During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies for your loss. Managing property ownership can be challenging, especially under such circumstances.
You may be contemplating the question, “I inherited a house, what should I do with it?” The decision of whether to rent or sell the house, as well as how to go about selling it, can feel overwhelming. Rest assured, we are here to offer our assistance.
As experienced investors in Kansas City real estate, we actively seek to purchase multiple houses each month in the Kansas City, MO area. Consequently, we frequently receive inquiries from individuals who have inherited a house and wish to sell it. The information below provides valuable tips to help you navigate this process.
What steps should you take once you Inherited A House?
First you want to make sure you have rights to the house by going through probate or speaking to a probate attorney. Then to ensure you make the right decision, here are several important considerations to keep in mind:
Here are a few important considerations to help you make the right decision:
1) Ensure the mortgage is paid
If the inherited property has an outstanding mortgage, you’ll need to address it. You can assume the loan or refinance, but if qualifying for a new loan is difficult, renting may not be a feasible option. Alternatively, we can buy your house fast for cash.
2) The importance of property management:
Managing brokers, tenants, and maintenance can be time-consuming. If property management isn’t your expertise, consider hiring a professional or selling the property now. Renting can provide extra income, but it comes with the hassles of property management.
3) Costs of property ownership
Inherited houses often require major improvements. Hiring a professional property inspector can give you an estimate of necessary repairs and their associated costs. It’s essential to be prepared for potential surprises that can be financially burdensome.
4) Selling a property for top dollar
If you don’t want to invest in repairs or upgrades, we can buy your Kansas City house for cash in its current condition, eliminating the need for costly renovations.
5) Evaluating long-term market growth
Analyze the current value of your property and compare it to potential long-term benefits of renting. If there are alternative ways to utilize the equity that outperform the real estate market, it might be worth exploring those options. However, if the neighborhood is experiencing appreciating property values, holding onto the investment can be a profitable strategy.
6) Tax implications
Seek advice from tax and legal professionals regarding the tax consequences associated with your inheritance. Understanding property and income tax implications is crucial as they can significantly impact the overall cost of owning the investment.
7) Consider all options
We can help you explore lease-option agreements that allow you to rent and sell simultaneously, providing the benefits of both scenarios. These agreements can be complex, but with our experience in Independence investments, we can guide you through the process.
8) Compare different scenarios
We can assist you in assessing various scenarios, including selling the property as-is, determining the highest market price without improvements, and projecting the value of keeping it as a rental while considering associated costs.
By carefully considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about what to do with your inherited house.