Steps For Selling an Inherited Property With Multiple Owners

Selling inherited property with multiple owners can feel overwhelming at first. When multiple heirs share ownership, making decisions can get complicated, but there are clear steps that can help simplify and calm the process.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key steps for selling an inherited property with multiple owners, with insights from a top real estate agent who specializes in these types of sales.

Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes. If you need assistance navigating the legalities or tax implications of selling an inherited property with multiple owners, HomeLight encourages you to consult a professional advisor.

First, agree on what to do with the property

When siblings or other heirs inherit a home, the first big decision is what to do with the property. Your primary options include:

Sell the property
Rent the property
One heir buys out the property
Arrange for shared use of the property
Be prepared for a partition action, a civil lawsuit that forces the division or sale of a property that is jointly owned

For this post, we’ll assume all heirs agree that the property should be sold.

Steps for selling an inherited property with multiple owners

1. Establish clear, consistent communication

When selling inherited property with multiple owners, communication is critical. Misunderstandings or conflicts among heirs can delay the process. Early on, decide on how you’ll communicate — whether through emails, regular meetings, or group calls — and ensure that everyone is kept in the loop.

Consistent updates can help prevent confusion and maintain trust throughout the sale. This will be especially important if the legal process of probate is required.

“The role of probate is to make sure that the assets of the estate are protected from other possible adverse developments,” explains Jon Ahern, a top California real estate agent with more than 20 years of experience helping families with inherited homes. “That’s the number one purpose — to make sure the assets are protected and passed to the beneficiary in the most efficient manner.”

2. Consult a real estate attorney

A real estate attorney can provide essential legal guidance when multiple owners are involved. They’ll help you navigate the legalities of selling inherited property, including reviewing ownership documents, clarifying title issues, and making sure all heirs are in agreement. An attorney can also ensure that the sale complies with state and local inheritance laws.

“If you inherit a property and there was no will, and it wasn’t in a trust, and then it goes to probate, make sure you contact a good probate attorney to guide you through the process,” Ahern recommends. “Even if there is a trust, and you’re the trustee who makes all the decisions on selling the property, I would still be in communication with the attorney who wrote up that trust.”