Keep it or move in
If an heir wants the house and can take over the mortgage, taxes and upkeep, keeping it can make sense. The personal representative or an estates attorney can explain how the house passes to that heir.
Inherited a house in Maryland? Here's how the sale usually works.
Opening the estate with the Register of Wills, who has the power to sell, how long creditors have, and when Maryland inheritance tax applies.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
How it works in Maryland
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1
Open the estate
Estates are opened with the Register of Wills in the county where the person lived when they died. An estate is a small estate if the property subject to administration in Maryland is worth $50,000 or less ($100,000 or less if the spouse is the sole heir); for real property, the tax assessment value may be used instead of a formal appraisal.
Source: Maryland Register of Wills, Understand What Is Necessary to Open an Estate
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2
The personal representative can sell
Once appointed, a personal representative may sell or lease estate property without asking the court for approval, unless the will or a court order limits that power.
Source: Maryland Code, Estates and Trusts § 7-401(a) and (n)
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Creditors have a deadline
Most claims against the estate are barred unless presented within 6 months after the date of death, or within 2 months after the personal representative sends a creditor written notice, whichever comes first. A mortgage or other lien on the house still has to be paid.
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4
Inheritance tax, only for some heirs
Maryland's inheritance tax is 10% of the clear value of what passes to an heir, but it doesn't apply to a spouse, children and their descendants, parents, grandparents, or brothers and sisters. It also doesn't apply to property from an estate that qualifies as a small estate.
Your real options
Sell it as-is for cash
If no one wants the house and it needs work or a cleanout, a cash sale can close in as little as 7 days once the personal representative is ready to sign. No repairs, no fees or commissions, and no obligation.
List it on the market
If the house is in good shape and the estate isn't in a hurry, listing often brings a higher price. We'll show you the cash offer next to what listing could net, so the family can decide together.
See both numbers
Example: a $250,000 home
| Offer | $205,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $0 |
| Commissions | $0 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| You walk away with | $205,000 |
| In 7 to 14 days | |
| Sale price | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | about $8,000 |
| Commissions | about $13,800 |
| Closing and holding | about $6,000 |
| You walk away with | about $222,200 |
| In 60 to 90 days | |
Example only. Your numbers depend on your home and market.
This page explains the general rules. It isn't legal or tax advice. Estates vary, so talk to the Register of Wills, an estates attorney or a tax professional about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Who can sign to sell an inherited house in Maryland?
Usually the personal representative appointed through the Register of Wills. Maryland law lets a personal representative sell estate property without court approval unless the will or a court order limits that power.
Do I have to pay Maryland inheritance tax on my parent's house?
No. Maryland's 10% inheritance tax doesn't apply to property passing to a child, spouse, parent, grandparent, or brother or sister. It can apply to other heirs, such as nieces, nephews or friends, unless an exception covers them.
How long before the house can be sold?
It depends on how quickly the estate is opened and a personal representative is appointed, and on whether the will or a court order limits the power to sell. Most creditor claims must be presented within 6 months of the death. Once the personal representative is ready to sign, a cash sale can close in as little as 7 days.
Who are you?
We are real estate investors based in Baltimore, helping homeowners since 2016. We buy houses directly for cash. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage and do not list homes ourselves; if listing could get you more, we show you the math so you can choose.