Short answers, grouped by worry
Questions heirs ask before they sell
People tend to ask us the same dozen things in the first call. Here are those answers without the jargon. Where the honest answer is that a lawyer should decide, we say so.
- Heirs and co-heirs welcome
- Belongings can stay
- Written offer before you commit
- Title work handled by a local firm
Family and co-heirs
Start here if more than one person shares the inheritance. For fuller scenarios, see the situations page.
Do all of the heirs have to agree to sell?
As a general rule, everyone who owns a share, or a person with legal authority to act for them, has to sign. If the family is split, an Arizona probate attorney can explain the options.
Can you give each heir the same offer?
Yes. We can send one written offer to each person, so nobody is learning about it secondhand.
One sibling stopped answering. What now?
Tell us what you can and ask your attorney what is required. We will not pressure anyone and we will not pretend a signature is optional.
Who divides the money?
The heirs, the executor or the estate's attorney, not us. The title company sends proceeds as the paperwork directs.
Can one heir buy the others out and then sell to you?
That is a legal and financial arrangement for the family and its attorney. Tell us where it stands and we will work from there.
A question we did not cover?
Include the address with your question, and we will reply or tell you who should.
Probate, authority and paperwork
We are not a law firm, so this section mostly points to who to ask. The how-it-works page shows where the paperwork fits.
Do I have to finish probate before I can sell?
It depends on how the house was titled and what your attorney advises. Some houses go through probate and some pass outside of it. Ask an Arizona probate attorney.
What does a title company need from an heir?
Generally proof of who is allowed to sign, plus identification and any payoff figures. The title company tells you exactly what it needs for your documents.
What if the deed is still in the name of the person who died?
That is common. An attorney can explain how authority passes and what the title company will accept.
Can you recommend an attorney?
We would rather you choose someone you trust. Your county bar association can help you find an Arizona probate attorney.
Will you wait while probate is in progress?
If the timeline is long, we say so honestly. Stay in touch and we will see whether it still makes sense when the right person can sign.
The house and its contents
Condition and belongings move the price more than anything else. Read how in our offer routes page.
Do I need to empty the house first?
No. We buy with the contents in place, and the written offer lists what stays.
What if I want some of the furniture or family items?
Take them. Do it before closing, and tell us what is leaving so the offer is accurate.
Should I hire an estate-sale company?
That is up to the family. If you think there are valuable pieces, an appraiser or estate-sale company can help. It is not a requirement of ours.
The roof, air conditioner and water heater are old. Is that a problem?
That describes plenty of houses in this area, and the age of those systems is reflected in the price. It affects the figure we offer rather than whether we make one.
Are there things you will not buy?
If a house has a problem we cannot responsibly take on, such as a title issue nobody can resolve, we tell you so honestly.
Loans, money and taxes
Neither route is automatic, and both need professionals reading the paperwork. See the contact page if you want to talk it through.
There is still a mortgage. Can I sell?
Yes in many cases. A cash sale pays the loan off through the title company. Send the statement and we will say what looks workable.
Can you take over the loan payments instead?
In some cases. The loan documents and an attorney's review decide it, and we put it forward only when every step can be written down.
What if the loan is bigger than the house is worth?
Send us the figures. A cash sale may not be workable, and a takeover may or may not be. You will get a straight answer.
Will I owe tax on the sale?
That depends on your situation. A CPA or tax attorney can tell you how an inherited sale is treated. We cannot calculate it.
Do you charge a fee?
No fee for a first look or a written offer. Closing costs, if any, appear in writing before you sign.
Out of state and the practical side
Some answers for people handling a house from far away. Our San Tan Valley guide covers the local side.
Can I handle all this from another state?
A lot of it, yes. Calls, photos and the offer work remotely, and signing can often be arranged by mail or a mobile notary. The title company confirms what it accepts.
Who lets you into the house?
A neighbor, a relative, a manager or anyone with a key. Tell us who and we will arrange it around them.
Do you list my house or put up a sign?
No. We are a direct buyer, not a brokerage. Nothing is posted and no sign goes in the yard on our account.
What area is covered?
The San Tan Valley part of Arizona, chiefly the 85140, 85143 and 85144 ZIP codes.
Do I owe anything for sending my address?
No. Looking is free and you can decline whenever you like. The about page tells you more.
