Inheriting a house can be a blessing… or a bit overwhelming. Maybe you’re thinking, “What do I do with this place?” You’re not alone. Every year, plenty of people in New Orleans inherit property from parents, grandparents, or other family members—and many aren’t sure what to do next.
If that’s you, don’t worry. We’re here to walk you through it—step by step, in plain English.
First Things First: You’ve Inherited a House—Now What?
When someone leaves you a house, it’s usually through a will or trust. That’s a big deal. But it also comes with responsibility—taxes, upkeep, insurance, maybe even a mortgage.
Here are a few things you should check right away:
- Who officially owns the home now? (Has the title transferred to your name?)
- Is there a mortgage or unpaid taxes?
- Are there other heirs involved?
- Is the home livable—or in rough shape?
This stuff might sound complicated, but you don’t have to figure it all out at once.
Step 1: Go Through Probate (If Needed)
“Probate” is just a fancy legal word that means the court is making sure everything is in order with the will and estate.
If the house was in a trust, you might be able to skip this step. But if it’s not, probate is usually required to make the transfer official.
Here’s what to expect:
- You (or the executor of the estate) may need a lawyer.
- It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
- Once complete, you’ll be the legal owner and can sell the home.
Tip: If the property is already in your name, you can skip right to Step 2!
Step 2: Take a Look at the House
Some inherited homes in New Orleans are in great shape. Others? Not so much. Either way, don’t stress.
Ask yourself:
- Is it clean and livable, or is it filled with old belongings?
- Are there repairs needed? (Roof, AC, plumbing, etc.)
- Does the home have any code violations or flood damage?
You don’t need to fix everything to sell it—especially if you sell to a local home buyer like us. We buy houses as-is, no repairs or cleaning required.
Step 3: Decide If You Want to Keep or Sell It
Now that the house is yours, what do you want to do?
Option 1: Keep It
- You could live in it, rent it out, or fix it up yourself.
- Just remember: you’ll be responsible for taxes, insurance, maintenance, and possibly a mortgage.
Option 2: Sell It
- You can sell it through a real estate agent or directly to a cash buyer.
- Selling fast for cash can save you time and stress—especially if the home needs work or you live out of state.
Step 4: Selling the Easy Way (Without Repairs or Waiting)
At NOLA Buys Houses, we work with a lot of folks who’ve inherited homes in New Orleans. Some live nearby. Some are out of town. Some are dealing with a tough family situation.
Here’s how we make it simple:
- You tell us about the property (online or by phone)
- We take a look and make a fair cash offer
- You decide—no pressure
- We handle the paperwork and close when you’re ready (even in as little as 7 days)
You don’t have to clean. You don’t have to fix anything. You don’t even need to come to the house if you’re out of town.
Common Questions We Hear
Q: Do I have to clean out the whole house before I sell it?
A: Nope! We’ll take care of that. You can take what you want and leave the rest.
Q: What if there are multiple heirs?
A: That’s okay. We’ll help you work through the process and get everyone on the same page.
Q: What if there’s still a mortgage or unpaid taxes?
A: We can often still buy the house and help you figure out the next steps.
Final Thoughts
Inheriting a home can feel like a lot. But it doesn’t have to be hard—or drag on for months. Whether the home is in great shape or hasn’t been touched in years, you have options.
If you’re ready to sell your inherited house in New Orleans (or just want to talk through your situation), give us a call. We’re local, experienced, and happy to help—no pressure, no obligations.
NOLA Buys Houses
1132 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 264-1407
www.nolabuyshouses.com
We make selling simple, fast, and stress-free.