Inherited Home? A Simple Guide to Selling an Estate Property in WI & MN

A step-by-step roadmap for families navigating an estate sale—without feeling overwhelmed

Selling an inherited home can feel emotionally heavy and logistically confusing. You’re often balancing grief, family communication, legal requirements, and big financial decisions—all at once.

The good news? In Wisconsin and Minnesota, most estate property sales follow a clear, manageable process once you understand the steps.

Whether you’ve just inherited a home or you’re preparing to settle an estate, this guide walks you through the first 7 steps, the basic paperwork involved, and what kind of timeline to expect—so you can move forward with confidence.

Step 1: Confirm Ownership & Authority to Sell

Before anything else, determine who has legal authority to sell the property.

This depends on how the home was titled:

• Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed – Common in Wisconsin and Minnesota; avoids probate and transfers ownership directly to named beneficiaries.

• Joint ownership – Ownership may pass automatically to the surviving owner.

• Probate estate – The court appoints a Personal Representative (WI) or Executor (MN).

👉 Why this matters:
Only the person(s) with legal authority can sign a listing agreement or accept an offer.

Helpful documents at this stage:

• Death certificate

• TOD deed (if applicable)

• Probate court appointment papers (if required)

Step 2: Understand Whether Probate Is Required

Not all inherited homes go through probate.

In general:

• Probate may be avoided if the home had a TOD deed or was jointly owned

• Probate is required if the home was solely owned with no beneficiary designation

Probate timelines vary, but many estates can still list and sell the home during probate with court approval.

👉 This is where having a Realtor familiar with estate sales matters—they’ll know how to coordinate timing, paperwork, and title requirements.

Step 3: Take Stock of the Property (Before Cleaning Everything Out)

It’s tempting to start clearing the house immediately—but pause first.

Before major clean-out:

• Walk the home room by room

• Note visible repairs or deferred maintenance

• Identify valuable or sentimental items

• Locate paperwork stored in the home (deeds, insurance, tax records)

You may decide to:

• Sell as-is

• Make light repairs

• Hold an estate sale

• Donate or dispose of contents

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, especially with older homes common across WI & MN.

Step 4: Get a Realistic Value Opinion (Not Just a Zestimate)

Online estimates often miss key factors in estate properties, such as:

• Condition differences

• Deferred maintenance

• Unique layouts or older construction

• Rural vs. city market dynamics

A local market analysis will:

• Reflect current buyer demand

• Account for condition honestly

• Help you decide whether repairs make financial sense

👉 In many estate situations, selling as-is is the most practical and emotionally easiest option.

Step 5: Understand Taxes & Costs (The Basics)

While everyone’s situation is different, here are general concepts families often ask about:

• Step-up in basis – The home’s value is typically reset to market value at the time of death, which may reduce capital gains taxes.

• Property taxes – Remain the responsibility of the estate or heirs until sold.

• Utilities & insurance – Must stay active during the sale.

⚠️ Always confirm tax questions with an accountant or estate attorney—your Realtor can coordinate, but not advise on tax law.

Step 6: Prepare the Home for Listing (Keep It Simple)

Estate homes do not need to be perfect to sell well.

Often the best approach:

• Safety fixes only (handrails, hazards)

• Deep cleaning

• Minimal lawn and exterior cleanup

• Clear disclosure of known issues

Buyers in today’s market expect some imperfections—especially with inherited properties.

Step 7: List, Negotiate, and Close the Sale

Once listed:

• Offers may include inspection contingencies

• Buyers may request credits instead of repairs

• Closing timelines often run 30–45 days

Your Realtor should help:

• Coordinate probate or attorney timelines

• Communicate clearly with all heirs

• Keep the transaction moving without pressure

Common Paperwork You’ll Encounter

While every estate is unique, expect some combination of:

• Death certificate

• Letters of authority (if probate)

• TOD deed or title documents

• Seller disclosures

• Closing statements

• Probate court approvals (when required)

A good agent acts as a central organizer, not just a salesperson.

Typical Timeline for Selling an Inherited Home

While each situation varies, a general range looks like this:

• Non-probate sale: 30–60 days

• Probate sale: 60–120+ days (depending on court timing)

• Complex estates: Longer, with staged decision-making

The key is flexibility—and having guidance so nothing slips through the cracks.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Selling an inherited home is about more than real estate—it’s about closure, family coordination, and making thoughtful decisions during a stressful time.

If you’re facing an estate sale in Wisconsin or Minnesota, having someone who understands both the process and the emotional side can make all the difference.