What we do with the house and its contents
We buy houses as-is, in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no cleanout required to sell to us. Sell an inherited house without cleanout, repairs, or hauling away a lifetime of belongings — we take it as it is. We can discuss what stays with the house and put the agreed contents in the written terms.
While a house remains in the estate, it can keep bringing bills for utilities, insurance, taxes, upkeep, and repairs. You can compare those carrying costs with a written offer without assuming what you want to do with the property.
What happens next
- Tell us the Ithaca or Tompkins County address, what you know about the house and contents, and what estate papers are available.
- We discuss the property with you and prepare a written cash offer.
- Written offer and written terms before you commit; title-company closing.
We help coordinate the sale, but we do not provide legal advice. The title company or a qualified attorney can confirm who has authority to sign for the estate.
Signing from another location
Sell from anywhere in the country — we can send a notary to you, and you don't have to attend settlement or even visit the property.
Compare what the estate may keep
Compare editable assumptions for an inherited-property sale with the house's carrying costs and written offer terms.
Open the Ithaca home-sale net-proceeds calculator →New York estate authority and transfer taxes
In New York, an executor or administrator appointed by the Surrogate's Court can generally sell estate property during administration, subject to the will and court restrictions. A house the will leaves to a specific person is outside that sale power, so the sale usually needs that person's agreement or a court order. Some court papers also require approval before real estate is sold. See the state rules on estate sale powers, court appointment and letters, and court-supervised sales.
Being named executor in a will is not the same as having the court's appointment. Some houses pass outside probate through a valid transfer-on-death deed. The deed and estate papers determine who can sign. A release of the New York State estate-tax lien is generally needed to close; see the state lien-release information.
New York State real estate transfer tax is $2 for each $500 of sale price, or part of $500, when the price exceeds $500. As of October 4, 2026, Tompkins County lists an ordinary combined transfer tax of $6 per $1,000 before applicable exemptions: $4 for the state portion and $2 for the county portion. The state tax information and Tompkins County Clerk fee schedule explain the listed rates.
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including New York State real estate transfer tax and Tompkins County real estate transfer tax. This does not pay your mortgage, liens, back taxes, or share of current property taxes.
We help coordinate the sale, but we do not provide legal advice. The title company or a qualified attorney can confirm who has authority to sign for the estate.
Local records and reviews
Tompkins County Clerk's Office
Use the county clerk's official links for county services and current office information.
Open Tompkins County Clerk →Tompkins County Clerk Land Services
Land Services is the county route for deed and land-record questions.
Open County Clerk Land Services →If you need an estate attorney, we can help you find one.
Read the Ithaca home-buyer trust and reviews guide →
“My grandfather worked at Kodak his whole career. When he passed, I inherited the house in the 19th Ward — built in 1938, original kitchen, needed a new roof and furnace. I live in Albany and couldn't manage the property long-distance. USA Home Buyers had a written offer the next day and we closed in 10 days through Monroe County Surrogate's Court.”
Inherited Property — Estate Sale. This is a Rochester transaction, not an Ithaca sale. Testimonials are real, from our transactions, verified and approved by our attorneys.
Questions about selling an inherited Ithaca house
Can I sell an inherited New York house before the estate is finished?
Often, yes. An executor or administrator appointed by the Surrogate’s Court can generally sell estate property during administration, subject to the will and court restrictions. A house the will leaves to a specific person is outside that power, so the sale usually needs that person’s agreement or a court order. The estate papers and title review determine who may sign.
Is being named executor in a will enough to sign?
No. Being named executor in a will is not the same as having the Surrogate’s Court appointment. An appointed executor or administrator may generally sell estate property during administration, subject to the will, court papers, and title requirements.
Does the house have to be put in my name before the estate can sell it?
You can sell in the estate’s name once the estate is opened — no need to put the house in your own name first. The title company or a qualified attorney must confirm the correct signer and sale documents for the estate.
Can a transfer-on-death deed keep a house out of probate?
Some houses pass outside probate through a valid transfer-on-death deed. The deed and estate papers determine who can sign, so have the recorded deed and title reviewed for the specific property.
What transfer taxes apply in Tompkins County?
New York State real estate transfer tax is $2 for each $500 of sale price, or part of $500, when the price exceeds $500. Tompkins County lists an ordinary combined transfer tax of $6 per $1,000 before applicable exemptions. When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including New York State real estate transfer tax and Tompkins County real estate transfer tax. That does not pay a mortgage, liens, back taxes, or the seller’s share of current property taxes.
Do I need to clean out or repair an inherited house first?
Sell an inherited house without cleanout, repairs, or hauling away a lifetime of belongings — we take it as it is. We can talk through the contents and put the agreed terms in writing.
Can I sign from another state?
Sell from anywhere in the country — we can send a notary to you, and you don’t have to attend settlement or even visit the property. The title company and estate professionals still confirm the required documents and signing authority.
Related Ithaca resources
Talk through the inherited house
Call 888-274-5006 any time, or send the property address and the estate details you have.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours.
We'll give you a written cash offer within 24 hours.