There’s nothing more overwhelming than suddenly inheriting a house. This is especially true if it belongs to someone you love dearly. You won’t just be inheriting a piece of property, but also the memories that come with it. This can be a very confusing period for you but worry not, this short but concise guide may be able to help you successfully navigate the process of deciding what to do with the inheritance.
The three most common options for what to do with an inherited property are: selling it, moving into it, or renting it out.
Selling the property
Many people choose to sell an inherited property either because they aren’t ready for such a huge responsibility, they need the money, or they just don’t know what to do with it. Before you sell, it’s helpful to look at comps and work out your minimum price from there.
You should also do a thorough examination of the condition of the property. If you see even so much as a broken roof shingle or garage door handle, these things could potentially lower the value of the home. Better call roof or garage door repair services to fix that up for you before you commit to selling. This way, you’ll get the best value for your property. Don’t forget to take care of any outstanding utility bills, mortgage payments, homeowner’s insurance, inheritance tax, or property taxes that the house might have before you list it, as well.
Moving into the property
Another popular option is to move into the property and make it your principal residence. This is recommended if the house doesn’t have an outstanding mortgage and if you can afford to own the property. If you find that the house does have an outstanding mortgage, you can still keep the property to yourself. Just make sure that your financial obligation to the property is reasonable. If you can actually afford the mortgage, maintenance costs, as well as the associated principal and interest payments, then you can consider moving in. The most ideal situation would be a house that has no outstanding debt obligations so that you can live in the house without having to worry about anything.
Renting out the property
If you want to keep the house and make the most of its earning potential, then you can consider renting it out. You’ll have to work closely with someone who is experienced when it comes to real estate, particularly with the nuances of owning a rental property. Depending on the condition of the house, you might have to shell out some extra cash to do some refurbishments. This ensures that the property is ready to accept people.
Take note though that not only will you be responsible for owning another property, you’ll also have to act as its landlord. You could be adding undue stress to yourself that might not be worth it. This option is only recommended if you truly need the extra income, you’re prepared to take on the extra work, and if you aren’t willing to let go of the property just yet.
Inheriting a property can be incredibly daunting, but it could also be a great opportunity. These are just some ideas for what you can do with the property. Each option presents its own pros and cons, and your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.