Inheriting a house in Virginia might feel like a blessing at first—but for many, it quickly becomes an emotional and financial burden. Whether it’s a family home filled with memories or a property that’s sat vacant for years, deciding what to do with an inherited house isn’t always easy.
If you’re wondering how to sell an inherited house in Virginia without the headaches, this guide walks you through your options, the challenges you might face, and how a local cash buyer like Sold on Sight can make the process faster and less stressful.
Step 1: Understand the Legal Side of Inheritance
Before you can sell, you’ll need to determine who legally owns the house. If the property was left to multiple heirs, all parties must agree to sell. You may also need to go through probate, which is the legal process of validating the will and transferring the property title.
Pro Tip: In Virginia, not every inherited home has to go through probate. If the property was placed in a trust or had a transfer-on-death deed, you may be able to skip this step.
Step 2: Evaluate the Condition of the Property
Many inherited homes haven’t been updated in years and may require costly repairs just to make them market-ready. You’ll want to ask yourself:
- Does the house need major renovations?
- Are there issues with mold, water damage, or outdated systems?
- Is the home filled with old belongings or furniture?
If fixing the house feels overwhelming—or too expensive—you may want to consider selling it as-is.
Step 3: Decide How You Want to Sell
✅ Option 1: List It on the Market
This is the traditional route, and it can work well if the house is in good shape and you’re not in a hurry. But keep in mind:
- You’ll need to make repairs and clean out the house
- It may take months to sell
- You’ll pay agent commissions and closing costs
✅ Option 2: Sell It to a Cash Buyer
For a quicker, simpler process, many Virginia homeowners choose to sell inherited homes to a local cash buyer like Sold on Sight. Here’s why:
- No need to fix or clean the house
- No realtor fees or closing costs
- Close in as little as 7–14 days
This is especially helpful if you live out of state, are dealing with multiple heirs, or just want to move on quickly.
Step 4: Handle the Financial Side
Don’t forget about taxes and liens. While Virginia doesn’t charge inheritance tax, you may still owe capital gains taxes if the home’s value has increased significantly since the original owner purchased it. It’s smart to consult a CPA or tax professional before finalizing the sale.
Also, check for any outstanding:
- Property taxes
- Utility bills
- Mortgages or liens
Why Work with a Local Buyer Like Sold on Sight?
At Sold on Sight, we help homeowners across Chesapeake and the Hampton Roads area sell inherited properties quickly and compassionately. We understand the emotional and logistical stress that can come with inherited real estate—and we’re here to make things easier.
✅ No repairs.
✅ No clean-outs.
✅ No waiting. Just a fair, fast cash offer.
Selling an Inherited House in Virginia Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Whether you’re trying to avoid probate headaches, split assets with siblings, or just don’t want to deal with costly renovations, selling an inherited home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A local buyer like Sold on Sight can help you skip the stress and move forward with confidence.
Ready to sell your inherited house in Virginia?
Contact Sold on Sight for a free, no-obligation cash offer today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I have to go through probate to sell an inherited house in Virginia?
A: Not always. Some properties can skip probate if they are in a trust or have a transfer-on-death deed.
Q: Can I sell an inherited house without making repairs?
A: Yes! Companies like Sold on Sight buy inherited homes as-is, saving you time and money.
Q: How fast can I sell an inherited property for cash?
A: In many cases, you can close in as little as 7–14 days.
Q: What happens if multiple heirs inherit a house in Virginia?
A: If more than one person inherits the property, all heirs must agree on the sale. In some cases, legal action like a partition lawsuit may be needed if heirs can’t agree. Working with a cash buyer can simplify the process when multiple parties are involved.
Q: Can I sell an inherited house if I’m still in probate?
A: In most cases, you’ll need to complete the probate process before finalizing a sale. However, in Virginia, you may be able to get permission from the court to sell during probate under certain circumstances.
Q: Do I have to clear out all the belongings before selling?
A: Not if you sell to a company like Sold on Sight! We buy houses as-is, which means you can leave unwanted furniture, belongings, and even debris behind. Learn more about our easy, no-cleanout-needed process here.
Q: How do cash offers work when selling an inherited property?
A: A local buyer will inspect the property (often without needing major showings), present you with a cash offer, and close on your timeline—often without any contingencies, repairs, or hidden fees.
Q: Are there closing costs when selling to a cash home buyer?
A: When you sell to Sold on Sight, there are no hidden fees or closing costs. What we offer you is the amount you walk away with.