Buying across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond Arlington: meetings by appointment
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Mom's house is ours now, and the letters started the week after the funeral.

I inherited a house.

The honest answer

You do not have to decide quickly. Start with three facts: who has legal authority to sell (an executor, a trustee, or all heirs together), what the house costs to hold each month, and what each path would net after costs. The flood of letters and calls usually comes from public probate and death records, not from anything urgent about your situation.

Get my free comparison Call or text 276-285-1000 Text us

Every path, side by side

What each option gives you, and what it costs.

  1. 01

    List with an agent

    Works when: Highest price for a house in decent condition when heirs can wait a few months.

    Tradeoff: Clean-out, repairs, showings, commission and monthly carrying costs while it sells.

  2. 02

    Sell as-is, directly Residios may buy

    Works when: No clean-out, no repairs, closing timed to probate or the family's schedule.

    Tradeoff: A lower price than a fully prepared listing. The gap should be shown in writing.

  3. 03

    Repair, then sell

    Works when: Can close the gap when a few targeted fixes add more value than they cost.

    Tradeoff: Time, contractor risk and money up front, often from heirs who disagree on it.

  4. 04

    Keep or rent it

    Works when: Holds an appreciating asset or provides income if someone will manage it.

    Tradeoff: Landlord duties, insurance changes for a vacant or rented home, and co-heir alignment.

Before you sign anything

A short checklist.

  • Confirm who has authority to sign: letters testamentary, a trust, or every heir on title.
  • Keep insurance active and tell the carrier the house is vacant.
  • Watch for deed fraud on vacant inherited homes. Check the county records.
  • Ask your tax advisor about step-up in basis before you price anything.

Go deeper: The Field Guide: Inherited House

Common questions

Can we sell before probate is finished?

In many states, yes, with the executor's authority and sometimes court confirmation. A probate attorney can confirm what applies.

What if my siblings disagree?

A written comparison gives everyone the same numbers. That alone settles more family disagreements than any argument does.

Do we have to clean it out first?

Not to sell to us. If you list, the agent you choose will advise what helps.

Free written comparison

Send it over. We answer in writing within one business day.

Your situation is already selected. Address and one way to reach you is all we need.

Who you will hear from

Tracey Kelley

Co-founder and CEO. Handles purchases and answers requests.

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Justus Eapen

Co-founder and COO. Runs operations behind every comparison.

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Your response comes from Tracey or a Residios staff member.

1What is going on?
2Where is the property?
3How should we reach you?

Phone or email. One is enough.

4Anything else (optional)

PDF, JPEG or PNG, up to 10 MB. A phone photo of the page is fine. No sign-in needed.

A written comparison of every path within one business day, from Tracey or a Residios staff member. When listing would likely net more, we say so and suggest any agent you choose.