Selling an inherited home in Massachusetts is not as easy as people think! Read on to learn how to sell a house you inherited in Massachusetts…
First of all, there is always that emotional bit of preparing a loved one’s house for sale — which most likely includes depersonalizing rooms and clearing out all the belongings. Then comes the cost of marketing the house to attract potential buyers.
Usually, heirs also have to deal with the high costs of liens, unresolved bills, or repairs. Consequently, disagreements may arise among family members about how or when to sell the house.
That’s why Pegasus Home Buyers has compiled a few key tips to help you navigate this process with more clarity and less stress. Here’s how to sell a house you inherited in Massachusetts.
1. Making the Probate Process Go Smoothly
Get Professional Advice
The first step is getting professional legal and real estate advice. Verify the title and confirm your ownership status. You should also understand the probate status of the property. Working with a real estate attorney and a local investor like Pegasus Home Buyers will save you from unnecessary mistakes and delays.
Start the Probate Process
Before you can legally sell an inherited home, the estate must go through probate. In Massachusetts, this process can be relatively straightforward if there’s a will and no disputes. Once the court grants approval, the executor can begin the sale process.
2. Understand the Tax Considerations
The tax basis of your inherited property is generally the market value at the time of your loved one’s passing. This is important because when you sell the house, you’ll only pay capital gains taxes on any amount earned above that stepped-up basis.
For example, if the house was worth $300,000 at the time of inheritance and you sell it for $320,000, you’d only pay tax on the $20,000 gain — not the full amount.
3. Preparing the House for Sale
Agreeing to Sell
If multiple heirs are involved, everyone must agree before the sale can proceed. If there are differing opinions, work with your estate attorney to resolve them. Once consensus is reached, the executor can petition the court to authorize the sale.
Get the Property Ready
Most inherited homes need some level of cleaning, updating, or repair. You can hire an inspector to assess the home, or if you prefer not to invest time and money into fixing it up, you can sell it “as-is” to an investor like Pegasus Home Buyers.
We often buy homes in any condition, saving you the time and expense of listing and repairs.
4. Benefits of Selling an Inherited House to a Real Estate Investor
Selling your inherited home to a real estate investor can significantly reduce stress and speed up the timeline. Here’s why many Massachusetts homeowners choose this route:
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No Repairs Needed: Sell your house in as-is condition — no cleaning or staging required.
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Faster Closing: Investors like Pegasus Home Buyers can close in as little as 7 days, compared to months on the market.
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Cash Offers: You get a guaranteed cash offer without the uncertainties of financing fall-throughs.
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No Agent Fees: Avoid paying commission or closing costs — we handle those for you.
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Simple Process: We walk you through every step and take care of the paperwork so you don’t have to.
For those going through probate or dealing with a property that’s tough to maintain or sell traditionally, working with a local home-buying company is often the easiest solution.
5. Common Emotional and Legal Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
Inheriting a home is a personal journey, and the process of selling it can sometimes bring unexpected emotions and tensions.
Grief & Sentimentality: Letting go of a family home can feel like letting go of memories. It’s okay to feel attached. Before listing, consider keeping meaningful items or creating a memory book with photos of the property to preserve its legacy.
Family Disputes: When multiple heirs are involved, disagreements can stall the process. The best solution is proactive communication and involving a neutral third party, like a probate mediator or attorney.
Unresolved Debt or Liens: Some inherited homes come with unpaid bills, back taxes, or liens. Don’t panic — many investors, including Pegasus Home Buyers, are used to handling these issues and can often absorb these costs into their offer or guide you on how to resolve them.
6. Tips to Maximize the Value of Your Inherited Property
If you decide not to sell as-is and want to prepare your inherited home for top-dollar sale, here are a few cost-effective tips to increase its value:
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Clean and Declutter: Remove all personal belongings and stage the house with neutral decor.
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Update Curb Appeal: Simple landscaping, a fresh coat of paint on the door, or power washing the exterior can make a big impact.
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Small Repairs: Fixing obvious issues like leaky faucets, broken tiles, or squeaky doors can boost buyer confidence.
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Neutral Paint Colors: Repainting the interior in neutral tones helps buyers picture themselves in the home.
However, if you’re short on time or funds, Pegasus Home Buyers is ready to purchase your property in its current condition — no upgrades or staging needed.
Ready to Sell Your Inherited House in Massachusetts?
Selling a house you inherited in Massachusetts doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re navigating probate, tax implications, repairs, or emotional hurdles, you’re not alone.
Pegasus Home Buyers is here to simplify the process, offer you a fair price, and help you move on with peace of mind.
Just fill out the form on our site to get a FAST, FAIR cash offer on your Massachusetts property today. Let’s help you close this chapter with ease.