Managing an inherited home can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with the loss of a loved one. Many people look online for answers to questions like “How do I sell an inherited house in Massachusetts?”, “Do I need probate to sell?”, or “What taxes will I owe?”
This guide explains the entire process so you know what to expect, what steps come first, and how to make smart choices as you move forward.
What Is an Inherited Property?
When someone passes away, their home and belongings become part of their estate. If you are named in the will—or if the law identifies you as the next heir—you may inherit their property. This can include:
- The house itself
- Anything inside the home
- Land or other real estate
Some homes come with mortgage debt, liens, or years of repairs that were never done. Others may be full of personal items that are hard to sort through. These emotional and financial details are why selling an inherited house in Springfield, MA can feel like a lot to handle at once.
In Massachusetts, most inherited homes must go through probate, which is the court process that makes the transfer legal and official. Probate ensures:
- All debts are paid correctly
- The will is valid
- The property ends up in the right hands
Understanding how probate works is the first step toward selling the home.
What To Do First When You Inherit a House in Massachusetts
1. Start the Probate Process
Probate may sound intimidating, but it simply means the court is overseeing the estate. Depending on the situation, probate can be simple and “informal,” or more detailed and “formal.” To begin, you usually file:
- The will (if one exists). If there is an existing will, you’ll also need to submit Devisees (MPC 163). If there is no will, you will need to file Bond (MPC 801).
- A certified death certificate
- Probate forms that explain who the heirs are
- A request for someone to be named the Personal Representative (the person who handles the estate)
- Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at Law (MPC 162)
- Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service (MPC 550)
- Order for Informal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (MPC 750)
- Informal Probate Publication Notice (MPC 551)
If everything is clear and the heirs agree, the court often approves informal probate fairly quickly. If there are disagreements between family members, missing documents, or questions about the will, the court may require formal probate, which takes longer.
2. Get the Property Appraised
Once probate is started, the next step is to learn the home’s value. A licensed real estate appraiser will look at the home’s size, condition, location, and recent sales in the area.
This value matters because:
- It helps set a fair asking price
- It determines potential capital gains taxes
- It ensures all heirs are treated fairly
Many people start the process by searching “how much is my inherited house worth?” because the value of the home often guides every decision that comes next. This is one of the reasons local real estate investors are such a common choice. They can assess the property, explain what it’s worth, make a fair cash offer, and—when you’re ready—handle the sale quickly so you can wrap up the estate with less stress.
3. Should I Fix the Property or Sell It As-Is?
Inherited homes often need repairs. Sometimes they have been lived in for decades without updates. Other times, they are perfectly clean but simply outdated.
You have two choices:
Fix It Up
This may lead to a higher selling price. But you will also take on:
- Repair costs
- Time spent coordinating contractors
- Ongoing bills (taxes, insurance, utilities)
Sell As-Is To A Cash Home Buyer
This is the most common choice for heirs in Massachusetts. Selling as-is allows you to avoid:
- Repairs
- Cleanup
- Long waiting times
It lets you settle the estate faster, and it keeps stress and costs low—especially if you live far away or multiple siblings are involved.
Legal Steps You Need to Complete Before Selling an Inherited Home
Transfer the Title Into Your Name
Before you can sell, the home must be officially transferred to you (or all heirs together). Probate usually handles this, but you may still need to collect the below:
- The deed
- Proof of ownership
- Updated title information
A clean title is required for closing. If there are problems, such as unpaid taxes or liens, they must be cleared first.
Check for Mortgages, Liens, or Other Debt
It is common for an inherited home to have:
- A remaining mortgage
- Property tax bills
- Utility balances
- Contractor liens
All of these issues have to be cleared before the home can be sold. If you’re working with a cash buyer, they often handle the title search and payoff amounts for you, which saves time. It’s still smart to contact the mortgage lender for a payoff statement and check with the county records office to confirm whether any liens or other obligations must be settled.
What You Must Disclose When Selling an Inherited House
Massachusetts follows a “buyer beware” rule. That means the seller is not required to share every detail about the home. But two things must be disclosed:
- If the home has lead paint
- If the home uses a septic system
That said, you cannot hide known problems or lie if a buyer asks a direct question.
What is The Cost of Selling an Inherited Home in Massachusetts?
Selling a home always comes with costs, but when you inherit a home, there are a few extra items to understand.
Property Taxes
You must keep property taxes current while the estate is open.
