What Should You Do With an Inherited Property in Sacramento?

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Inheriting a home can be a mixed blessing — one that stirs up both gratitude and uncertainty. While it may feel like a generous and heartfelt gift from a loved one who passed, it also comes with a set of emotional, legal, and financial responsibilities that many people aren’t fully prepared for. You might be facing questions about the property’s condition, existing debts or taxes, whether probate is required, or how to divide the asset fairly with siblings or other heirs. And on top of all that, you’re likely still grieving.

If you’ve recently inherited a property in Sacramento, you may be asking yourself: What do I do now? Should I keep it? Rent it out? Sell it? This guide is here to help you make sense of your options — from understanding the probate process, to evaluating whether it makes more sense to hold onto the property or sell it. Whether you’re trying to make the best decision for your family, your finances, or simply your peace of mind, we’re here to walk you through the steps so you can move forward with confidence.

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Required

Before anything else, find out whether the property needs to go through probate. Probate is a court-supervised legal process required to transfer property ownership after someone passes away — unless the home was held in a living trust or had a transfer-on-death deed.

To learn more about how probate works in California, here are some reliable resources:

If the property is in California but you live elsewhere, you may need to file probate here, even if it was already done in another state.

To help families like yours navigate the probate and inheritance process, Laurel Sagen co-authored a helpful (and free) book titled “The Inheritance Puzzle – How to Save Your Family Home.” It was written alongside five experienced, Sacramento-based estate planning and probate attorneys:

Request your free copy at LaurelBuysHouses.com or call 916-476-2381.

Option 1: Rent It Out for Passive Income

If you don’t want to live in the home, turning it into a rental property could create a new income stream. Sacramento’s rental market continues to grow, and inherited homes can be a great investment — especially if they come with tenants already in place.

Pros:

  • Monthly rental income

  • Long-term property appreciation

  • May already have renters

Cons:

  • Landlord responsibilities (repairs, maintenance, taxes)

  • Finding new tenants if vacant

  • HOA rules and fees (if applicable)

Renting can work for some, but if you’d rather not deal with late-night plumbing issues or eviction notices, you have other paths.

Option 2: Sell to a Local Homebuying Company Like Laurel Buys Houses

If being a landlord isn’t for you, selling might be the most straightforward solution.

At Laurel Buys Houses, we buy inherited properties as-is throughout the Sacramento area — even homes that need repairs, have leftover belongings, or are still in probate. We handle:

  • All paperwork

  • Communication with probate attorneys if needed

  • Quick closings on your schedule

  • No agent commissions or closing costs

Want to see what your home is worth? Call us at 916-476-2381 or visit LaurelBuysHouses.com.

💡 Tip: To understand your home’s value, check Zillow’s Sacramento Housing Market Data or use the Sacramento County Assessor’s Office to review property tax records and market trends.

Option 3: Donate or Gift the Property

If you don’t want the house and aren’t interested in selling, you can legally donate or gift it to:

  • A charity or nonprofit organization

  • A family member or friend

  • The local city or county (in some cases)

Important: Even if you plan to give the house away, you may still need to go through probate first to gain legal authority to transfer the title. Also, consult with a tax professional or estate attorney about any gift or capital gains implications.

Want Help Navigating the Process?

You’re not alone. Whether you want to sell, rent, or simply learn more about your inherited property, we’re here to help.

📘 Want a free copy of Laurel’s book, The Inheritance Puzzle?
Visit LaurelBuysHouses.com or call us at 916-476-2381.

Our local Sacramento team can walk you through your options, connect you with trusted probate attorneys, or make you a fair, all-cash offer — all with no pressure.

Call Us!
(916) 476-2381