You didn’t ask for this — but here you are.
Maybe it was your parents’ house. Maybe it belonged to a relative you weren’t especially close to. Either way, it’s now yours, and you’re left sorting through emotions, old memories, and legal paperwork you didn’t exactly plan for.
Even with everything you may be carrying, inheriting a house often means facing important financial decisions — including whether, when, and how to sell. It can represent stability, opportunity, and a meaningful step forward — even if it doesn’t feel that way at first. The stress usually comes from not knowing what your options are or which path makes the most sense.
This guide walks through how to sell an inherited house in El Paso, with or without a will, covering probate, Affidavits of Heirship, taxes, family disagreements, and your selling options — so you can gain clarity, reduce uncertainty, and move forward with confidence during an already difficult time.
I Inherited a House in El Paso. Now What?
When someone passes away and leaves you a house, it is rarely as simple as just deciding to sell. There are usually a few important steps to take first, legal, emotional, and practical, before anything can move forward.
Here’s a breakdown to help you make sense of it: Before you can decide whether to sell an inherited house in El Paso, there are a few foundational steps you’ll want to take first.
Step 1: Confirm Ownership
If there was a will, it typically has to go through probate, which is a court process that legally transfers the property to you or the other heirs. If there wasn’t a will, things might still go through probate, but with a few extra steps.
Step 2: Check for Liens or Debts
It’s common for inherited properties to have leftover mortgage balances, property taxes, or even things like unpaid utilities. These need to be resolved before selling.
Step 3: Secure the Property
If the house is vacant, change the locks, turn off unnecessary utilities, and make sure the place is secure. If there are still personal belongings inside, don’t rush. Take your time going through things when you’re ready.
Understanding Probate in El Paso
Probate isn’t the most exciting word but it matters. It’s the court process that makes sure the will is valid, debts are paid, and assets (like the house) are distributed properly. 
What Probate Typically Looks Like in Texas:
-
The will is filed with the court
-
An executor (usually a family member) is appointed
-
Debts, taxes, and other obligations are paid
-
The house is either transferred to the heir(s), or approved for sale
In El Paso, probate can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on how complicated things are. If there’s no will—or if multiple heirs disagree—it might take longer.
Probate often becomes the biggest bottleneck when selling an inherited house. If you’re navigating selling a house through probate in El Paso, we break the process down step by step in a dedicated guide.
Legal and Tax Steps When Selling an Inherited House in El Paso
This part isn’t always fun, but it’s important.
When you inherit a house and plan to sell it, you’ll want to understand the legal and tax implications—so you don’t get blindsided later. Understanding these tax implications early can help you decide when to sell, how to price the home, and which selling option makes the most sense.
Capital Gains Tax
The good news? In most cases, you’ll only pay taxes on the value the house has gained since you inherited it. This is called a “stepped-up basis.” According to the IRS guidelines on inherited property, you’re taxed only on the difference between the property’s value at inheritance and its sale price. So if the house was worth $200,000 when you inherited it and you sell it for $210,000 later, you’re only taxed on the $10,000 difference.
Still—talk to a tax pro. Every situation’s a little different.
If taxes are a major concern, we break this down further in our guide on tax consequences when selling an inherited house in El Paso.
Documents You Might Need:
-
The will (if there is one)
-
Death certificate
-
Court-issued probate documents
-
Proof of debt resolution
-
Title paperwork
Pro tip: make a folder (physical or digital) and keep everything in one place. It’ll make things smoother later.
Should You Sell, Keep, or Rent an Inherited House in El Paso?
This is usually the biggest decision and it’s not always black and white.
Here’s how to think about it:
The right choice depends on your financial situation, the condition of the home, and whether everyone involved is on the same page.
Selling Might Make Sense If:
-
You don’t want to manage repairs or tenants
-
There are multiple heirs and you want to split the value
-
You need the cash or simply don’t want to keep the property
Keeping Might Make Sense If:
-
The house has sentimental value or you want to live in it
-
You can afford ongoing costs like taxes, insurance, and maintenance
-
You want to turn it into a rental and are okay managing tenants
Just know: if the house needs a lot of work or if other heirs don’t agree on what to do, selling may be the cleanest option.
