Inheriting a house can feel like a strange mix of honor and overwhelm. On one hand, it’s a meaningful gift—maybe the last thing your loved one left behind. On the other, it can feel like a ticking time bomb of taxes, decisions, and responsibilities you weren’t expecting.
Whether you just inherited a home in Texas or are trying to figure out what to do with one that’s been sitting empty for a while, you’ve got options. But there are also some common traps to avoid.
Coming from real people who’ve helped a lot of families in your shoes, let’s walk through your options.
✅ Your Options When You Inherit a House in Texas
1. Move Into the Property
If the home’s in good shape and it works for your lifestyle, you can absolutely make it your own. Just keep in mind:
- You’ll be responsible for the mortgage (if there is one), taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
- You may need to go through probate if the title isn’t already in your name.
2. Rent It Out
If you’re not ready to sell but don’t want it sitting vacant:
- Renting can create cash flow—but you’ll take on landlord duties (or property management costs).
- You’ll need to make sure it’s up to code, insured as a rental, and legally transferred into your name.
3. Sell It (With or Without Repairs)
This is often the cleanest solution—especially if you’re out of state, have multiple heirs involved, or don’t want the financial burden.
You can sell the house:
- On the market (with an agent): Might get top dollar, but often requires repairs, showings, time, and commissions.
- Off-market (to a cash buyer): Faster, fewer hoops, no repairs or cleaning required, and no commissions.
We’re biased, sure—but a lot of inherited property owners are surprised to learn that selling “as-is” to a reputable local buyer can give them both speed and peace of mind.
❌ What NOT to Do With an Inherited Home
1. Ignore It
This is the easiest trap to fall into. You think, “I’ll deal with it later.” And then months—or years—pass. Meanwhile:
- Property taxes pile up.
- HOA fees, insurance, and maintenance bills accumulate.
- The property may become a target for squatters, code violations, or break-ins.
Even if you’re not ready to sell, take some kind of action early—secure it, get insurance in place, and keep up with taxes.
2. Rush Into Repairs You Don’t Need
Many people think they have to fix everything before selling. Truth is, you don’t.
Especially if the home has outdated features, structural issues, or hasn’t been lived in for years—pouring money into it might not get you a return.
Talk to a real estate professional (or a cash buyer like us) before sinking money into a house you may not even keep.
3. Fight With Family Over It
Inheritance can bring up a lot of emotions. Add multiple heirs, unclear wishes, or financial pressure—and things get messy fast.
Whenever possible, get everything in writing. Work with a probate attorney or mediator if needed.
💬 Real Talk: “Do I Have to Go Through Probate?”
Not always.
In Texas, probate is one way to transfer ownership of an inherited property—but it’s not the only path. If the house was placed in a trust or had a transfer-on-death deed, the process might already be taken care of.
Even if there’s no will, there may still be simpler alternatives, like using an affidavit of heirship in certain cases—especially when all heirs are on the same page and there’s no dispute.
Every situation is a little different. We always recommend speaking with a probate attorney or trusted title company to understand your options. That said, we’ve worked with many sellers who thought probate was their only option—but it wasn’t.
If you’re unsure, let’s talk. We’re happy to point you in the right direction, no strings attached.
🏠 Want to Sell Your Inherited House in Texas—Without the Stress?
We get it. We’ve worked with families across Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas who inherited homes and just wanted a simple, respectful way to move forward.
At Happy to Buy Homes, we:
- Buy houses in any condition—no repairs or cleaning needed
- Work with your timeline, whether you need time to clear out the house or want to sell fast
- Handle the paperwork, coordinate with attorneys, and even work through probate delays
No pressure. No judgment. Just real help.
👇 Let’s Talk About Your Options
Not sure what to do yet? That’s okay.
Reach out and we’ll talk it through—whether you sell to us or not.
📞 Call us at 737-377-3519
📩 Or fill out the form on our website to get started