The short answer
When you inherit a house in Texas, you generally have three choices: keep it, rent it, or sell it. Before you can do any of them cleanly, someone needs legal authority over the property, which usually comes through probate, an heirship proceeding, or a transfer method the owner set up in advance. That's why the first call is often to a probate or estate attorney, not a real estate agent.
This article is general education, not legal or tax advice.
Shaune's Take on This Question
In this video, I share what I learned talking with an estate-planning attorney about why real estate is often the hardest part of settling an estate.
First steps in the first few weeks
Secure the home: change locks if needed, keep utilities on, and check that insurance remains in force. A vacant home may need a different policy, so call the insurer. Keep paying the mortgage, taxes and HOA dues if there are any, so the property doesn't fall behind.
Gather documents: the will if there is one, the deed, mortgage statements, tax bills and insurance. Several heirs often share ownership, so keep everyone informed early.
How title affects a sale
A title company will need to see who has the legal right to sell. Depending on the situation that may be an executor or administrator appointed by a court, all heirs signing together, or a beneficiary named in a transfer-on-death deed. Getting this sorted before you list avoids a contract falling apart at closing.
The Texas State Law Library's probate guide is a useful plain-language starting point; an attorney can tell you which path fits your family's situation.
Keep, rent or sell
Keep it if you or a family member will live there and can carry the costs. Rent it if the numbers work after taxes, insurance, repairs and vacancy, and if you're prepared to be a landlord. Sell it if no one wants to live there and the carrying costs or repairs would strain the estate.
Inherited homes are often dated or need repairs. You may be able to sell as-is, prepare and list, or compare cash and guaranteed options. Taxes on the sale depend on your situation, so involve a CPA.
Shaune Corbett Group's Which Selling Option Fits Me? tool and Seller Net Estimate help heirs compare those paths on the same basis before anyone commits.
Sources and official references
Talk it through
Before you choose a price, a repair budget, or an offer, let's compare your selling options.
A call with Shaune is a practical conversation about your home:
- Where your price is likely to land, based on recent nearby sales
- Which preparation is worth considering — and what to skip
- How different offers and selling options trade off
- How your sale timing fits your next move
No form required — call with a question.
Shaune Corbett Group | Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty · 2201 Spinks Rd Ste. 109, Flower Mound, TX 75022 · shaune@shaunecorbettgroup.com