If you need to sell an inherited house in Tennessee, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork, repairs, and decisions that come with inheriting property. Many families find themselves in this situation and aren’t sure what steps to take next.
The good news is: you have options, and the process may be simpler than you think.
Step 1: Contact the Mortgage Company Right Away
If there is still a mortgage on the home, this step is extremely important.
You should contact the lender as soon as possible to:
- Notify them of the homeowner’s passing
- Ask what documentation they need
- Get the loan information updated so you are authorized to communicate with them
⚠️ Without doing this, the mortgage company often will not allow you to make payments on behalf of the deceased homeowner, and missed payments can create bigger issues. Getting communication set up early helps protect the property and keeps your options open.
Step 2: Decide What to Do With the Property
After things are stabilized with the lender, heirs typically choose one of three paths:
- Keep the home
- Rent it out
- Sell it
Many inherited homes need repairs, updates, or cleaning — especially if the previous owner lived there for many years. Managing renovations, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance can quickly become stressful, especially if you don’t live nearby.
Many families decide the simplest solution is to sell an inherited house in Tennessee rather than manage repairs, taxes, and ongoing costs.
Step 3: Understand the Costs of Keeping It
Even if the home is paid off, you may still face:
- Property taxes
- Insurance
- Utility bills
- Repairs or code issues
- Lawn care and upkeep
If there are multiple heirs, disagreements can also slow decisions.
Step 4: Selling the Traditional Way vs. Selling for Cash
You can list the property with a real estate agent, but inherited homes often need work before they’re market-ready.
That usually means:
- Cleaning out personal belongings
- Making repairs or updates
- Paying agent commissions
- Waiting for a buyer
Another option is selling the house as-is to a local cash home buyer like My Real Estate Solutions.
This can allow you to:
✔ Skip repairs
✔ Avoid cleaning out everything
✔ Sell faster
✔ Make it easier to divide proceeds among heirs
What About Probate?
Not every inherited property has to go through probate, and whether it’s required depends on how the home was titled and other factors. If probate is needed, someone must be legally authorized to sell the property.
If you’re unsure whether probate applies in your situation, you can always reach out to us and we’ll help you understand your options.
Choose the Option That Reduces Stress
For many families, the easiest path forward is to sell an inherited house in Tennessee rather than manage repairs, taxes, and ongoing maintenance from a distance.
If the house needs work, is far away, or you just don’t want to manage it, selling directly can be the easiest solution.
We Help Families Sell Inherited Houses in Middle Tennessee
At My Real Estate Solutions, we work with heirs across Middle Tennessee who want a simple, straightforward way to sell inherited property.
We can:
- Buy houses in any condition
- Work around probate situations when needed
- Coordinate with multiple heirs
- Close quickly when you’re ready
If you’re dealing with an inherited property and want to see what your options look like, we’re here to help.
Whether the home is in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, or a surrounding area, we can often make an offer and close on your timeline.
We work with homeowners who need to sell inherited houses quickly and without repairs.
👉 Get a fair cash offer for your inherited house today
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell an inherited house if there’s still a mortgage?
Yes, but you should contact the lender right away so they know the homeowner has passed and can speak with you about the loan.
Do I always have to go through probate?
Not always. It depends on how the property was owned. We can help you understand what applies to your situation.
Do I have to clean out the house first?
Not necessarily. Some buyers purchase homes with items still inside.