It’s extremely common for a parent’s home to be the biggest—or only—significant asset in their estate. But when real estate makes up most of the inheritance, probate becomes more complicated for beneficiaries. Unlike cash, a house can’t be easily divided, and the decisions surrounding it often lead to disagreements, delays, and financial strain.
If you’re waiting on an inheritance tied to real estate, here’s what you need to know and what options you have.
Why Real Estate Creates Probate Challenges
Real estate is valuable, but it’s also complicated. Probate involving property may require:
- Appraisals
- Maintenance and repairs
- Mortgage payments
- Insurance coverage
- Property taxes
- Utility bills
- Realtor involvement
- Market timing decisions
All of these factors slow down the estate process and affect how quickly beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
The Most Common Situations When a Home Is the Main Asset
1. The Home Needs to Be Sold to Divide the Inheritance
When multiple beneficiaries inherit a property, the court must ensure each person gets their fair share. Most times, this means selling the home and dividing the proceeds.
But selling a home in probate takes time—sometimes many months.
2. One Sibling Wants to Keep the Home
This often creates conflict. That sibling may:
- Need time to secure financing
- Struggle to qualify for a mortgage
- Disagree on the value of the house
- Expect a discounted buyout
Meanwhile, the other beneficiaries wait.
3. The Home Needs Repairs Before Selling
Probate homes often require:
- Cleaning
- Fixing code violations
- Updating interior features
- Addressing safety or structural issues
The estate must fund these expenses, delaying distribution.
4. The Mortgage Is Still Active
If there’s still a mortgage, someone must pay it until the estate closes. The court won’t allow the home to go into default.
5. The Real Estate Market Is Unfavorable
Executors may delay selling if market conditions are poor. This protects value—but slows inheritance.
What Beneficiaries Can Do When Real Estate Delays Probate
1. Request Regular Updates from the Executor
Beneficiaries have the right to:
- Know the status of the property
- See the appraisal
- Receive a timeline for sale
- Understand all expenses
- Review offers
Transparency helps prevent disputes and delays.
2. Ask for a Court-Ordered Sale
If disagreements are blocking progress, you can petition the court to force a sale.
3. Seek Your Own Appraisal
If you believe the property is undervalued, you can get an independent appraisal for accuracy.
4. Verify All Maintenance and Bills Are Being Paid
Failure to maintain the property reduces its value—and your inheritance.
5. Consider an Inheritance Advance
Real estate–based inheritances often take the longest to distribute. Beneficiaries sometimes wait more than a year for the home to sell and probate to close.
An advance can provide funds now rather than waiting for the sale.
When Family Disagreements Make Everything Worse
Real estate often triggers emotional reactions:
- One sibling feels entitled to the house
- Another wants it sold immediately
- Someone disagrees with the listing price
- One heir refuses to vacate the property
- Sentimental value conflicts with financial reality
These disputes directly delay the sale—and your inheritance.
Final Thoughts
When real estate is the main estate asset, probate can quickly become long, complicated, and expensive. While property can be a valuable inheritance, the waiting period often puts financial strain on beneficiaries.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be stuck waiting for the house to sell before receiving anything.
Need Money While Waiting for Probate Real Estate to Sell?
Approved Inheritance Cash provides fast inheritance advances for beneficiaries whose inheritance is tied up in real estate. No credit checks. No monthly payments. Repayment comes from the estate when the property sells.
Visit Approved Inheritance Cash today to get started.
