Will I pay any fees or commissions?

No. When you sell directly to Garden State Cash Homes, there are no real estate agent commissions or listing fees.

Do I need to make repairs or clean the house before selling?

No. We buy houses as-is, so you do not need to make repairs, paint, or clean out the property before selling.

How quickly can you close in New Jersey?

Many closings happen in about 14–21 days, and you can also choose a later closing date if you need more time.

How do you determine a fair cash offer?

We review the home’s condition and local comparable sales to determine a fair cash offer based on the current New Jersey market.

Can you buy my house if it has tenants, liens, or title issues?

Yes. We often work with situations involving tenants, liens, probate, and other complications. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll explain the options.

What happens if I don’t want to accept the offer?

There is no obligation. You can accept, decline, or counter the offer. The decision is always yours.

You get paid at closing. The closing is handled through a title company, and you receive your proceeds at settlement.

Can you sell an inherited house in New Jersey before probate is finished?

In most cases, you cannot close on the sale of an inherited house in New Jersey until probate authority is granted. An executor or administrator must receive court-appointed authority, such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, before legally transferring the property.

Do all heirs have to agree to sell an inherited house in New Jersey?

Yes. When multiple heirs have ownership interest in a New Jersey property, all parties must typically agree to the sale. Disputes between heirs can delay or prevent the sale until resolved.

Do you have to pay capital gains tax when selling an inherited house in New Jersey?

Inherited homes receive a stepped-up tax basis based on the property's value at the time of the owner's death. This often reduces or eliminates capital gains tax if the home is sold shortly after inheritance.

Can you sell an inherited house in New Jersey as-is?

Yes. Inherited houses in New Jersey can be sold as-is without making repairs or cleaning. Sellers are still required to disclose known material defects under New Jersey law.

How long does it take to sell an inherited house in New Jersey?

The timeline depends on probate status, property condition, and the selling method. Some sales close in a few weeks, while others take several months if probate or repairs are required.

Inherited house in New Jersey being prepared for sale during probate

How to Sell a House You Inherited in New Jersey

Inheriting a house in New Jersey can bring both opportunity and stress. Along with emotions, many heirs are left with practical questions: Do you need probate? Can you sell as-is? What taxes apply? How long does it take?

This guide explains how selling an inherited house in New Jersey actually works, step by step, so you can make informed decisions without confusion.

Quick Answer: Selling an Inherited House in New Jersey

To sell an inherited house in New Jersey, the executor or administrator must usually complete probate and receive legal authority to sell. Heirs may sell the property as-is, list it on the open market, or sell directly depending on condition and timeline. Inherited homes receive a stepped-up tax basis, which often reduces capital gains taxes. All heirs with ownership interest must generally agree to the sale.

What It Means to Inherit a House in New Jersey

When someone passes away and leaves you a home, ownership does not always transfer automatically. Before the property can be sold, legal authority must usually be established.

How the property transfers depends on how it was owned:

Property left through a will typically requires probate
Property held in a trust may transfer without probate
Property owned jointly with right of survivorship may transfer directly to the surviving owner

Each situation affects how quickly the home can be sold and who is authorized to sign.

Do You Have to Go Through Probate Before Selling?

In most New Jersey cases, yes.

If the home is part of an estate, many heirs choose to explore selling a probate property in New Jersey to avoid long timelines, repairs, and buyer financing delays.

Probate is the court process that validates the will and officially appoints an executor or administrator. That appointment gives someone legal authority to sell the property.

While the home can sometimes be marketed before probate is fully completed, the sale cannot close until the executor or administrator has formal court authority.

Probate timelines vary, but many estates take several months and some take longer depending on complexity or disagreements among heirs.

Documents Needed to Sell an Inherited House in NJ

Most inherited home sales in New Jersey require:

Certified death certificate
Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
Property deed and title information
Probate or estate documentation required by the title company

A title company or attorney will confirm exactly what is required before closing.

Taxes on an Inherited Property in New Jersey

Tax concerns are common, but many heirs are surprised to learn they owe less than expected.

Inheritance Tax

New Jersey does have an inheritance tax, but it depends on your relationship to the deceased. Immediate family members are often exempt, while more distant heirs may owe tax.

Estate Tax

New Jersey no longer has a state estate tax. Federal estate tax applies only to very large estates.

Capital Gains Tax

Inherited property receives a stepped-up basis, meaning the home’s value resets to its fair market value at the time of death. In many cases, this significantly reduces or eliminates capital gains tax when selling.

Property Taxes

Property taxes remain the responsibility of the estate or heirs until the property is sold and must be paid at closing.

Because tax situations vary, consulting an accountant or estate attorney is often wise before selling.

If the property has unresolved debts or claims, learning how liens affect selling a house in New Jersey can help avoid surprises at closing.

Your Options When Selling an Inherited House

There is no single “right” way to sell. The best option depends on the home’s condition, timeline, and family situation.

Sell on the Open Market

Listing with a real estate agent may bring a higher price but often requires repairs, cleaning, showings, and time. This route works best for homes in good condition when time is not urgent.

Sell the House As-Is

Selling as-is means no repairs, no cleaning, and no updates. This option is often chosen when the property needs work, the heirs live out of state, or probate timelines are tight. Disclosure laws still apply.

Many heirs decide to sell a house as-is in New Jersey to avoid repair costs, clean-outs, and extended listing timelines.

Keep or Rent the Property

Some heirs choose to keep the home as a rental or future residence. This involves ongoing maintenance, insurance, taxes, and landlord responsibilities.

Step-by-Step: Selling an Inherited House in New Jersey

Confirm legal authority to sell through probate or title transfer
Determine the home’s fair market value
Decide whether to list, sell as-is, or explore other options
Address belongings, clean-out, or repairs if needed
Complete required disclosures
Close through a New Jersey title company or attorney

Each step can be adjusted based on your timeline and goals.

Common Questions About Selling an Inherited Home in NJ

Can you sell an inherited house before probate is finished?
You can prepare or market the property, but you generally cannot close without court-appointed authority.

Do all heirs need to agree to sell?
Yes. When multiple heirs are involved, all parties with ownership interest typically must consent.

Do you have to fix up the house before selling?
No. Many inherited homes are sold as-is, especially when repairs would be costly or time-consuming.

How long does it take to sell an inherited house?
Timelines vary. Probate, condition, and selling method all affect how quickly the sale can close.

Moving Forward After an Inheritance

Selling an inherited home in New Jersey is both a legal and emotional process. Understanding probate, taxes, and your selling options helps reduce stress and costly mistakes.

Every estate is different. The right solution depends on your goals, the home’s condition, and how quickly you need to move forward.

If you’re unsure which option makes the most sense for your situation, speaking with a local New Jersey homebuyer can help you understand timelines, costs, and next steps before making any decisions.

Contact us today!

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Probate rules, tax obligations, and real estate requirements can vary based on individual circumstances. Homeowners and heirs in New Jersey should consult with a qualified attorney, accountant, or estate professional before making final decisions.