Inheriting a house can be a blessing—or an overwhelming responsibility. One day you’re living life as usual, and the next, you’re suddenly the owner of a property you didn’t ask for. If that sounds like your situation, you’re not alone.

We talk to people all the time who inherit houses and aren’t sure what to do next. Some homes are in great shape, others need serious repairs. Some are across town, others hours away. The options aren’t always clear—and many people feel stuck.

Here’s the good news: you have options. And with the right guidance, your inherited property could turn into a valuable financial asset instead of a stressor.

Step One: Understand What You’ve Inherited

Before making any decisions, it’s important to know what you’re working with. Here are a few things to check:

• Title status: Is the property legally in your name?
• Debt: Does the property have an active mortgage, liens, or unpaid taxes?
• Condition: Is the home livable, or will it need repairs to sell or rent?
• Location: Is it close enough to manage yourself, or would it require remote ownership?

If you’re still navigating the legal or financial side of things, this guide on what happens when you inherit a house offers a great overview of probate, taxes, and next steps.

If the house is paid off and in decent condition, congratulations—you’ve just inherited a powerful asset. You now have the opportunity to make it work for you.

You Don’t Have to Become a Landlord

One common assumption is that keeping a property means turning into a landlord. For some, that’s a great path. But for many people, becoming a landlord comes with stress they don’t want.

Here’s a smarter alternative:
You can sell the house on installments, also known as selling “on terms” or using owner financing.

That means you allow a qualified buyer to purchase the home over time, with interest. They make monthly payments to you—and they take care of all the maintenance, taxes, and repairs.

This gives you:

• Steady monthly income
• Interest earnings (above the sale price)
• No landlord responsibilities
• A built-in exit strategy

We love helping people set this up because it allows them to keep control while putting the work and responsibility into someone else’s hands.

Real Example: An Inherited Manufactured Home on Land

Right now, we’re working with a family who inherited a manufactured home on land—but it’s several hours away from where they live. They don’t want to rent it out, but they also don’t want to sell it for pennies on the dollar.

This is a perfect case for an installment sale. The family can turn that property into monthly income, without worrying about tenants, toilets, or travel.

And if the home needs some work? That’s where we come in. We specialize in creative solutions for inherited homes, especially when the property is in disrepair or the owners don’t know where to start.

What If the House Is in Bad Shape?

You’re not alone. Many inherited homes are:

• Outdated
• Vacant for months (or years)
• Full of belongings
• Structurally damaged

That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, this is exactly what we’re experts in.

We’ve helped sellers clean up, repair, and reimagine properties that seemed “too far gone” to be worth anything. Sometimes that means helping you sell it as-is. Other times, we help you create a plan that preserves the property’s value—and gives you peace of mind.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’ve inherited a house and aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to make a decision, we’ll walk through the process with you.

Call us 816-535-8078  or Fill out our simple form online