Estate Tax
Massachusetts has a low state-level estate tax exemption compared to other states. If the estate is worth over $2 million, an estate tax may apply.
Inheritance Tax
Fortunately, Massachusetts is not one of the states that impost an inheritance tax.
Capital Gains Tax
Most people worry about capital gains tax, but the “step-up in basis” rule helps reduce or remove it. The home’s value resets to the value on the day the owner passed away. You only pay taxes if it sells for more than that updated value.
→ Capital Gains on Inherited Property in Massachusetts
Other Possible Costs
You may also deal with:
- Repairs or maintenance
- Lawn care or snow removal
- Heating, water, or electricity bills
- Real estate agent commissions (5–6%)
- Closing costs (6–9% in MA).
- Cleaning out personal belongings
This is why many heirs prefer a cash buyer—they want to avoid months of ongoing expenses.
Documents You’ll Need Before Selling an Inherited Property in Springfield, MA
Before you can sell an inherited home in Massachusetts, you’ll need to gather a few important documents. These papers help prove who you are, show that you legally own the property, and confirm that the home can be sold without issues. Having everything ready early in the process makes the sale much smoother.
First, you will need a valid photo ID. This is used throughout the sale to confirm that you are the rightful heir and the person signing the paperwork. You will also need proof of ownership, which is usually provided after probate is complete and the court has legally transferred the property into your name.
A certified copy of the death certificate is required as well. The mortgage lender, title company, and attorney will all ask for this as part of verifying the estate. In addition, you’ll need property title records that show the title is clear—meaning there are no unresolved liens, disputes, or other claims attached to the home. Clear title is necessary before closing can take place.
You may also be asked for property tax records to prove there are no unpaid municipal taxes on the home. This helps buyers, lenders, and the closing attorney confirm that the property is free of outstanding balances.
Lastly, Massachusetts requires certain seller disclosures. Even though the state follows a “buyer beware” rule, sellers must still disclose if there is known lead paint in the home or if the property uses a septic system. These are the only mandatory disclosures, but sellers cannot hide known issues if a buyer asks about them directly.
Gathering these documents early helps prevent delays and makes the selling process much easier for everyone involved.
Options for Selling Your Inherited Property in Springfield, MA
You can choose the method that best fits your timeline, the home’s condition, and your budget.
Selling With a Real Estate Agent
This can bring a higher sale price, but the process is significantly slower. The home usually needs repairs, cleaning, showings, and open houses.
Good choice if:
- The home is already in good condition
- You have time to wait
- You want to attract traditional buyers
Selling the Home Yourself (FSBO)
You keep more money, but take on all the work. Without experience, this can feel stressful, and be very time consuming.. especially during probate.
Selling to a Cash Home Buyer
This is common for inherited houses because it is fast and simple. A cash buyer allows you to:
- Sell the home exactly as it sits
- Skip repairs and cleaning
- Close in as little as 7–14 days
- Avoid agent commissions
It is ideal for homes that need work, homes full of belongings, or situations with multiple heirs who want a quick solution.
Hampden Homebuyers can buy your inherited property or home at the time that fits your personal needs! We will evaluate the home’s condition, and offer a fair all cash offer. We can buy within 7 days or less, depending on your situation!
Learn more about how our process works.
Challenges Many Heirs Face and How to Handle Them
Multiple Heirs with Different Goals
If siblings disagree about selling, it can slow down the process. Some want to keep the home. Others want to sell. A mediator or estate attorney can help everyone stay on track.
Title Problems
Unexpected liens, back taxes, or disputes can delay closing. A title company or real estate attorney can resolve these issues, but it may take time.
A Home in Major Disrepair
If the home has years of damage, mold, leaks, or hoarding issues, fixing everything can become expensive. This is why many heirs choose a cash buyer—they can sell without doing a single repair.
Are There Ways to Avoid Probate?
Yes, but only if the homeowner planned ahead. Probate can be avoided with:
- A trust
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- A life estate
- Gifting the home before death
Each option has tax and legal rules. You may ask Hampden Homebuyers, but we may defer to an attorney for legal reasons.
Selling an Inherited Home Can Be Simple With The Help of Hampden Homebuyers
Selling an inherited home in Springfield, MA may feel like a big job, but when you understand probate, taxes, timelines, repairs, and your selling options, the process becomes much easier. Whether you list the home, sell it yourself, or sell to a cash buyer like Hampden Homebuyers, the goal is to settle the estate in the way that makes the most sense for your family.