Property ownership can ba a big responsiblity – especially when it comes unexpected.
You’re thinking, “I inherited a house, what to do with this house?” Should I rent it? Should I sell it? How should I sell it?
Tons of options open for you, but… we can help.
We’re seasoned investors in Metro Detroit real estate, and we’re looking to buy several houses each month in the Metro Detroit MI area. Every month we get calls from those who have inherited a house and are looking to sell the house… so the info below are some tips to help you navigate the process.
What To Do Next? After I Inherited A House
Here’s a few important considerations to help you make the right decision:
1) Make sure the mortgage payments are made.
This may sound obvious, but if the person who left you a property also had a mortgage (unless it had no mortgage and was paid off, which is great!), you have to pay it (assuming you want to keep the property). Some banks will allow you to assume the loan, while others may force you to refinance into a new loan. If you don’t qualify for a new loan, renting may not be an option for you.
2) The investment property is only as good as the manager.
If dealing with brokers, maintenance, tenants, rent collection and all the nuances of property management isn’t the best use of your time, hire a professional to help you or cash out now. Some people who inherit homes decide to keep the house and rent it for extra income. That’s a great strategy for sure. You just need to be prepared to manage the property and the hassles that can go along with tenants and toilets.
3) Property ownership costs money, a lot of money.
It’s rare to see a building that’s been perfectly maintained. Most inherited houses need major improvements.
Consider hiring a professional property inspector to give you a detailed rundown on what you’ll need to do within the next five years, along with estimated costs. Surprises are very, very expensive.
4) Selling a property for top dollar takes time & costs money.
If you don’t want to deal with making repairs, updating kitchens, improving landscaping and overall cleanup, don’t worry. We buy Metro Detroit houses for cash, as-is.
5) Is the property worth more today than it will be tomorrow?
We can help you analyze the value of your property today versus the long-term benefits of renting. If you can use the equity in your property in another way that outpaces the performance of the real estate market, you should. If you don’t have anything better to do with the money and the neighborhood is rising in value, hang on – real estate can be a great investment if you know how to correctly read the market.
6) Uncle Sam wants his piece of the action.
Don’t forget to discuss your inheritance with tax and legal professionals before you take action. There are major property and income tax consequences that will dramatically impact the cost of owning your investment.
7) Make sure to consider all your options.
In certain situations we may be able to help you structure a lease-option agreement that allows you to rent and sell at the same time – capturing the best of both worlds. These kinds of deals can be complicated, but our Madison Heights investment experience can help you win.
8) Compare multiple scenarios.
We’ll help you determine prices for any property near Madison Heights – if you sold it today without doing any work, the highest price the market will bear, and the projected value of keeping it as a rental (along with the costs).
Below are multiple articles on inherited houses and the probate process. Wheter you plan to sell or just need some questions answered never hesitiate to give us a call 586-636-0088, we’re always here to help.
How To Sell A House You Inherited In Metro Detroit
What happens when you inherit a house in Michigan?
Tax consequences when selling a house I inherited in Metro Detroit
The Probate Process For a House in Metro Detroit
Can A House Be Sold While In Probate In Michigan?