How to Sell an Inherited House in Massachusetts – The Definitive ‘How To’ Guide

In this guide we will go over how to sell an inherited house in Massachusetts. Many people find the process of selling an inherited home challenging. And that makes sense as over 50% of people are not sure what to do when selling an inherited house in Massachusetts. In this guide, we will also help you navigate and define the probate process in Massachusetts.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the duties you have as the estate’s personal representative. ESPECIALLY after the loss of a loved one. But selling an inherited house in Massachusetts doesn’t have to be difficult. It is our goal to help make the process a little easier as you learn how to sell a Massachusetts inherited house.

We hope this guide is as useful in creating a plan for starting and navigating the probate process in Massachusetts. You will need this process to approve the will and pay off any potential debts that the estate has occurred. It explains the roles of an executor and executrix who manages the estate. No matter where you are in Massachusetts, this article helps you understand how to sell an inherited house. It puts all the information you need in one place.

When you sell an inherited house in Massachusetts, its value depends on many things. These variables can include the property’s current condition and the local housing market. There are many ways to sell an inherited property: using real estate agents, selling to direct buyers like us at Chubb Investments or selling FSBO (for sale by owner). A cash homebuyer like Chubb Investments will close fast, but the house for cash and in as-is condition.

What You Will Learn About How To Sell An Inherited House Massachusetts

• Understand the unique challenges on how to sell an inherited house in Massachusetts
• Learn about the distinct roles and duties of an executor and executrix in the Massachusetts probate process.
• Discover how a company like Chubb Investments can simplify selling your inherited property in Massachusetts.
• Recognize the importance of knowing the market trends and legal implications tied to selling a property during probate in Massachusetts.
• Explore the various selling methods available when selling an inherited Massachusetts house. These methods include hiring the right agents, to choosing to go FSBO or selling directly to a cash buyer like us at Chubb Investments.

Understanding the Steps in the Massachusetts Probate Process

You need to learn about important laws when you inherit property in Massachusetts. The probate process can be challenging, but having an attorney to help with the Massachusetts probate process can bring a lot of peace. You will learn your role and how to handle a probate sale of your inherited property in Massachusetts.

Overview of Massachusetts Probate Process

Probate is the first step after you have inherited a property. The job of the probate process is to check the will’s truth, pay the estates debts and start the process of transferring the properties title. This process is watched over by the court which can potentially take several months. The timeline depends on the assets and how clear the will is.

As an inheritor, it is important to have patience and a detailed understanding of this process.

Navigating the Probate Process in Massachusetts

The probate process helps pass a house to the heirs from a person who has passed away. If there is a Will, then a person named in the Will has the ability to manage the estate. Sometimes, certain estate setups like a Trust might skip the Probate process all together. It’s smart to get legal counsel to ensure that you are following Massachusetts laws correctly.

Executor vs. Executrix and Their Responsibilities during Probate in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, an estate’s manager is technically called an executor or executrix based on gender. Executor is a male manager of the estate while an Executrix is the female version. I said “technically” because modern legal practice has increasingly used the gender-neutral term “executor” to refer to any person, regardless of gender who is performing the duties.

This person must follow the Will and handle Probate sales carefully and based off of the courts direction. They aim to get the best value, pay off debts and keep all beneficiaries happy.

You will need a good grasp of Massachusetts laws and the market when handling a Massachusetts Probate property and Probate sale. Start this process well-informed. Be patient as you manage the probate process in Massachusetts as it can take some time. The Massachusetts Courts can be a big and lengthy holdup in the Probate process.  

Legal Counsel and Probate Attorneys in Massachusetts

Understanding legal terms and Massachusetts state laws can be hard. That’s why Probate attorneys in Massachusetts are helpful and can be worth their weight in gold! They guide you from the start of the Probate process to selling the property in the estate. At Chubb Investments, we can suggest good attorneys to help make the process easier and can even pay for the Probate Attorney for the estate.

During Probate in Massachusetts, you may have to go to the Probate Court in the County that the property is in and submit all of the required paperwork. We highly recommend that you get a Probate attorney which will do this for you.

Preparing to Sell an Inherited House in Massachusetts

Selling an inherited house might seem scary. But following the direction and listening to these tips can make it easier. If you are thinking about contacting inherited house buyers like us at Chubb Investments or are looking into estate services in Massachusetts, then it is important to know how to prepare the property for sale.

Massachusetts home buying companies like us at Chubb Investments can make learning how to sell an inherited house in Massachusetts faster and easier. You can choose a fast, as-is cash offer or wait for a higher price on the market with a Realtor. At Chubb Investments, we will help you make the best decision for you and your family. We promise to point you in the right direction, even if it is not selling to us.

Evaluating the Probate Property Market Value in Massachusetts

Knowing the inherited property’s market value is key to getting the best price when learning how to sell a Massachusetts inherited house. You can figure this market value out by talking to a real estate professional (we are also able to help you with this!) or using online tools. These resources give you an idea of what the inherited house might sell for. Remember that the final sale price could change because of the market conditions and the condition of the property in the estate.

