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    Probate & Inherited Property

    Selling an Inherited House in Dallas / Fort Worth

    Dabney Real Estate Teamβ€’

    Inheriting property in Dallas County? Learn the 2025 probate timeline, tax advantages, and how to avoid the $30k+ repair trap when selling inherited homes in DFW.

    Need Help With Your Property?

    We understand this might be a difficult time. Get a compassionate consultation and fair cash offer.

    Inheriting a house in Dallas County or Tarrant County comes with a mixed bag of emotionsβ€”and a lot of paperwork. In the 2025 market, where DFW inventory is rising, selling an inherited home requires a clear strategy.

    The "Probate Traffic Jam"

    Dallas County Probate Courts are currently running on timelines of 6 to 12 months for full administration.

    πŸ’‘ Pro Tip

    If you haven't started probate yet, ask your attorney about a "Muniment of Title" or "Affidavit of Heirship". These can sometimes bypass the long wait if the estate is simple.

    The "Deferred Maintenance" Trap

    Most inherited homes in older DFW neighborhoods (like Oak Cliff, Richardson, or Garland) haven't been updated in 15+ years.

    To List on MLS

    You likely need to spend $30k+ on:

    • Foundation work ($8-15k)
    • Roof repairs ($5-12k)
    • Kitchen modernization ($10-20k)
    • Flooring and paint ($5-10k)

    Holding Costs

    While waiting for probate and repairs:

    • Utilities: $200-300/month
    • Insurance: $300-500/month
    • Lawn care: $100-200/month
    • Taxes: Accumulating daily

    The "Stepped-Up Basis" Advantage

    🎯 Good News

    In 2025, federal law still allows for a "stepped-up basis". This means you only owe capital gains tax on the value increase since the date of deathβ€”not what your parents paid for it in 1990.

    Example: Parents bought for $50k in 1990. Worth $350k at death. You sell for $360k. You only pay tax on the $10k gain, not $310k!

    The Fastest Way to Sell

    If you live out of state or just don't want to manage a renovation project in Dallas, we can buy the house as-is.

    • βœ“
      We handle the clean-out (leave what you don't want)
    • βœ“
      We can often help coordinate with the title company to resolve heirship issues quickly
    • βœ“
      No repairs, no showings, no realtor fees
    • βœ“
      Close in as little as 7-14 days after probate clears

    Inherited a house in DFW?

    Skip the repairs and the long probate wait. Sell it for cash and split the proceeds with the heirs.

    Get a Fair Offer β†’

    DFW Neighborhood-Specific Challenges

    NeighborhoodCommon Issues2025 Market
    Oak CliffFoundation problems, outdated electricHot for flippers
    Richardson1970s homes need full updatesStable demand
    GarlandOlder roofs, original plumbingRising slowly
    IrvingHOA complicationsStrong market
    PlanoHigh property taxesPremium prices

    "After my mom passed, we had a house in Richardson that needed everything. Dabney Real Estate bought it as-is, handled the cleanout, and we closed in 2 weeks after getting the probate letters. No hassle with repairs or showings."

    β€” Jennifer K., Dallas heir

    QHow long does probate take in Dallas County in 2025?

    Dallas County Probate Courts are currently running on timelines of 6 to 12 months for full administration. However, simpler estates may qualify for faster processes like Muniment of Title or Affidavit of Heirship.

    QWhat is the stepped-up basis for inherited property in Texas?

    The stepped-up basis means you only pay capital gains tax on the value increase since the date of death, not from the original purchase price. This can save thousands in taxes when selling inherited property.

    QHow much does it cost to update an inherited house in Dallas for sale?

    Most inherited homes in older DFW neighborhoods need $30,000+ in repairs including foundation work ($8-15k), roof repairs ($5-12k), and kitchen updates ($10-20k) to compete on the MLS.

    Want a cash offer without showings?

    If selling fast is your priority, request a no-obligation offer and we can typically respond within 24 hours.

    Ready to Move Forward?

    We've helped dozens of Texas families through difficult property situations with compassion and fairness.