What to Expect (and How to Sell Faster)

If you inherited a home in South Carolina, you might be excited—and overwhelmed. Here’s the truth: selling a house that’s in probate (or part of an estate) can be straightforward, but it’s rarely “quick and easy” unless you understand the process and avoid common mistakes.

What “Probate” Means for an Inherited House

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. During probate, the court confirms who has authority to act for the estate (often called the Personal Representative or Executor). Until someone has legal authority, you usually cannot sell the property—at least not cleanly.

If the home has already been transferred to heirs outside probate (for example, through a trust or certain deed types), you may be able to sell without the probate timeline. But many inherited homes in South Carolina do go through probate, especially when the deceased owned the property in their name alone.

Can You Sell a House While It’s in Probate?

Often, yes—but the sale has to be done correctly.

Typically, the person appointed by the court (the Personal Representative) signs the listing agreement and closing documents. In some cases, there may be additional requirements such as notifying heirs, addressing creditor claims, or getting court approval depending on the estate’s circumstances and how the property is titled.

Bottom line: you can usually prepare the home, market it, and even accept an offer during probate—but the closing may depend on the estate’s legal steps being completed.

The Biggest Issues That Delay Probate Home Sales

Inherited property sales get stuck for predictable reasons:

• No appointed Personal Representative yet (nothing moves without legal authority).

• Cloudy title (old liens, missing heirs, or unresolved ownership questions).

• Heir disagreements (one person wants top dollar, another wants it gone yesterday).

• Repairs and clean-out (years of belongings, deferred maintenance, or damage).

• Mortgage, taxes, and insurance still need to be paid while you wait.

If you’re trying to “time” the market, remember: holding costs can quietly eat your profit every month.

Two Ways to Sell an Inherited House

1) Traditional Listing

Best if the home is in good condition (or you can afford repairs) and the heirs can cooperate. You’ll likely get the highest price, but the process can take longer—especially with probate timing and buyer financing.

2) Sell As-Is to a Local Cash Buyer

Best if the home needs work, you’re out of state, or you want speed and simplicity. A reputable cash buyer can purchase as-is, which means no repairs, no show-ready prep, and often a faster closing once the estate is legally able to sell.

Tax Notes Buyers and Heirs Should Know

Inherited homes often receive a “step-up” in tax basis, which can reduce capital gains when you sell. That said, every estate is different—talk to a CPA or estate attorney before assuming your tax bill will be zero.

The Smart Next Step

If you’re dealing with probate in South Carolina, start by confirming:

1. Who has authority to sell (or how to get appointed), and

2. What condition the home is in—and what it would cost to hold it for 3–6+ months.

If you want a fast, no-repairs option, HomebuyersSC can walk you through your best path and make an as-is offer that fits your probate timeline.