How to Choose an Investor or Agent to Sell a House During Probate

Real estate agents know a lot about selling beautiful homes, but that can change quickly when it comes to properties that need work. Depending on the agent, they can be good at marketing and helping navigate the negotiation process. But no matter the agent… They will take a big huge commission when selling the property.

On the other hand, investors or We Buy Houses companies like us at Chubb Investments buy houses in as-is condition. For the estate, this means quick, cash sales with no need to fix up the property. Heck, you don’t even need to clean out the house!

When you want to sell an inherited house in Massachusetts, there are many different ways to do it. You can work with a real estate agent who will use their market knowledge and negotiation skills. Or, you can sell quickly to Cash Investor companies like us as We Buy Houses in ‘as-is’ condition and for fast cash in Massachusetts.

The fast, cash and as-is might work better if you need money quickly. No matter your choice, getting the property ready and making smart decisions is key to a successful sale.

How to Sell an Inherited House in Massachusetts For Sale by Owner (FSBO)

Selling the estate property yourself will save money, but will take a lot of effort and knowledge. FSBO means you are in charge, but must do everything that agents do. You will need to fix up the property, take care of all the phone calls and be there for all the showings if you want to sell an inherited house in Massachusetts for sale by owner.

Companies Who Buy Houses for Cash in Massachusetts

At Chubb Investments, we buy inherited homes without the need for you to fix them up. We make the process of selling quick because we pay in cash. Plus, we have our attorneys deal with all the paperwork which makes the process easier and less stressful for you and your family.

The Emotional Journey of Selling a Property During Probate

We understand that starting the process of selling an inherited home can bring many mixed emotions with potential financial and legal matters. It is more than selling a house. It’s about ending a meaningful chapter in your life. Looking through a loved one’s belongings can bring back many feelings.

From happy memories to deep sadness. It is important to know that at Chubb Investments, we have helped many families navigate the Probate process with great results. Our goal is to be a guide to the probate process in Massachusetts. Don’t stress. We are here for you.

Estate Sale Services in Massachusetts

Using estate liquidation services in Massachusetts can make selling a property easier. They help you sell valuable items and discard what you ton’ need or want. A tidy and uncluttered house attracts buyers who want a quick deal. Companies like us at Chubb Investments will buy your property in as-is condition. This means that there is no extra hassle for you. We will buy your property as-is and will even buy all the contents so you don’t need to worry about removing them!

5 Tips on How to Sell a House During Probate in Massachusetts

• Hold a family meeting to talk about the property’s future
• Use a mediator if there are disagreements
• Share memories and let everyone talk about their feelings for the home and the family
• Talk about important things like family items and when to sell the property
• Make sure everyone knows the job of an executor and who is handling those roles
• Talk about acceptable pricing up front

Can You Sell a House During Probate in Massachusetts?

It’s a common question to ask how you can sell house during probate in Massachusetts. The short answer is yes, yes you can sell a house during Probate. If you share the inherited property with other family members, then this can make the decision-making process harder. Being clear and talking openly will help this process a great deal.

If there are disagreements, then keep in mind that mediation can help find a solution everyone can agree on. Another option is that you can look for companies who buy inherited properties as is. We Buy Houses companies like us, Chubb Investments can talk about buyouts if one heir wants to keep the house.

Choosing the Right Path to Sell an Inherited House in Massachusetts

An executor has many choices when considering the question on how to sell an inherited house in Massachusetts. The most common ways is to sell with real estate agents or sell to a We Buy Houses company like us at Chubb Investments. Knowing your options allows you to pick the best one for you and your family’s needs.

You need to understand the many complex parts of Probate and selling process when trying to sell an inherited house in Massachusetts. We hope this article provided you with the resources to help you navigate selling your probate property in Massachusetts.

Sell Your House Today!

Who Buys Houses in Probate?

We love to! Chubb Investments is a direct house buying company that has built our reputation on helping people just like you sell your house for cash. And in as-is condition so there is no prepping a house and getting it ready for sale. Contact us today and get a competitive cash offer for that house or property that is stuck in Probate.

We buy houses as-is and in any condition. We can help you with the stressful process of selling a house in Probate and make the process faster and as stress-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Below are several commonly asked questions that we get when selling an inherited house Massachusetts and on the Probate and heritance laws in Massachusetts in general. We always recommend that you speak with an attorney who can help you navigate the Massachusetts Probate process and ensure that your understanding of the information is accurate.

There are many great attorneys that can help you navigate the Massachusetts Probate process. Contact us if you are interested in a cash offer on your property or would like a recommendation on a local probate attorney. We can even pay for your estate’s probate attorney!

Question: Can you sell a house in Probate in Massachusetts?

Answer: Yes, you can sell a house in Probate in Massachusetts. However, the sale must comply with the Probate procedures. Heare are the key steps: 1) Obtain approval from the Probate court. 2)Have the property appraised. 3) List the property for sale. 4) Negotiate price and then negotiate home inspection issues. 5) The court reviews and approves the sale to ensure it’s in the best interest of the estate.

