🏡 Inherited a House in Wilmington? Here’s What to Do Next
First and foremost — we’re truly sorry for your loss.
Losing a loved one is always difficult, and dealing with the logistics of inherited property can add a whole new layer of stress. Between legal matters, financial decisions, and emotional attachments, figuring out what to do with an inherited house is no small task.
If you’ve recently asked yourself:
“I inherited a house in Wilmington — now what?”
You’re not alone. Many people in your shoes wonder:
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Should I sell it?
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Should I rent it?
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Should I fix it up first?
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What if I just want to walk away?
You have several options — and we’re here to help you explore them.
👋 Who We Are
We’re experienced local investors who specialize in buying inherited houses and distressed properties in Wilmington, Delaware. Every month, we work with families who’ve inherited a property they no longer want or can’t manage — and who need a fast, simple solution that doesn’t require repairs, cleaning, or months of uncertainty.
Whether the home needs a complete renovation, is tied up in probate, or just isn’t something you want to keep — we can help. Below are some tips to help guide you as you decide what to do next.
💡 I Inherited a House — What Should I Do?
Here are 8 key things to think about when you inherit property:
1. ✅ Check the Mortgage Status
The first thing you need to know is whether the home has a mortgage.
If it’s fully paid off — that’s great news. But if the deceased had an outstanding loan, you’ll need to address it quickly.
Some lenders will allow you to assume the mortgage, but others may require you to refinance it in your own name. If you’re unable to qualify for a new loan, renting or holding onto the home might not be an option.
⚠️ Important: Don’t wait too long to contact the lender. Mortgage companies have timelines, and missed payments could lead to foreclosure.
2. 🧰 Ask Yourself: Do You Want to Be a Landlord?
For some, keeping the home as a rental can be a great long-term investment. But property management isn’t for everyone.
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Are you ready to deal with maintenance, late rent, and tenant turnover?
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Do you live nearby, or would you need to hire a property manager?
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Can you handle the financial risk if the home sits vacant?
If this doesn’t sound appealing, it might be better to sell the home and reinvest the funds in a way that better fits your lifestyle.
3. 💸 Inherited Homes Often Need Work
Most inherited houses haven’t been updated in a while. And even if they were lovingly cared for, time takes its toll — roofs, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical may all need attention.
Before renting or selling for top dollar, consider hiring a licensed home inspector to assess the property. This can give you a clearer picture of any immediate repairs and long-term expenses.
💰 Surprise repairs can cost thousands. If you’d rather skip the upgrades and sell the house as-is, we can make you a no-obligation cash offer in its current condition.
4. 🛠 Selling for Top Dollar Requires Time and Money
If you plan to list the house on the market and get the highest possible sale price, you’ll likely need to invest in:
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Cleaning and decluttering
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Cosmetic updates (paint, flooring, light fixtures)
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Kitchen or bathroom renovations
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Landscaping and curb appeal
On top of that, you’ll need to cover real estate agent commissions and closing costs.
If you’re not interested in doing all of that — or you just want to sell the house quickly — we buy houses in Wilmington in any condition, with no fees and no repairs required.
5. 📈 Consider the Market — and Your Financial Goals
Sometimes it makes sense to hold onto a property if the neighborhood is appreciating quickly or you have long-term plans for it.
Other times, it’s more beneficial to sell and put the proceeds into another investment — one that may offer better returns, less hassle, or more flexibility.
We can help you analyze the numbers, so you can compare:
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The property’s current value
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The projected rental income and expenses
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The cost of holding vs. the benefits of selling now
6. 🧾 Don’t Forget About Taxes
Inheriting a property can have significant tax implications, including:
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Capital gains tax if you sell the house later
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Property taxes based on a new assessed value
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Potential income tax if you rent it
Always consult with a tax advisor or probate attorney before making any big decisions. If you’re unsure where to start, we can refer you to trusted local professionals in Wilmington.
7. 🧩 Creative Options May Be Available
If you’re torn between renting and selling, we may be able to offer creative solutions — such as a lease-option agreement. This allows you to rent out the home now, with the option for the renter to buy later.
It’s not the right fit for everyone, but depending on your goals and timeline, it could offer a great middle ground. And because we understand the Wilmington market inside and out, we can walk you through your options step by step.
8. 📊 Run the Numbers
Want to know what your inherited house is really worth?
We’ll help you look at:
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The current market value
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What it would sell for in as-is condition
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What it could sell for fully renovated
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The projected rental income (minus expenses)
With this info, you can make a confident, informed decision — whether that means selling, renting, or holding.
🏁 Want to Sell Your Inherited House in Wilmington Fast?
At First Care Homes, we buy inherited houses in Wilmington, Delaware in any condition, for cash. We understand the unique challenges that come with inherited properties, and we’re here to make the process as simple, respectful, and stress-free as possible.
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We buy houses as-is — no repairs, no cleaning
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You don’t need to list or show the home
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We pay cash and close in as little as 7–14 days
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No commissions. No hidden fees. No pressure.
Whether you’ve just started exploring your options or you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to help.