Real Estate Blog - Tips & Advice | Bill Buys Houses
Give Us a Call Today651-270-9191

So, You Just Inherited a House in Minnesota. Now What?

So, You Just Inherited a House in Minnesota. Now What?

Inheriting a house often comes with a strange mix of emotions. One minute you’re sorting through memories, paperwork, and family conversations… the next, someone casually says, “So, what are you going to do with the house?” 

Maybe the home has been in your family for decades. Maybe it’s across town, or across the state. Maybe it’s in great shape… or maybe it needs far more work than you ever expected. No matter the scenario, inheriting a house in Minnesota can feel overwhelming fast. 

The good news? You have options. Understanding what to do next before stress, costs, or pressure set in can help you make a confident, informed decision that works for you. 

Bill Buys Houses is here to walk you through what typically comes next after inheriting a house in Minnesota, especially if keeping or maintaining the property simply isn’t realistic.

Step 1: Understand What You Actually Inherited 

Before making any decisions, it’s important to clarify what kind of ownership you now have. In Minnesota, inherited homes usually pass through probate unless the property was placed in a trust or a transfer-on-death deed was used. 

In short, get a thorough understanding of what type of property you’re inheriting.

This matters because: 

  • You may not be legally able to sell the home yet 

  • Multiple heirs may need to agree on next steps 

  • Outstanding debts or liens could be attached to the property 

So, what should you do next? Gather key documents such as the will, trust paperwork (if applicable), and death certificate. If probate is required, an attorney or probate court can help confirm when the home can legally be sold.

Step 2: Take an Honest Look at the Property’s Condition 

Many inherited homes haven’t been updated, let alone lived in, for years. Deferred maintenance, outdated systems, roof issues, or interior damage are extremely common issues with inherited homes. 

Taking a thorough look at your property’s condition is important because: 

First things first, walk through the property with a critical eye. Note visible issues like roof damage, water stains, foundation cracks, outdated electrical, or mold. You don’t need a full inspection yet, but understanding the scope helps guide your next move.

Step 3: Factor Ongoing Costs (They Add Up Fast) 

Even if the house is sitting empty, ownership can come with plenty of unexpected expenses. 

Some of the more common costs tend to include: 

  • Property taxes 

  • Insurance 

  • Utilities 

  • Lawn care, snow removal, and basic upkeep 

For many heirs, these costs quickly become an unexpected financial burden, especially if the home isn’t producing income. So what should you do next? 

Start by calculating monthly and annual carrying costs, then ask yourself honestly: Can I afford this in the long term? Do I want to?

Step 4: Decide Whether Selling Makes the Most Sense 

For many Minnesota homeowners who inherit property, selling is typically the most practical (and least stressful) option. But how you sell your inherited house matters. 

Traditional listing often requires: 

  • Repairs and updates 

  • Cleaning and staging 

  • Appraisals and inspections 

  • Months of waiting 

  • Realtor commissions and fees

If the home needs significant work, this path can feel daunting or simply unrealistic. Be sure to explore all selling options, including selling the home as-is. Knowing you don’t have to fix anything before selling can be a huge relief.

Step 5: Skip the Repairs (Yes, That’s an Option) 

One of the biggest misconceptions about selling an inherited house is assuming that it must be repaired first. In reality, many homeowners choose to sell exactly as the property sits today.

That’s mainly because: 

  • Repairs cost time and money 

  • Managing contractors is stressful 

  • Some homes aren’t worth fixing for resale 

Be on the lookout for buyers who specialize in inherited and distressed properties, or buyers who can purchase the home without repairs, cleanouts, or showings.

Step 6: Sell Your Inherited Home As Is 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, pressed for time, or simply want a clean break, selling directly to a local home buyer can be the simplest path forward. 

At Bill Buys Houses, we dedicated years to helping Minnesota homeowners sell inherited houses quickly, without having to deal with any repairs, commissions, or pressure. 

Here’s how our process works: 

  • You reach out for a no-obligation conversation 

  • Bill evaluates the property and situation 

  • You receive a fair, cash offer 

  • You choose the closing date or walk away 

  • No cleanouts. No inspections. No waiting! 

Sell Your Inherited House in Minnesota, Without the Stress! 

Inheriting a house can feel like a heavy responsibility, especially when it arrives unexpectedly. The most important thing to remember is this: you’re not stuck, and you’re not alone! At Bill Buys Houses, we specialize in helping Minnesota homeowners sell inherited properties quickly and comfortably. We buy houses as-is, handle the paperwork, and work on your timeline, not ours. 

If you’re ready to explore your options or just want to ask questions, contact Bill Buys Houses today! There’s no pressure, no obligation, and no judgment. Just a simple conversation about what comes next.