The Probate process ensures that the property is sold fairly and the proceeds are distributed according to the decedent’s wishes.

Question: Who inherits a house if there is no will in Massachusetts?

Answer: In Massachusetts, if someone dies without a will, then their estate is distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. Here is how it works in Massachusetts.

Surviving Spouse:

1. No Descendants or Parents: If the decedent has no surviving descendants (children, grandchildren) or parents, the surviving spouse inherits the entire estate.
2. Descendants from Spouse: If the decedent’s descendants are also the descendants of the surviving spouse and the surviving spouse has no other descendants, the surviving spouse inherits the entire estate.
3. One or More Descendants from Someone other than the Spouse: If the decedent has descendants with someone other than the surviving spouse, the surviving spouse inherits the first $100,000 plus half of the remaining estate. And the descendant’s descendants inherit the other half.
4. Surviving Parents: If the decedent has no descendants but is survived by one or both parents, the surviving spouse inherits the first $200,000 plus three-fourths of the remaining estate and the parents inherit the rest.

No Surviving Spouse

1. Descendants: If there is no surviving spouse, the entire estate passes to the decedent’s descendants.
2. No Descendants: If there are no descendants, the estate passes to the decedent’s parents.
3. No Parents: If there are no descendants or parents, the estate passes to the decedent’s siblings and their descendants (nieces and nephews).
4. No Siblings: If there are no siblings or their descendants, the estate passes to the decedent’s grandparents or their descendants.
5. No Grandparents or their Descendants: If there are no grandparents or their descendants, the estate passes to the next of kin in equal degree.

No Surviving Relatives

If there are no surviving relatives, the estate escheats to the state of Massachusetts.

Question: Who is the administrator of an estate without a Will in Massachusetts?

Answer: In Massachusetts, if a person dies without a will (intestate), the court appoints an administrator to manage and distribute the deceased person’s estate. The court typically follows a priority order when appointing an administrator. Here is the typical order of priority: 1. Surviving spouse.  2. Other heirs.  3. Other interested parties.  4. Public administrator.

Question: Do all heirs have to agree to sell property in Massachusetts?  

Answer: In Massachusetts, not all heirs must agree to sell a property inherited from an estate. If there is disagreement among heirs, the personal representative may need to seek court approval to proceed with the sale. The court will then decide on the sale or division of the property. This legal process ensures that property disputes among heirs are resolved fairly and according to the law.

Question: Does a house have to go through probate in Massachusetts?

Answer: A house does not always need to go through probate in Massachusetts. It depends on how the property is titled and if there are any mechanisms in place to transfer ownership outside of Probate. When a house can avoid Probate:
1. Joint Tenancy: If the house is owned as joint tenants with right of survivorship. The surviving co-owner automatically inherits the property without needing to go through probate.

2. Tenancy by the Entirety: For married couples, if the house is owned as tenants by the entirety, the surviving spouse automatically inherits the property without Probate.

3. Revocable Living Trust: If the house is placed in a revocable Living Trust, it avoids Probate because the trust owns the property. Not the individual.

Smaller estates may qualify for a simplified Probate process.

Question: How long do you have to file Probate after death in Massachusetts?

Answer: In Massachusetts, the timing for filing Probate after a person’s death is governed by specific rules. Here are the key points regarding the timeline for initiating Probate.

General Timing:

1. Filing Deadline: There is no strict deadline for filing a Probate case in Massachusetts. However, it is advisable to file as soon as reasonably possible to ensure the efficient administration of the estate.
2. Statue of Limitations: Typically, Probate should be filed within three years of the decedent’s death. If Probate is not initiated within this period, it may limit the type of Probate proceedings available and the ability to challenge certain aspects of the estate.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

1. Late and Limited Probate: If Probate is not initiated within three years, the court may allow a “late and limited” probate. This type of Probate has restrictions, such as only allowing certain types of claims to be resolved and limiting the authority of the personal representative.
2. Discover of Will: If a Will is discovered after the three-year period, then there may be exceptions allowing for its admission to Probate. Especially if the delay was due to the Will being found after the initial Probate proceedings.

Question: What are the steps to initiate Probate?

Answer: There are three ways that Probate is initiated:

1. Petition for Probate: An interested party (usually a close relative) must file a petition with the Probate court in the county where the decedent resided.
2. Notice to Heirs and Interested Parties: The petitioner must notify all potential heirs and interested parties of the Probate proceedings.
3. Appointment of Personal Representative: The court will appoint a personal representative (executor or administrator) to manage the estate.

Question: What are Massachusetts inheritance laws with a Will?

Answer: In Massachusetts, if a person dies with a valid Will, the distribution of their estate is governed by the terms of the Will and the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code. Here are the key points regarding inheritance laws with a Will in Massachusetts.

 If you need help during the Probate Process Massachusetts or just want to sell your house fast, then reach out by phone (you can text us too!) or fill out the sort form below.