Not always. It depends on how the property is titled, whether it is held in a trust, whether there is a surviving co-owner, and the size and structure of the estate. A probate attorney can help determine which process applies.

If the property was properly transferred into a trust, the Trustee may be able to sell it without going through formal probate. The trust document and title records should be reviewed first to confirm authority.

Proposition 19 changed California’s parent-child property tax rules. In some cases, an inherited home may be reassessed to current market value unless an exclusion applies and the required conditions are met.

Inherited property generally receives a new tax basis based on the property’s fair market value as of the date of death, subject to applicable tax rules. Capital gain is typically based on the difference between that adjusted basis and the eventual sale price, less certain allowable costs.

You do not necessarily need to fix everything before selling. Some repairs may protect value or affect financing, while others may not provide a worthwhile return. The best approach depends on the home’s condition, price point, buyer pool, and your goals.

Yes. Many inherited-property sales are handled remotely. With the right local team, inspections, vendors, repairs, access, documents, and the sale itself can often be coordinated without you being physically present.

Depending on the situation, your team may include a probate or estate-planning attorney, CPA or tax advisor, title/escrow professionals, and a REALTOR® experienced with inherited-property sales.