Inheriting a house in Ontario might seem like a blessing at first—until reality hits. Maybe you’re staring down a mountain of paperwork, property taxes, or family disagreements. Suddenly, that inherited property feels more like a burden than a gift. So what can you actually do if you need to sell it quickly, cleanly, and without losing your mind?
At Bloom Homes, we’ve helped tons of folks in your exact situation. Whether it’s a house stuck in probate or a place that’s falling apart at the seams, there are options to sell without jumping through hoops. Let’s walk through what you need to know to make the process easier.
What Happens When You Inherit a House?
First things first—before you can even think about selling, you need to sort out ownership. If the home’s still going through probate, that process needs to wrap up before you can legally sell. Probate is basically the legal way the government confirms who gets what when someone passes away. Sounds dry, we know. But it matters.
Sometimes, probate is quick and smooth. Other times? Not so much. If there’s no will, if there are multiple heirs, or if someone contests the estate, things can get messy. But even if it’s messy, you can still sell with the right help.
Common Problems with Inherited Properties
Inherited homes can come with a whole laundry list of headaches:
- Outdated or damaged interiors
- Mortgage arrears or unpaid taxes
- Maintenance issues from years of neglect
- Disagreements between siblings or heirs
- Tenants still living in the home
- Probate delays
Trying to clean it up, fix it, and list it on the open market can feel like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops. Not exactly fun.
Can You Sell an Inherited House Before Probate?
It depends. In most cases, you’ll have to wait until probate finishes up before you can legally close a sale. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start the process early. For example, you can:
- Reach out to real estate professionals (like Bloom Homes!)
- Collect details on the home’s value and condition
- Start talking to other heirs about selling
- Clean out personal belongings or trash (unless advised not to by a lawyer)
And here’s the deal—if you’re the executor, you’re responsible for keeping that property safe and maintained during this time. That means keeping the lights on, making sure it’s insured, and locking the doors. It can be a lot to juggle.
Options to Sell an Inherited Home Fast
Alright, here’s where things get more hopeful. You don’t have to go it alone—and you don’t have to take the long road either.
Here are the top ways people in Ontario sell inherited homes without going through weeks of stress:
1. Sell to a Cash Home Buyer
Let’s start with the easiest route. Cash buyers, like us at Bloom Homes, purchase houses as-is. You don’t have to repair a thing, clean up, or even take everything out. We make a fair cash offer, and if you accept, you choose the closing date. Done and dusted.
Benefits:
- No repairs or renovations needed
- No real estate agent commissions
- Fast closings (sometimes in under 7 days!)
- Great for homes stuck in probate or with multiple heirs
2. List the Property with a Real Estate Agent
If the home’s in decent condition and you have time on your side, listing might fetch a higher price. But you’ll need to be prepared for:
- Repairs and staging costs
- Showings and inspections
- Closing delays
- Realtor fees
It works, but it’s not always the right fit for inherited properties—especially if the home is dated or full of personal belongings.
3. Use Seller Financing
Here’s a creative option: instead of selling outright, you act like the bank and finance the buyer’s purchase. They pay you in monthly installments. This works best if you own the home free and clear. It creates passive income and can help you get top dollar.
But… you’ll also need to manage the legal side and stay on top of payments. It’s not ideal if you want to walk away quickly.
4. Lease-to-Purchase Agreement
Don’t want to sell right away, but don’t want to hang onto the house either? A lease-to-purchase agreement lets a renter move in with the goal of buying the home later. You get rental income now, and the sale comes later.
Just keep in mind: it’s a longer play. And you’ll still be on the hook for property taxes and repairs during the lease term.
What’s the Best Option?
That depends on your situation. Ask yourself:
- Is the home in bad shape?
- Are you dealing with multiple heirs who need cash now?
- Is probate already complete—or nearly there?
- Do you live far from the property?
If you answered yes to any of those, working with a company like Bloom Homes could be the fastest and least stressful way to go.
What About Taxes?
Ah yes, the dreaded tax question. When you sell an inherited home in Ontario, you might be looking at capital gains tax. The good news? You only pay tax on the increase in value since the original owner passed away. So if the home was appraised at $450,000 when you inherited it and you sell it for $460,000, you’re only taxed on that $10,000 gain.
Still, it’s smart to talk to a tax advisor. They’ll help you figure out what, if anything, you’ll owe.
What If There Are Multiple Heirs?
Now we’re talking family politics. If you and your siblings inherited the property together, decisions must be unanimous unless otherwise stated in the will.
Here’s what helps:
- Have a sit-down chat early. Get everyone’s opinions on the table.
- Agree on a plan of action. Whether it’s selling for cash, listing it, or renting it out.
- Document everything. This protects you if anyone changes their mind later.
- Work with a third party. A company like Bloom Homes can be a neutral option that helps everyone move forward.
Why Choose Bloom Homes?
We’re not just cash buyers. We’re Ontario locals who actually care. Whether you want to sell your inherited home fast, need time to sort out probate, or want help finding another way to sell, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve helped sellers in all kinds of life situations:
- Tired landlords ready to offload a property
- Families overwhelmed by inheritance and estate issues
- Homeowners with tax problems or code violations
- People going through divorce, foreclosure, or major life change
You’ve got options—and we’ll help you find the one that makes sense.
Final Thoughts (without calling them that!)
Selling an inherited property can feel like a lot. But with the right help, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether the place needs work, probate’s still in play, or the whole family needs to agree, there are ways to get the job done fast, fair, and with less stress.
If you’re feeling stuck or just want someone to lay it out plain and simple, reach out to Bloom Homes. We’re here to help you sell that house fast, no matter what shape it’s in or how tricky the situation looks.