If you’ve recently inherited a property in Wilmington, you may be wondering how to sell the house quickly, legally, and without unnecessary stress. While inheriting a home can be a financial blessing, it also comes with emotional and legal hurdles—especially if the property needs repairs or must go through probate. At First Care Homes, we specialize in helping heirs like you sell inherited homes in Delaware efficiently, and this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Looking for help right away? Click here to get a cash offer for your inherited house.
Step 1: Understand the Emotional and Physical Process
When a loved one passes away and leaves behind a property, you may face a wave of emotions—not to mention the physical challenge of cleaning out years of belongings. Before the home can be sold, you’ll likely need to:
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Depersonalize and declutter the home
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Sort through personal items and heirlooms
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Address deferred maintenance or cosmetic updates
These emotional and logistical burdens can make selling the house feel overwhelming. That’s where a trusted local cash buyer like First Care Homes can help—by purchasing the house as-is and relieving you of the cleanup and repair work.
Step 2: Begin the Probate Process in Wilmington
In most cases, an inherited home must go through probate—a legal process that verifies the will, settles debts, and officially transfers ownership. Some estates may qualify for summary probate, which is faster and simpler, especially in Delaware.
If you’re unsure whether the property needs to go through probate or what steps are involved, consider speaking with a probate attorney or local estate planning expert.
Want to learn more about probate and how it affects your home sale? Read our full probate selling guide here.
Step 3: Know the Tax Implications
Many heirs aren’t aware that capital gains taxes may apply when selling an inherited property. Fortunately, the IRS allows for a stepped-up basis, which means the home’s value is assessed at the time of the original owner’s death—not the original purchase price.
This can greatly reduce your tax liability if you sell soon after inheriting. Still, it’s wise to consult a tax professional to understand your unique situation.
Step 4: Decide How You Want to Sell
After probate is complete and ownership is confirmed, you’ll need to decide whether to:
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List the property on the MLS (which can take months and require repairs)
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Sell it yourself (FSBO)—time-consuming and legally complex
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Sell directly to a local cash buyer like First Care Homes for a quick, as-is sale
If you want to avoid realtor fees, open houses, and costly repairs, we can help you skip the hassle and sell quickly.
Step 5: Handle Family Disagreements (if applicable)
Inheriting property with siblings or other family members can complicate the process. If everyone isn’t on the same page, it may delay the sale or require legal mediation. Be prepared to work through disagreements with empathy and communication.
An estate attorney can help ensure everyone’s interests are addressed and that the property is sold legally and fairly.
Step 6: Prepare the Home (or Sell As-Is)
While traditional buyers may expect a move-in ready home, many inherited properties have outdated systems, old decor, or deferred maintenance. You can:
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Hire an inspector and invest in repairs (costly and time-consuming)
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Sell the home in “as-is” condition to a buyer like First Care Homes who handles everything for you
If the idea of coordinating contractors, painters, and junk haulers sounds exhausting, we’ll buy your house in any condition, even if it needs a complete renovation.
Why So Many Heirs in Delaware Choose First Care Homes
At First Care Homes, we’ve helped countless families throughout Wilmington and Delaware sell inherited homes quickly and without hassle. Here’s why homeowners choose us:
✅ No commissions or fees
✅ We cover closing costs
✅ Sell your house as-is—no cleaning or repairs needed
✅ We can close in as little as 7 days
✅ Local, compassionate, and experienced team
Ready to learn what your inherited house is worth? Click here to get your no-obligation cash offer now.
Final Thoughts
Selling a probate or inherited house in Wilmington doesn’t have to be a drawn-out, complicated process. With the right guidance and a trusted local buyer, you can handle the legal requirements, avoid family conflicts, and walk away with peace of mind—and cash in hand.