If you’ve inherited a home in California, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Californians face the emotional and logistical challenges of managing inherited property — often during difficult times. Whether you’re a beneficiary, trustee, or executor, this guide walks you through your legal rights, responsibilities, and strategic options when dealing with inherited real estate in the Golden State.
🏛️ Understanding Inherited Property in California
Inherited property refers to any real estate passed down through a will, trust, or California’s intestate succession laws when someone dies without a will.
California is a community property state, which impacts how assets — including homes — are distributed. Inheritance rules vary depending on whether the decedent had an estate plan and what form of ownership was used (sole ownership, joint tenancy, trust, etc.).
🔗 California Wills, Estates & Probate Guide – CA Courts
🧭 Do You Need to Go Through Probate in California?
In most cases, yes — unless the property was held in a living trust or transferred via a “transfer on death deed.”
California Probate Triggers:
- Property titled solely in the deceased’s name
- No joint tenancy or trust
- Total estate value exceeds $184,500 (as of 2025)
If probate is required, the process usually lasts 9 to 18 months and involves court oversight. A simplified small estate affidavit may apply if the value is under the threshold.
🔗 CA Courts – Probate Process Overview
🧾 Step-by-Step: What to Do with an Inherited Home
- Verify Ownership and Title
Check how the property is titled — sole, joint, or trust? - Open Probate (if necessary)
File a petition in the county probate court where the decedent lived. - Secure the Property
Change locks, turn off unnecessary utilities, and prevent deterioration. - Order an Appraisal
Get a professional valuation for probate and tax purposes. - Handle Outstanding Debts
The estate must pay property taxes, mortgages, and liens. - Decide: Keep, Sell, or Rent?
This depends on financial needs, co-heir preferences, and estate liquidity. - Consult a Probate Attorney
Legal guidance is highly recommended to avoid liability. - Complete the Transfer or Sale
Once court approvals are complete, finalize the sale or transfer.
💰 Tax Considerations for Inherited Real Estate in CA
One major benefit in California is the stepped-up basis rule, which resets the property’s value for capital gains to the fair market value at the time of death.
Key Tax Rules:
- No inheritance tax in California
- Federal estate taxes apply only above ~$13.6M (2025)
- Capital gains apply only to gains above the stepped-up basis after the sale
- Prop 19 affects property tax transfers between parents and children
🔗 California State Board of Equalization – Prop 19
🏚️ Selling an Inherited Home in California: As-Is vs Renovation
Many heirs face this dilemma:
- As-Is Sale: Sell to a cash buyer with no repairs or cleaning
- Renovation & Listing: Fix up the home, stage it, and list with a Realtor
Why Sellers Choose As-Is:
- Avoid capital outlay on repairs
- Prevent family disputes
- Speed up probate closure
- Sell quickly to avoid market volatility
🔗 Get a No-Obligation California Cash Offer
👥 What If There Are Multiple Heirs?
Co-inheritors must agree on the plan for the home. You have three main options:
- Sell and split proceeds
- Buy out the other heirs
- Hold as co-owners or rent out jointly
Disagreements can be resolved through:
- Family negotiation
- Mediation
- Partition actions (court-ordered sale)
🔗 What Is a Partition Action? – Nolo Legal Guide
🛠️ How Local Home Buyers USA Can Help in California
We specialize in buying inherited homes across California fast, with no fees, commissions, or repairs. Our team handles:
- Court communication
- Mobile notary & remote closings
- Probate document coordination
- All title & escrow fees
📍 Local expertise in: Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Riverside, and more.
✅ Get a cash offer in 24 hours — and sell in as little as 7 days.
🧘 Final Thoughts: Inherited Homes Don’t Have to Be Complicated
You didn’t ask for this responsibility — but with the right support, dealing with inherited real estate in California doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Local Home Buyers USA is here to help you navigate the emotional, financial, and legal complexities of inheritance so you can focus on what matters most.
🔖 Related Resources:
- 🔗 California Wills & Probate Self-Help Portal
- 🔗 California Prop 19 Guide – BOE
- 🔗 CA Inheritance Overview – Nolo
- 🔗 How It Works – Local Home Buyers USA
- 🔗 Testimonials
Need help selling an inherited house in California? Call 1-800-858-0588 or visit our California page above.
