Checklist for Selling an Inherited Property in West Virginia

4. Select a personal representative (if multiple heirs)

If there are multiple heirs, you’ll need to appoint a personal representative (also known as the executor) to oversee the property and its sale. You may find that the deceased West Virginia homeowner has already named an executor in their will. If not, the heirs must all agree and legally name someone to handle essential responsibilities such as managing paperwork, paying necessary bills, and working with a real estate agent.

The executor should be emotionally and practically equipped to handle these duties, which can take up to a year.

5. Open an estate account to manage funds

Set up an estate account to handle all income and expenses related to the inherited West Virginia home. This account can also hold proceeds from the property sale and provide a clear paper trail for transparency.

Using a separate estate account can help prevent family disputes and streamline the process of paying any outstanding debts.

6. Determine the value of the home

While this checklist item will add a small expense, hiring a professional appraiser will put everyone at ease about the property’s value. This step can also help determine a listing price when it’s time to sell. The average cost of a home appraisal ranges from $314 to $423.

Another option is to ask a local real estate agent for a comparative market analysis (CMA) report that compares similar nearby properties to estimate your home’s current value. Many agents will provide a CMA for free as part of a no-obligation consultation. For a no-cost preliminary estimate, use HomeLight’s online Home Value Estimator.

7. Select a selling method that fits your goals

Now it’s time to decide whether you want to sell the home on the open market using a real estate agent or take a faster, easier route by working with a West Virginia cash buyer. Here’s a quick look at these options:

• Cash homebuyer: If you’re seeking speed and convenience, consider selling to a cash buyer. You’ll receive a lower sale price, but this option eliminates the need for repairs, staging, marketing, and drawn-out negotiations. This may be a good choice if you’re trying to manage the sale from out of state, and the distance is costing you time and money (and causing frustration).
• Top real estate agent: If getting the most proceeds is your priority, work with a top West Virginia real estate agent. A performance-proven agent can guide you on what repairs to make, and which repairs you can skip. They will price and market the home to get the highest possible offers. HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for as much as 10% more than average agents.

Get a no-obligation cash offer in 24 hours: HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform will connect you to the largest network of trusted cash buyers in the country. With Simple Sale, you close in as few as 10 days.

Find a top-rated West Virginia agent: HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform analyzes nearly 30 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which West Virginia agent is best for you based on your specific needs.

8. Consider hiring a mediator for family disagreements

When selling an inherited home in West Virginia, you may run into situations when family members or co-heirs don’t see eye-to-eye on how to handle the property. For example, one heir might not want to sell the house due to strong sentimental attachments. Another may have different ideas about what needs to be repaired or the home’s list price.

If multiple heirs are involved and cannot agree on key decisions, you may want to hire a mediator who can help resolve disagreements. An impartial third-party professional can lead discussions about the home’s price, needed repairs, or distribution of sale proceeds so the process can move forward.

Consult With an Experienced Agent in Your Market

HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool can connect you with a top-performing agent to help you make the best decisions about selling a house you have inherited. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

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9. Sell, donate, or discard unwanted items

Inherited houses often come with a lot of unwanted belongings. Cleaning and decluttering can be a significant step toward preparing the home for sale. According to a HomeLight survey of 1,000 top real estate agents, just clearing away clutter can help a home sell for as much as $8,000 more, on average.

10. Prepare the home for sale (if listing on the market)

Work with your real estate agent to decide which repairs or updates will attract buyers and earn the highest purchase offers. Focus on cost-effective improvements that make the home stand out. West Virginia buyers often appreciate move-in-ready (turnkey) homes, so even small repairs can make a big difference.

Below is a list of some high-impact preparations that will help increase the home’s curb appeal so it is more likely to sell faster and for more money:

• Hire a landscaper to clean and beautify the outside property.
• Add fresh mulch and colorful flowers.
• Replace or paint the front door and spruce up the entryway.
• Clean or replace any dirty or worn-out carpets.
• Remove scuff marks from linoleum floors.
• Replace tattered blinds, drapes, and furniture covers.
• Fill in holes and cracks so walls are ready for painting.
• Paint interior walls in light, neutral colors (a high ROI action).
• If needed, paint the exterior, even if just on the trim.
• Replace or fix broken fixtures (e.g., lights, knobs, door handles).
• Fix dripping faucets and apply fresh caulk to bathtubs and showers.
• Deodorize the house if necessary (especially if pet odors are present).

11. Sell your inherited West Virginia home

Once the home is prepared, your agent will help you price, list, and market the property to potential buyers. Your agent’s marketing plan should include professional photos, open house events, and showings. Many top agents will also create virtual or video tours and list the home on key social media platforms.

Your agent will handle all the necessary paperwork and provide guidance about required federal disclosures (more on this below). Their expertise can streamline the process from negotiating offers to closing the sale.

Alternatively, if speed is your priority, HomeLight’s Simple Sale can provide a cash offer within 24 hours. To get started, answer a few questions about your inherited West Virginia property and your selling timeline.

Ready to sell your inherited property in West Virginia?

Selling an inherited property in West Virginia can initially feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right plan and support, you can make it a rewarding venture. Whether you’re tackling a probate situation, coordinating with co-heirs, or just trying to get the highest sale price, following a checklist can make a huge difference.

If you need more help, consider connecting with a top West Virginia real estate agent through HomeLight’s Agent Match platform. A trusted local agent can guide you through the entire process, offer expert advice, and help you achieve your financial and timeline goals.

Or if you need a fast, convenient sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can provide a no-obligation cash offer, allowing you to close and move forward in as few as 10 days.

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

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