First, Take a Look at the House

Before deciding what to do, you need to understand what you're dealing with.

Walk through the house and make a list of the major problems.

Look at things like:

• Roof

• Furnace and air conditioning

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Windows

• Foundation

• Basement

• Kitchen and bathrooms

• Flooring

• Walls and ceilings

• Yard and exterior

• Water damage or other major damage

You don't need to know exactly how much everything will cost yet. The first step is simply figuring out what works and what doesn't.

Do You Need to Make Repairs Before Selling?

No.

You don't have to completely update an inherited house before selling it.

You have two basic choices:

Option 1: Make repairs and updates

You can spend money fixing the house and then sell it for more. This may make sense if the repairs are manageable and the estate has the money to pay for them.

Option 2: Sell the house as-is

You can sell the house in its current condition and let the buyer handle the repairs.

This can be a much easier option when the house needs a lot of work or the family doesn't have the time or money to fix it.

The important thing is to look at the numbers before spending thousands of dollars on repairs.

(Selling an Inherited House As-Is. This is where Angela's Accommodations can help.

I'm Angela, a real estate investor, and I buy houses in Michigan that need repairs, including inherited and probate properties.

You don't have to fix the house before you sell it.

If the property is a good fit, we can purchase the house in its current condition. Angela 248-422-0790)

So, What Should You Do Next?

If you've inherited a house that's in bad shape, don't panic and don't start spending money immediately.

Start by figuring out what you're dealing with and what option makes the most sense for you.

1. Take a good look at the house.

Make a list of the major repairs and problems. You don't need to know exactly what everything will cost yet. You just need to understand the condition of the property.

2. Find out what works and what doesn't.

If the utilities have been turned off, you may need to have them turned back on temporarily so the house can be checked.

3. Find out what the house could be worth.

Consider both the value of the house in its current condition and what it might be worth after repairs.

4. Get an idea of the repair costs.

Then decide whether the potential increase in value is worth the money, time, and stress of making the repairs.

5. Compare your options.

Would you rather spend the time and money fixing the house, or would selling it as-is make more sense?

6. Look at what's owed on the property.

Check for a mortgage, property taxes, liens, insurance, and other expenses connected to the house.

7. Choose the option that works best for you and the estate.

You don't have to make the same decision another family would make. The right choice depends on the house, the repairs, the money available, and what you want to do next.