Selling an Inherited House in Longview, TX

What we do with the house and its contents

Sell an inherited house without cleanout, repairs, or hauling away a lifetime of belongings — we take it as it is. We buy houses as-is, in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no cleanout required to sell to us. You do not have to clear the contents before selling to us.

While a house is being held, costs like the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and upkeep can continue. You can compare a sale with the cost of carrying the property without assuming the house was unwanted.

Texas estate rules and sale costs

Texas property passes at death to the people named in the will, or to the heirs if there is no will, but it remains subject to the person's debts. Who can sign a deed depends on how the estate is handled.

In an independent administration, an executor or administrator can sell without first asking a judge. The court-issued letters are proof of appointment that the title company asks for. For a buyer who is not an heir or beneficiary to receive the law's good-faith protection, the will or appointment order must give the executor power to sell, or the executor or administrator must record a sworn affidavit that the sale is necessary or advisable for a purpose allowed by law.

In a dependent administration, the court stays in charge. A court order is required to sell, and the judge must approve the sale before the deed is signed.

If there is a will and the only unpaid debts are a mortgage or other liens on real estate, a court may admit the will as a “muniment of title.” No executor is appointed; the court's order lets the people named in the will deal with the property. This route generally must be requested within four years of the death.

If there is no will, heirs can agree to have an independent administrator appointed and give that person power to sell. If there is no probate, heirs usually all sign the deed, and the title company decides what proof of heirship it needs, such as an affidavit of heirship. Any mortgage or other liens must be addressed through the closing and title process.

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.

• Texas Estates Code §§ 101.001, 101.003, and 101.051 — property at death and estate administration
• Texas Estates Code Chapter 401 — independent administration and Chapter 402 — independent executor sale authority
• Texas Estates Code Chapter 356 — dependent administration sales
• Texas Estates Code Chapter 257 — muniment of title
• Tarrant County Law Library — affidavit of heirship research guide

Texas transfer tax and deed recording

Texas has no state, county, or city real-estate transfer tax on a sale that conveys full ownership. The deed is signed before a notary and recorded with the county clerk. The clerk charges by the page, not by the sale price, and may charge more if the deed leaves out the buyer's mailing address.

When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs. Your mortgage, liens, back taxes, and share of current property taxes are separate.

Local estate and deed offices

Longview is in Gregg and Harrison Counties. The county for a specific property must be checked in parcel and title records; an address or mailing label alone may not establish it. If you need an estate attorney, we can help you find one.

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Questions and contact

You can call 888-274-5006 or use the form to ask for a cash offer. For an estate-specific legal answer, the title company or a qualified attorney can review the will, court appointment, and property records.