How Long Do You Have to Sell an Inherited Property in Michigan?

Understanding Michigan’s Probate Timeline and When You Can Sell an Inherited House

Inheriting a home after the death of a loved one is never easy.

Alongside the emotional toll of grief, you may suddenly find yourself responsible for managing legal, financial, and property-related tasks—sometimes with little warning or preparation.

In Michigan, many families ask: “How long do we have to sell this house?” or “Is there a legal deadline to sell inherited property?”

If you're navigating this process, you're not alone.

It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when dealing with probate court, estate paperwork, and family expectations.

This guide is here to help you understand what the law says, how timing works in practice, and what steps you can take to sell an inherited property in Michigan—on your terms and timeline.

What This Topic Means in Michigan

In Michigan, there is no official deadline by law that forces you to sell inherited property within a certain time. However, the sale timeline is closely tied to probate—a legal process that validates the deceased person’s will, settles debts, and distributes assets (including real estate) to heirs.

The probate process generally begins once someone files the will and a personal representative is appointed by the probate court. This person is responsible for administering the estate, including managing or selling any real property. Until the court gives this person legal authority, no one can transfer, list, or sell the home.

Key timing elements in Michigan include:

A mandatory 4-month creditor claim period, during which the estate must remain open to allow creditors to file claims.
Estate taxes and filings (if applicable) must be addressed before the property can be distributed or sold.
In most cases, probate in Michigan takes 6 to 12 months, but it can extend longer depending on the complexity of the estate, disputes among heirs, or outstanding debts.

The Michigan Attorney General’s probate guide offers a helpful overview of this process.

How This Affects Selling an Inherited Home

Selling an inherited house in Michigan is rarely as quick or simple as listing it right away. The probate timeline introduces several checkpoints that must be met first:

Probate must be opened before the property can be sold. If the deceased person’s name is still on the deed, it must be legally transferred—typically through the court-appointed representative.
Court approval may be needed to sell during probate. Even if the personal representative has authority under the will, a judge may still need to sign off, especially if any heirs object.
Debts and liens must be resolved. The house can’t be sold until any outstanding taxes, mortgages, or other obligations tied to the estate are paid or satisfied.
Federal estate taxes may apply in rare cases (for estates over $13.61 million in 2024), and the IRS requires that Form 706 be filed within 9 months of the date of death. You can request a 6-month extension using IRS Form 4768.

Delays in any of these areas can hold up the sale. Even if you find a buyer quickly, you’ll need legal clearance before moving forward.

Common Scenarios You May Be Facing

• You want to sell the home quickly, but probate hasn’t started

This is very common. The house may be sitting vacant, accruing costs, or falling into disrepair. But until someone files for probate and is officially appointed, no sale can take place.

• The house is in poor condition and needs repairs

Many inherited homes in Michigan are older properties that haven’t been updated in years. You may need to weigh the cost of fixing it up versus selling it as-is. But even for an as-is sale, probate authorization is still required.

• You’re sharing ownership with siblings

Disagreements can arise over timing, price, or whether to sell at all. Until the estate is settled or someone is bought out, you may be stuck in limbo.

• The estate is responsible for debts or taxes

Creditors, tax agencies, or mortgage lenders may place claims against the estate. These must be resolved before any sale proceeds can be distributed or the sale can close.

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What Are Your Options?

Thankfully, Michigan does provide some flexibility if you’re hoping to sell sooner rather than later. Here are practical options:

Start probate quickly. The sooner you file, the sooner the clock starts. Don’t wait months after death to open the estate if selling the home is a priority.
Petition the court for early sale approval. In some cases, the probate court will allow the home to be sold before the estate is fully closed—especially if the proceeds will be used to pay debts or taxes.
Communicate with co-heirs. If multiple heirs are involved, come to an agreement on selling strategy, timeline, and price. Settling disputes early saves time and money.
Consult a probate attorney. If you’re unsure about what you’re allowed to do—or how to handle disagreements—get legal guidance.
Prepare for tax deadlines. The IRS requires Form 706 to be filed 9 months after death, which may impact timing. You can view the IRS instructions here for more details.
Sell as-is, if needed. Some heirs choose to sell the home without making repairs to avoid holding costs or delays. A cash buyer may be an option during probate if the court approves.

Final Thoughts

For a complete overview of how to handle inherited property in Michigan—including timelines, repairs, probate steps, and options for selling—visit our main page on selling an inherited house in Michigan. It’s designed to give you clarity at every stage of this process.

Inheriting a home can be both a blessing and a burden—especially if you feel pressure to sell it quickly. While there’s no hard deadline in Michigan law, the probate process, tax rules, and family expectations all impact how soon you can sell.

The best thing you can do is start early, stay organized, and reach out for help if things get complicated.

Whether you need legal advice, a clean-out crew, or just someone to walk you through your options, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

"When you mentioned that you would give us an offer within 24 hours and then close quickly I didn’t really believe that we would have the house sold in only 2 weeks. I’m glad I found you.”

Michelle L. - Michigan

FAQ: How Long Do You Have to Sell an Inherited Property in Michigan?

Is there a time limit on selling an inherited property in Michigan?
No, but the probate process usually must progress before a sale can happen—typically 6 to 12 months.

How long does it take to sell an inherited house in Michigan?
It depends on how quickly probate begins, the complexity of the estate, and whether all heirs agree. Most sales occur 6 to 12 months after probate starts.

Can you sell an inherited house before probate is complete?
Sometimes, yes. A personal representative can petition the court for early sale approval, especially if the sale is needed to pay debts or taxes.

Do tax deadlines affect when I can sell?
Yes. Federal estate taxes must be filed within 9 months using IRS Form 706. Extensions can be requested.

What happens if there are disagreements between heirs?
Disputes can delay probate and the sale. Mediation, legal assistance, or court intervention may be necessary to move forward.

See why so many people recommend us...

“Mr. Fassett – thank you for working with us to buy my Mom’s home after she passed away. When you mentioned that you would give us an offer within 24 hours and then close quickly I didn’t really believe that we would have the house sold in only 2 weeks. I’m glad I found you.”

Michelle L. - Michigan

“Thanks for buying my Mother’s home. It was a big help that you were able to buy it without us having to clean it out and get it ready to sell. My mother had accumulated lots of stuff and after the stress of her long illness I was exhausted and I dreaded dealing with all of it. I also liked it that you gave me a very fair price for the home. I’m on a fixed income and that really helped a lot.”

Henry G. - Michigan

“Dennis – thank you for helping us with our Mom’s home. This was a very traumatic experience for us, and we appreciated your patience with all the emotions we experienced during the process. You were really patient and understanding with us during the sale process, and we’re sure that Mom’s home will be in good hands. God Bless.”

Claudia and Nancy M. - Michigan

We Help Michigan Families Navigate These Situations Every Day

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At Dennis Buys Houses, we’re not just cash buyers — we’re trusted problem-solvers who help Michigan families find real answers during difficult times.

Since 2004, we've been helping homeowners across Michigan sell their properties quickly and easily—without the stress of agents, repairs, or hidden fees.

We’re a family-owned, local business with deep roots in the community. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of homeowners in situations just like yours—whether they’re dealing with delinquent property taxes, foreclosure, or simply needing a fresh start.

If you're dealing with a tough family situation and don’t know where to turn, we’re here to help.

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Whether you’re ready to sell or just want to explore your options, we’re here for you. Call us today, and let’s talk about how we can make your situation easier.

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