Selling an inherited home is never easy. After all, it was likely once filled with cherished memories of a loved one who is no longer with you.

But keeping a property that you don't actually need or want could end up costing you more than you realize…

This article will cover:

1. Why The Market is flooded with Inherited Homes
2. Selling an Inherited House Costs Money Too
3. Why & When you Should Sell Inherited Property Fast
4. Dealing With Sentimental Attachments
5. How To Sell Inherited Property FAST

Why The Market is flooded with Inherited Homes

Right now there are more inherited homes hitting the market than ever before.

According to recent property data, there were 340,000 homes passed down via inheritance in 2025. That's 7% of all property transfers across the U.S. — the highest percentage in history.

Why are so many inherited homes hitting the market?

The reason is simple.

Baby boomers are aging and as more and more pass away their large generation of homeowners are leaving behind millions of inherited homes for their families.

What to do with them is the question.

For many families who inherit a home, selling it fast is the best option. Other families choose to keep the home for various reasons like location or market conditions.

Maybe the home is in a hot real estate market like Seattle, Denver, or Chicago. Other times, the property may need extensive work and be on the other side of the country.

Selling an Inherited House Costs Money Too

Owning a home that you inherited is more expensive than most people realize.

Sure there's the mortgage payment if they kept it insured. But did you know there are also "hidden costs" associated with every homeowner?

One recent study from Bankrate revealed that the average single-family homeowner paid $21,400 per year in hidden expenses in 2025.

That includes:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Utilities/upkeep
• Maintenance and repairs

Keep in mind that maintenance/reasonable repairs are over $8,800/year alone. And if the inherited property is an older home that has never been updated it can cost even more.

Old roofing. Dated plumbing. Outdated electrical.

These are expensive problems that can cost homeowners thousands when selling an inherited home.

And the longer you sit on a property. The more expensive it becomes.

That's why so many people choose to sell their inherited house fast rather than watch their inheritance turn into mounting bills.

Why & When you Should Sell Inherited Property Fast

Just because you inherited a house doesn't mean you have to sell it. Everyone's situation is unique and will come to different conclusions on what to do with an inherited home.

Selling shouldn't be your first thought. But here are some common scenarios when it makes sense to sell fast:

• The home requires extensive repairs or remodels that you cannot afford.
• You are one of multiple heirs and cannot come to an agreement.
• You don't live close to the property. Maybe it's in another state?
• Property taxes and home insurance are more than you can afford.
• The market conditions are in your favour and you don't want to wait.

Homeowners in Pennsylvania should even consider selling their house fast. PA is 1 of 5 states in the U.S. that has an inheritance tax.

Descendents inherit paying a tax rate of 4.5%. Heirs who are not direct family members inherit at a tax rate of up to 15%.

Choosing to sell your house fast in PA allows you to avoid that tax bill.

Here's why…

Probates can take months or longer to transfer property to the beneficiaries. During that window of time somebody has to be paying for the upkeep on that home.

If no one is currently living in the home, think about all of the expenses you'll be paying for that you're not getting any return on.

Selling fast helps you avoid those costs.

Dealing With Sentimental Attachments

This is the part of selling an inherited home that no one likes to talk about…

Selling the house that belonged to your grandparents isn't easy.

Walking through the doors one last time will likely bring back memories of your grandfather/grandmother cooking in the kitchen or your parent's bedroom.

It's natural to feel sad.

But staying behind on emotions will lead to some families making costly mistakes. Like trying to turn a garage into a master bedroom because “grandpa would've wanted it.”

Sure. That's one way to look at it. but financially that probably isn't the best decision.

Instead, here are some tips to help you deal with emotional attachments:

• Allow yourself time to grieve.
• The home is not your memories. Your memories are safely stored in your heart.
• Communicate with your other heirs. If siblings or other relatives are involved, it's likely they will have different opinions about what to do. Communicate!
• Seek professional help. Let an estate attorney and real estate agent handle the heavy lifting for you.

You shouldn't feel guilty about selling your inherited home. That's the LAST thing you should be doing with your loved one's house.

How To Sell Inherited Property FAST

If you've made the decision to sell you're almost there! Here is a quick step by step guide to help you sell inherited property.

Confirm Legal Ownership

The person who inherits the property will need to legally establish ownership. Probate will handle this if it's needed.

Appraise the Home

Get the home professionally appraised. Knowing the FMV is important for tax purposes. It will also set the cost basis for the home.

Review Property Condition

Decide on the condition of the property. Is the house in good condition? Does it need repairs?

This step is important to determine if you want to sell the home traditionally or sell to a cash buyer.

Choose Your Selling Method

You've got a few options:

Sell traditionally with a real estate agent

This is ideal if your home is in good condition and doesn't need repairs.

Sell To A Cash Buyer Or Investor

This is best if your home needs repairs or you want to sell fast.

Use an Auction Service

This isn't common but some families do use an auction service.

Close & Distribute the Funds

Either way you choose. Someone will close on the property and distribute funds to the beneficiaries.

Bringing It All Together

Selling an inherited home can be one of the toughest decisions you'll ever make.

But staying and renting it out may end up costing you more money than you think.

Property taxes, maintenance, and home insurance are expenses that quickly add up. Especially if the home is in another state or not being lived in.

By selling your inherited property fast you'll be able to:

• Avoid costly mistakes
• Get the home legally transferred to your name
• Receive a professional appraisal
• Learn exactly what condition the home is in
• Choose the right method to sell the home and avoid the stress and emotions that come along with selling a home traditionally.