Have you recently inherited a house in St. Louis? The process can seem overwhelming and confusing, especially if you aren’t prepared. In this post, we offer 5 things you need to know about probate and the St. Louis real estate you have inherited.
Going through the probate process typically means that you have lost someone you love. By preparing ahead of time and having a plan in place ahead of time, you’ll be able to focus on your remembering your loved one as opposed to trying to figure everything out when emotions are running high. Keeping reading to learn more about the probate process, what to expect, and what you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible!
What Is Probate?
Probate is the process in which a deceased persons property is properly distributed under the laws of intestacy or by a will that was left behind. The executor, or person in charge of handling matters, will need to resolve all claims against the estate and distribute any property left behind by the deceased. This person will be the go-to if the heirs have agreed to sell the house. The entire process, including the sale of the home, is court-supervised. That said, just because you are the executor, doesn’t mean you can just go out and sell the home. The court must approve the sale to ensure it is the best way to handle the property and that there is nothing to contest the sale.
The Process Can Take Some Time
The probate process isn’t known for its speed or convenience. For many heirs, the process can be grueling and time-consuming. A situation that is already painful and difficult can become even more so when it is drawn out. You will want to make sure that you and your fellow heirs are on the same page to avoid any disagreements in the process. Between the legal waiting periods, and disagreements between family members, the probate process can become incredibly drawn out. When you are able to establish an agreement beforehand, the process will be much easier when it is actually time to get things done. Once a person dies, it is important to file for probate as quickly as possible. Not doing so, will raise the costs of holding the home.
As Executor – You May Have A Lot of Work Ahead of You
When you are appointed as the executor of an estate, you’ll have to spend some getting everything in order. You’ll need to trace down all debts as well as any assets owned by the deceased. You’ll need to communicate with other next of kin, keeping everything in order throughout the entire process. For some people, a fast sale to a professional buyer will make the selling process easier, thus allowing them time to focus on other things.
Hanging Onto Real Estate For Too Long Can Cost YOU Money
If you own a home or have owned one in the past, you’ll know that just owning the property is costing you money. Between the utility bills, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, you could be looking at a lot of money out the door each month. If you aren’t sure what you want to do with the property, remind yourself what it is costing you each month to determine if it is really worth keeping. If you are the only one paying the bills, you may want to think about selling sooner than later.
Listing Can Be Expensive
If you have never worked with an agent to sell a house in St. Louis, you may not know exactly how the process works. First, the house will need to be repaired to be competitive with others on the market. You’ll need to clean and stage it in order to attract as many people as possible. While you are waiting for it to sell, you or the estate will have to cover the taxes, utility bills, and insurance. When you use an agent to sell your inherited house in St. Louis, you will also have to pay out a hefty commission when the house sells. The time and money spent on listing an inherited house in St. Louis aren’t always worth it.
A Direct Sale Saves Time and Money
By selling your house directly and avoiding the MLS, you will be able to skip the repairs, showings, cleaning, commissions, closing costs, and waiting! You will save thousands on the holding costs alone. Selling a house you inherited in St. Louis doesn’t have to be complicated. Working with Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis will save you time, money, and make a difficult process that much easier.
Dealing with probate isn’t fun for anyone. At Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis, we can help you with unwanted real estate you would rather sell quickly than hold onto. We are happy to answer any questions you have about real estate and the probate process in St. Louis. There is never any obligation.