Selling an Inherited House in Michigan: Step-by-Step Guide

Understand the Probate-to-Sale Process When Inheriting Property in Michigan

Inheriting a home in Michigan can be both a blessing and a burden.

While it may represent a loved one’s legacy, it can also bring unexpected stress—especially if you’re grieving, out of state, or unsure what comes next.

Many Michigan residents find themselves overwhelmed by legal paperwork, family decisions, and property issues they never anticipated.

If this sounds familiar, take a breath—you’re not alone.

This guide walks you through what happens when you inherit a house in Michigan, and how to sell it from start to finish.

What This Topic Means in Michigan

In Michigan, when someone passes away and leaves behind real estate, that property often must go through probate. Probate is the legal process for settling a person’s estate—validating their will, appointing a personal representative (also called an executor), paying off debts, and distributing assets.

If the home was not in a trust or jointly owned with survivorship rights, it typically cannot be sold until probate is complete. The executor must first obtain what’s called Letters of Authority from the probate court to legally manage and sell the property.

Michigan allows for simplified probate for small estates (under $50,000 in value), but for most inherited homes, full probate is required. This includes notifying heirs, publishing notices, documenting assets, and filing court paperwork.

You can learn more about the probate process on the official Michigan Legal Help site.

How This Affects Selling an Inherited Home

If you’ve inherited a house and want to sell it, you can’t just list it right away—there are legal steps to follow first. This can cause delays, confusion, and even disagreements among family members.

Before selling, the executor must:

File the will with probate court (or start intestate proceedings if no will exists)
Obtain Letters of Authority from the court
Identify and notify all heirs
Handle any debts, taxes, or liens owed by the estate
Get court approval to sell the property, if required

Only after these steps are met can the house be listed and sold. Probate can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year in Michigan, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether there are disputes or delays.

Common Scenarios You May Be Facing

You’re the sole heir and executor.
If you’ve been named executor and are the only beneficiary, the process may be more straightforward. Still, probate must be opened and followed through before you can sell.

You’re one of several heirs.
Multiple heirs may need to agree on whether and when to sell the house. If one sibling wants to keep it and another wants to sell, a buyout or partition action may be required.

The house is in poor condition or still occupied.
Sometimes the inherited property has been vacant, poorly maintained, or even occupied by tenants or relatives. That can complicate things further, especially if you want to sell quickly.

There’s a mortgage or unpaid taxes.
If the home has a mortgage, property taxes, or utility bills, the estate must settle those before distributing funds or closing a sale.

Are You Trying to Understand Your Options?

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What Are Your Options?

There are several paths you can take, depending on your situation and the condition of the property.

Option 1: Sell after full probate.
Most commonly, heirs wait until probate is complete, then list the property with a real estate agent or sell it directly to a cash buyer.

Option 2: Use simplified probate (if eligible).
If the estate is small enough, Michigan allows for a simplified process. As of 2025, the small estate limit is $50,000 (not including liens or mortgages). Details are outlined in the Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC)(verified as working).

Option 3: Sell without probate (if exempt).
In some cases, a house can bypass probate if it was placed in a revocable living trust or held in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship. This allows for quicker transfer of title.

Option 4: Sell the home as-is.
If the property needs repairs or has been vacant for years, selling it as-is to a Michigan cash home buyer can help avoid the stress and cost of getting it market-ready.

Option 5: Work with a probate-experienced professional.
A real estate investor or agent familiar with Michigan’s probate system can guide you through title issues, court approvals, and the best timing for sale.

Final Thoughts

For a deeper look at the entire probate real estate process—including timelines, documents, and tips for Michigan families—visit our full guide on Selling an Inherited House in Michigan.

Selling an inherited house in Michigan can feel like a full-time job—especially when you’re dealing with grief, paperwork, and family dynamics.

But you don’t have to go through it alone.

Understanding the legal steps, your options, and where to get help can make this journey much more manageable.

Whether you choose to list, sell as-is, or just need advice on where to begin, the most important step is taking action.

When you’re ready, reach out to professionals who can walk alongside you and help lighten the load.

"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: Selling an Inherited House in Michigan

What is the executor’s role in selling an inherited house in Michigan?
The executor must open probate, obtain authority from the court, pay debts, and manage the sale of the home before distributing funds to heirs.

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Can you sell an inherited house before probate is complete?
Usually no. In most Michigan cases, probate must be completed or partially advanced before a sale can close, unless it’s exempt (e.g., held in trust).

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Does Michigan charge inheritance tax when you sell a property?
No. Michigan has no inheritance tax for deaths after 1993. However, you may owe federal capital gains tax depending on the sale price versus the stepped-up basis.

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Can multiple heirs sell a house if one doesn’t agree?
Not without legal action. If one heir refuses, the others may need to petition the court for a partition sale to force a resolution.

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How long does it usually take to sell an inherited house in Michigan?
The process can take 6–12 months due to probate. Some estates qualify for simplified procedures, which may shorten the timeline.

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.

Start here:

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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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