Inheriting a house often comes with a lot at once: grief, family decisions, an empty building that still needs heat, insurance, and taxes. I buy inherited houses as-is, including the belongings left inside if you want.

Who can sign. Usually the executor (named in a will, with letters testamentary) or the administrator (no will, with letters of administration), both issued by the Surrogate’s Court. Under EPTL 11-1.1, a fiduciary generally has power to sell estate real property unless the will or court order limits it, or the house was specifically left to a named person. Check your letters for restrictions with your estate attorney.

What I can help with: no repairs, no cleanout, flexible closing to match the estate timeline, and working with the estate attorney and all heirs. What you’ll still need: your own estate attorney, the letters, and agreement among the parties who must sign. Full guide: How to sell an inherited house in NYC. [PLACEHOLDER: one real estate purchase story from Naor] Get an offer

Which Surrogate’s Court handles the estate

The petition is filed in the county where the person lived: Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Bronx, Richmond (Staten Island), or New York (Manhattan).

Before you sign anything

Look at your letters. Check whether they say “restricted as to real property.” If they do, your attorney needs a further court order before closing.
Fresh letters for closing. Title companies often want letters issued recently, so ask your attorney to re-certify them shortly before closing.
Get a date-of-death value. An appraisal sets the tax basis, and it also documents that the sale price was fair. As a fiduciary, the executor owes that to the beneficiaries.
Keep the house insured and heated. A vacant house usually needs a vacant-property policy.
Closing paperwork. Estate sales often need extra forms; your attorney may ask for NYS forms such as ET-117 (estate tax lien release) or IT-2663 (if the estate or heirs are nonresidents).

Common questions

Can we sell before probate is finished? Usually once letters are issued, unless they are restricted. Ask your estate attorney.
Do all the heirs have to agree? It depends on the will and the letters. Disagreements are the most common delay.
Do we have to empty the house? No. You can leave furniture and belongings.

Related: house needs repairs · all situations · FAQ

Keeping the family house? See brownstone and townhouse renovation or renovation services.