rent), and any mortgage payments. With multiple heirs, you also need a formal operating agreement to avoid conflicts. Our tool helps you evaluate this option.
Patient. Knowledgeable. Local.
Every Inherited Property Has a Right Answer.
We've guided families through this across Southeast Michigan. A 15-minute call is all it takes to understand your situation and give you a clear path forward.
Sarah Patrick, Principal Broker · Southeast Michigan