How to Handle Family Disagreements When Inheriting a House in Texas
This is more common than people think.
We’ve helped families in El Paso where: 
-
One sibling wanted to keep the house, another needed the money
-
A cousin had been living in the house rent-free for years
-
No one could agree on who should manage the sale
These situations get emotional, fast especially when grief and family history are involved.
You’re not a bad person for wanting to sell. And it’s okay to feel conflicted. What matters most is clear communication and finding a solution that respects everyone involved.
Sometimes that means mediation. Sometimes that means selling and splitting things evenly. Either way, you’re not alone.
When family members can’t agree, selling an inherited house often takes longer and may require legal or third-party involvement.
If you’re dealing with this right now, we break these situations down in more detail in our guide on heirs disagreeing on what to do with an inherited house in Texas.
How to Prepare an Inherited House for Sale in El Paso
Some inherited homes have not been updated in decades. Others may be well maintained but still need a little TLC.
Preparing an inherited house does not always mean fixing it up. It means deciding how much effort, time, and money you want to invest before selling.
You generally have two options:
1. Fix it up
Small things like fresh paint, decluttering, or trimming trees can make a big difference. But larger repairs like roofs, foundations, or outdated plumbing can get expensive fast.
If you're going the traditional listing route, you might need to do some of those things to attract buyers.
2. Sell as-is
This is what many families choose, especially if they don’t want to invest more time or money into a home they’re not keeping. Cash buyers will often take the house exactly how it sits, even if it needs a lot of work.
Need help deciding? We walk through this choice step by step in our guide on whether to repair your house or sell as-is in El Paso.
Alternatives to Selling an Inherited House the Traditional Way in El Paso
Not everyone wants to list their inherited property with a real estate agent, prep it for showings, or wait months for the right buyer. If you’re looking for a faster or simpler solution, here are some common alternatives to the traditional listing route: 
1. Sell to a Local Cash Home Buyer in El Paso
Many families we work with choose this option because it eliminates the most stressful parts of selling:
-
No cleaning, staging, or repairs
-
No showings or open houses
-
No waiting on buyer financing
-
Close on your timeline—usually within 7–14 days
If the house needs work, you’re out of state, or multiple heirs just want a clean exit, a cash buyer might be your best option. Just be sure to choose a reputable one who’s experienced with inherited properties.
3. Estate Sale + Auction
In some situations—especially if the house is filled with personal belongings—families choose to hold an estate sale to clear out the contents first. After that, they may auction the house as-is to the highest bidder.
Pros: Quick sale, minimal prep.
Cons: Sale price is often lower than market value, and auctions aren’t common in every neighborhood.
What’s Not an Alternative: Title Companies
Just to clarify: no matter how you sell, whether through a realtor or directly to a buyer, the sale still goes through a title company. That’s how ownership is legally transferred in Texas, and it protects you during closing.
Real Story: Why One El Paso Family Chose to Sell Their Inherited House As-Is
A family reached out to us a few months ago. Their mom had passed away and left them her home in Central El Paso. It needed work, and no one lived nearby.
They got a few offers—some higher than ours. But in the end, they chose us because we were local, straightforward, and we breakdown our offer in a clear and comprehensive way. When you know how we arrive at our offer, that gives sellers confidence in their decision. The daughter told us:
“I think my mom would’ve liked you guys. You felt like people, not just a company.”
That stuck with us.
Final Thoughts
Selling an inherited house isn’t just about real estate. It’s about closing a chapter—with respect, with clarity, and ideally, without unnecessary stress.
We’re not here to pressure you. We’re here to be a resource when you’re ready.
If you need help walking through your options, understanding your timeline, or deciding if selling is the right move—we’re happy to talk. No commitments, just real answers.
