Selling an inherited house in the Wichita area

Inherited houses are some of the most common houses we buy. Usually nobody wants to live in it, it needs work, and the family is spread out. Here’s what has to happen and where we fit in.

Who can sign

Before anyone can sell, someone needs legal authority to sign the deed. In Kansas that usually comes from one of these:

• A trust. If the house was in a living trust, the successor trustee can usually sell it without probate.
• A transfer-on-death deed. If the owner recorded one, the house passed to the named beneficiary at death, usually without probate. The title company will tell you what paperwork it needs from the beneficiary to close.
• Probate. The district court appoints an executor or administrator, who can sell with the court’s approval when required.
• Determination of descent. If no probate was opened, the heirs can ask the court to confirm who inherited the house.

A probate attorney or the title company can tell you which one applies. You don’t have to have it sorted out before you call us. We can agree on a price now and close once someone has authority to sign.

What you don’t have to do

• Clean it out. Take what you want and leave the rest. We handle the furniture, the garage, and the basement.
• Fix it. We buy as-is and plan on renovating anyway.
• Get every heir to agree on repairs, paint colors, or a listing price. One written offer, one closing.
• Travel. Closing documents can be signed by mail or with a mobile notary, so heirs who live out of state don’t have to come to Wichita.

While the house sits

If the house is empty, call the insurance company. Many homeowner policies limit coverage once a house has been vacant for a while. Keep the utilities on in winter so pipes don’t freeze, and keep paying the property taxes, or tell us if they’re behind. Back taxes come out of the sale at closing.

When listing is the better option

If the house is in good shape and the family has time, listing it with an agent will probably bring more money. We’re the better fit when the house needs work, is full of belongings, or the heirs want it settled without months of showings.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a Kansas probate attorney about your situation.

Where we buy

We buy houses in Wichita, Andover, Augusta, Derby, Goddard, Haysville, Park City, and other towns in Sedgwick and Butler counties. See all areas.

Other situations

• Behind on payments

  Selling before a sheriff's sale, and what to try first.

• Behind on property taxes

  Selling a house with back taxes, and the refunds to check first.

• Rental with tenants

  Selling a rental without evicting anyone or waiting for the lease to end.

• Needs major repairs

  Foundation, roof, sewer line, fire or water damage, or decades of deferred work.

• Divorce or separation

  Selling a shared house on a timeline both owners can agree on.