How do I go about selling an older house?

First, you need to determine whether the property needs to go through probate before it can be sold. If your brother had a will naming you as beneficiary, or if you're the sole heir under your state's intestacy laws, the probate court will need to appoint you as personal representative of the estate before you can legally sell the property. Contact a probate attorney in the state where the property is located. Many offer free or low-cost initial consultations, and some will work on a contingency or deferred payment basis if the estate has no liquid assets. The attorney can file the necessary paperwork with the court to get you the legal authority to sell. Once you have authority to sell, contact the mortgage servicer to find out the loan balance and whether the loan is current. If payments have been missed, the servicer needs to know about the death and the pending probate. They may offer a forbearance period while the estate is being settled. On the furnace, if the estate has no funds for repairs, you can either sell the home as-is and price it accordingly, or negotiate a repair credit with the buyer at closing. Many buyers and investors will buy a home with a non-working furnace if the price reflects the cost of replacement. Work with a local real estate agent who has experience with estate and probate sales. They understand the timeline, the paperwork, and how to market a property in this situation.

This is a common question among Florida buyers and sellers, and the answer depends on your specific situation and local market conditions. Understanding the fundamentals before making any decisions protects your investment and your timeline. In Inverness, Citrus County, Florida, the real estate landscape has its own characteristics that affect how this plays out in practice. The Citrus County market attracts a diverse buyer pool including relocators from higher-cost states, retirees, and local move-up buyers, which creates consistent demand across most price points and property types. The strategic approach is to work with a local agent who can pull current comparable sales data and walk you through the specific factors that apply to your situation in Florida. Every market is different at the neighborhood level, and decisions based on general advice or national headlines often miss the local nuances that matter most to your outcome. Making informed decisions based on local data is always the strongest position. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells, Keller Williams Elite Partners

Since you have no funds and a broken furnace, skip the traditional "Fix-and-List" route. Find the Bank: Search the home for a mortgage statement or "Notice of Property Tax." Call the servicer immediately to stop any foreclosure clock. Sell to an Investor: Contact a "Cash for Houses" investor. They buy in "As-Is" condition, meaning you don't have to fix the furnace or clean. They pay all closing costs and can put cash in your hand in under 10 days so you can return to CA.

A probate attorney is your best asset in this situation. Best of luck!

I’m very sorry for your loss. When a loved one passes away and you're left responsible for an older home especially without knowing the mortgage details, it can feel overwhelming. The first step is to contact a probate attorney so you can be legally appointed to handle your brother’s estate. Once you have that authority, you can access the mortgage information and move forward with selling the home. You don’t need money for repairs you can sell the house as-is, even with an older furnace, but if you're able to put some money for repairs you'll be able to get more for the home. A probate attorney and an experienced real estate agent can guide you through the process quickly and help you sell as soon as possible. Wish you all the best and once again sorry for your loss.

You'll need a local agent to guide you. Based on your brother's will or lack of one, you may end up having to go through probate. The title company can run a search to identify the mortgage company and the balance. I can refer you to a local agent in Indiana. Michelle Cecchini 386.717.8005 text or call