Make these five decisions before you list.
Inheriting a home can create opportunity and pressure. Before choosing a price, organize the decision-making process so the family knows who may act, what the property costs to hold, and which selling options are realistic.
1. Confirm who has authority
Before signing, approving repairs, or accepting an offer, confirm who is legally authorized to act for the estate, trust, or ownership group. A qualified probate or estate attorney should resolve uncertainty.
2. Build a property file
Gather the deed, mortgage statement, property-tax bill, insurance and utility records, estate documents, permits, repair records, occupancy details, and information about personal property.
3. Calculate the monthly holding cost
List the mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, gardening, security, association dues, and urgent maintenance. Include foreseeable cleanout, legal, court, or repair expenses.
4. Choose the condition strategy
Compare selling as-is, completing selected work, and fully preparing for market. Weigh time, upfront cost, condition, buyer appeal, and the family’s ability to supervise the work.
5. Set one communication process
Identify who receives updates, who gives instructions, and how pricing, access, repairs, and offers will be approved and documented.
Historical market snapshot
For the three months ending August 2026, Redfin reported a City of Los Angeles median sale price of $1,055,302 and an average 52 days on market. Los Angeles County’s median was $921,915 with an average 49 days on market. These broad all-home-type figures are not a valuation of any individual property.
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General real estate information only. This is not legal, probate, tax, financial, or estate-planning advice.