Your options with inherited property
Every situation is different. Here are the most common paths for families inheriting property in St. Louis.
Sell to a cash buyer (us)
Speed and certainty. No repairs, no showings, no contingencies. Close in as little as 2–4 weeks and walk away with cash in hand.
Timeline
2–4 weeks to close
Best for
- Executors who want to settle the estate quickly
- Properties that need significant work
- Out-of-state heirs managing remotely
List with a real estate agent
Maximize market value by listing on the MLS. Typical timeline is 60–90 days. You’ll pay a 6% commission but may net more than a cash offer on a move-in ready home.
Timeline
60–90 days typical
Best for
- Move-in ready properties in good condition
- Heirs who aren’t in a rush
- Situations where maximizing sale price is the priority
Keep and rent
Generate income from the inherited property. Requires ongoing management, maintenance, and landlord responsibilities. Can be a good long-term wealth-building strategy.
Timeline
Ongoing — tenant placement in 2–4 weeks
Best for
- Properties in rentable condition
- Heirs comfortable with landlord responsibilities
- Situations where cash flow is more valuable than a lump sum
Hold for appreciation
Wait for the property to increase in value. This is a long-term strategy that carries ongoing costs: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and potential vacancy.
Timeline
Long-term — years, not months
Best for
- Properties in appreciating neighborhoods
- Heirs with the financial resources to carry costs
- Situations where there’s no urgency to sell
Decline the inheritance
Yes, you can say no. If the property has liens, environmental issues, or costs that exceed its value, disclaiming the inheritance may be the responsible choice. Consult an attorney before deciding.
Timeline
Must disclaim within 9 months of death (Missouri law)
Best for
- Properties with more debt than value
- Situations with significant environmental or structural issues
- Heirs who cannot afford the carrying costs
Comparing your selling options
Here are the tradeoffs between a fast as-is sale and a traditional MLS listing. Neither is always right — it depends on the property and your situation.
| Fast as-is sale | Traditional MLS listing | |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 2–4 weeks | 60–90 days |
| Repairs needed | None | Usually recommended |
| Commission | None | ~6% |
| Closing costs | We typically cover | Seller pays |
| Showings | None | Multiple |
| Certainty | High — cash, no contingencies | Depends on market |
| Best for | Speed, simplicity, as-is sales | Move-in ready, maximizing price |
This comparison is for educational purposes. Actual results vary by property and market conditions.
Not sure which path is right?