When someone passes away in Texas and owns real estate in their name alone, their property typically goes through a legal process called probate. In simple terms, probate is the court procedure that confirms a will’s validity, settles any debts, and ensures the rightful heirs or beneficiaries receive the deceased person’s property.
How Probate Works in Texas
Texas has one of the more streamlined probate systems in the country, but it can still feel complicated if you have just inherited a home.
Here is how it generally works:
- Filing the will: The executor or a family member files the will with the county probate court within four years of the person’s death.
- Court appointment: The court officially appoints an executor if there is a will or an administrator if there is not one to handle the estate.
- Inventory and appraisal: All assets, including real estate, are identified and valued.
- Paying debts and taxes: The executor ensures all remaining debts, taxes, and expenses are paid from the estate.
- Distributing assets: Once the court approves, remaining assets are distributed to the heirs or beneficiaries.
Only after these steps can the property be legally transferred or sold.
Selling a House in Probate in Texas
If you have inherited a house that is still going through probate, the executor or administrator must have court approval to sell it.
Once approved, there are a few common options for selling a Texas probate property:
- Traditional listing with a real estate agent: This route can take time and often requires repairs, updates, and showings.
- For Sale By Owner (FSBO): You handle everything yourself, but this can be stressful and complicated during probate.
- Direct sale to a cash home buyer or investor: The fastest and easiest option, especially if the home needs repairs or you want to avoid the delays of the open market.
A direct sale is particularly beneficial when heirs live out of state or want to avoid the burden of managing property maintenance, taxes, and insurance while waiting for probate to finalize.
Texas Probate Timeframes and Costs
Probate in Texas can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on how complex the estate is, how many heirs are involved, and whether there are disputes.
During that time, the property continues to accrue costs such as:
- Property taxes
- Insurance premiums
- Utility bills
- Maintenance and repairs
Selling the inherited house as-is to a Texas cash home buyer can help reduce those ongoing expenses and allow heirs to split proceeds quickly once the court gives the green light.
Simplifying the Probate Sale Process
At FIT Acquisitions, we specialize in helping Texas homeowners and heirs sell probate and inherited properties without the hassle of listings, repairs, or lengthy negotiations. We buy houses as-is, make fair cash offers, and handle the paperwork to keep the process smooth and stress-free.
If you are dealing with a home stuck in probate in Houston, Harris County, or anywhere in Texas, a direct cash sale can give you peace of mind and financial relief without waiting months for the traditional real estate process.
In Summary
In Texas, probate ensures a deceased person’s property is legally transferred to heirs or sold to pay debts. While the process can take time, you do not have to face it alone or risk financial strain while the home sits unsold. Selling your inherited property directly to an experienced Texas home buyer can help you settle the estate faster, avoid extra costs, and move forward with clarity and confidence.