Inheriting a house can bring mixed emotions—grief, confusion, and sometimes financial pressure. If you’ve recently inherited a property in Illinois and you’re wondering what to do next, this guide is here to help you navigate the process.
Step 1: Understand the Probate Process in Illinois
Probate is the legal process of transferring assets from the deceased to their heirs. In Illinois, most inherited homes will go through probate unless the property was in a trust or jointly owned with survivorship rights.
- Simple estates may qualify for a streamlined process.
- More complex estates can take several months or longer.
Before you can sell the property, you’ll need to ensure the probate process is completed or that you have legal authority (as the executor or heir) to sell.
👉 Related link: What Happens if You Can’t Afford to Fix Your Home Before Selling?
Step 2: Assess the Home’s Condition
Many inherited homes are older or haven’t been maintained in a while. That’s okay—you don’t have to bring the home up to modern standards to sell it.
Take stock of:
- Any obvious repairs
- Personal property that needs to be removed
- Safety issues or outdated systems
If the home needs significant work, consider whether you’re up for tackling repairs—or whether selling as-is is the smarter move.
👉 Helpful read: We Buy Houses in Any Condition — What That Actually Means
Step 3: Decide How You Want to Sell
You have options:
- List the property with a real estate agent (may require repairs, cleanout, showings)
- Sell to a family member or someone you know
- Sell as-is to a local cash buyer like Modern Times Homes LLC
Selling as-is to a cash buyer can save you time, stress, and out-of-pocket costs. Many of our clients choose this option when they live out of town or need a quick, hassle-free sale.
Step 4: Be Aware of Taxes and Liens
Inherited homes come with tax considerations:
- You may benefit from a step-up in basis, meaning your capital gains tax is based on the home’s value at the time of inheritance.
- Be aware of unpaid property taxes, utility bills, or mortgages still tied to the property.
We recommend consulting a local attorney or tax professional if you’re unsure.
Step 5: Get a No-Pressure Cash Offer
At Modern Times Homes LLC, we specialize in helping families who’ve inherited homes. We:
- Buy houses in any condition
- Pay cash
- Cover most closing costs
- Let you skip clean-up and repairs
We know this isn’t just a transaction—it’s part of closing a chapter. That’s why we aim to make the process as easy and respectful as possible.
Final Thoughts
Selling an inherited house doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and support, you can move forward confidently. Whether you’re still navigating probate or just received the keys, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at 815-974-0359 or fill out the quick form on our website to get started.
We’ll make you a fair offer, answer your questions, and help you decide what’s best for your situation—no pressure, just real solutions.