Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways Michigan probate can take 6-12 months, but you may be able to sell during the process with court approval Troy's median home value of $425,000 in 2026 means inherited properties often come with significant tax implications Cash buyers like HOMESELL USA can close in 2-3 weeks once you have legal authority to sell You'll get a stepped-up basis for tax purposes, potentially saving thousands in capital gains

Inherited a House in Troy, Michigan? Here's What You Need to Know About Selling During Probate

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this — losing someone close to you is tough enough without having to figure out what to do with their house. I've been helping families in Troy and throughout Michigan deal with inherited properties for years, and I know it feels overwhelming when you're grieving and suddenly responsible for someone else's mortgage payments, insurance, and property taxes.

Just last month, I had a woman call me from Troy whose mom had passed away, leaving her a beautiful colonial on Big Beaver Road. She lived in California, had no idea what the house was worth, and was getting pressure from her siblings about what to do with it. Sound familiar?

The Reality of Troy's Real Estate Market in 2026

Here's the deal with Troy right now — it's still one of Oakland County's most desirable suburbs. The median home value hit $425,000 in early 2026, up about 4% from last year. That's good news if you're inheriting property here, but it also means you're dealing with a valuable asset that comes with real responsibilities.

Troy's housing market is driven by excellent schools, proximity to major employers like GM and Ford, and that small-town feel that's hard to find this close to Detroit. Properties here typically sell within 30-45 days in good condition, but here's what most people don't realize — inherited houses often aren't in "good condition."

I've seen it a hundred times: elderly homeowner passes away, and the house hasn't been updated since the 1980s. Maybe there's deferred maintenance, outdated electrical, or that avocado green bathroom that seemed stylish decades ago. In Troy's competitive market, buyers expect move-in ready homes, which means significant renovation costs if you go the traditional route.

Michigan Probate: What You're Actually Dealing With

Let me break down Michigan's probate process in plain English. When someone dies owning real estate, their assets typically go through probate court in Oakland County. This process usually takes 6-12 months, sometimes longer if there are complications.

The good news? Michigan allows what's called "informal probate" for most estates, which is faster and less expensive than formal probate. You'll need to petition the court to be appointed as personal representative (what other states call an executor), and once you have those legal papers, you can make decisions about the property.

Here's something most people don't know: you might be able to sell the house before probate is completely finished. If the estate needs money to pay debts or if keeping the property creates a financial burden, Michigan courts often approve early sales. This is where having an experienced cash buyer like HOMESELL USA makes a huge difference — we know how to work with probate attorneys and courts to expedite these transactions.

Your Three Main Options for the Inherited Property

Option 1: Keep It and Rent It Out

With Troy's strong rental market — average rent for a 3-bedroom house is around $2,400 per month — this might seem attractive. But remember, you're now a long-distance landlord dealing with maintenance calls, tenant screening, and Michigan's landlord-tenant laws. Plus, you'll lose the tax advantages I'll mention in a minute.

Option 2: List It with a Realtor

This works if the house is in good shape and you have 3-6 months to deal with the process. You'll pay about 6% in commissions plus closing costs, and you'll need to handle any repairs buyers demand after inspection. In Troy's market, that could mean $25,000+ in commissions and fees on a typical inherited property.

Option 3: Sell to a Cash Buyer

This is often the smartest choice for inherited properties, especially when families are scattered across different states or need to settle the estate quickly. Companies like HOMESELL USA buy houses in any condition, handle all the paperwork, and can close in 2-3 weeks once you have legal authority.

The Tax Situation (And Why It's Actually Good News)

Here's one bright spot in all this: inherited property gets what's called a "stepped-up basis" for tax purposes. That means if your parents bought their Troy house for $150,000 in 1995 and it's worth $425,000 now, your tax basis becomes $425,000, not what they originally paid.

This can save you tens of thousands in capital gains taxes. However, you need to get the property appraised as of the date of death to establish this stepped-up basis. Don't skip this step — I've seen families lose thousands because they didn't have proper documentation.

Common Problems I See with Inherited Houses in Troy

After helping hundreds of families with inherited properties, I can tell you the most common issues we encounter:

Multiple heirs with different opinions: One sibling wants to keep it, another needs cash now, and the third lives out of state and just wants it gone. These situations require someone who can close fast and deal with complex legal arrangements.

Properties in need of major updates: That beautiful Tudor on Stephenson Highway might have good bones, but if it needs a new roof, HVAC system, and kitchen renovation, you're looking at $50,000+ in improvements before it's market-ready.

Mortgage and carrying costs: Even after someone passes away, the mortgage payments, insurance, and property taxes don't stop. I've worked with families spending $3,000+ per month on carrying costs while trying to figure out their options.

Title complications: Sometimes the deed wasn't properly updated, or there are liens against the property that need to be resolved. Cash buyers who specialize in problem properties know how to navigate these issues.

Why HOMESELL USA Works for Troy Families

Look, I'm not going to tell you that selling to us is always the best option — sometimes it makes sense to fix up the house and list it traditionally. But here's why hundreds of Troy families have chosen to work with HOMESELL USA:

We buy in any condition, which means no repair headaches or contractor estimates. We handle all the legal complexities of probate sales. We can close around your timeline — fast if you need it, or we can wait if probate takes longer than expected. And we deal with problem situations that make traditional realtors nervous.

Whether you decide to sell to us or go another route, the most important thing is understanding your options and not making decisions based on emotion or pressure from well-meaning family members who don't understand the real estate market.

Moving Forward: Your Next Steps

If you've inherited property in Troy, here's what I recommend:

First, secure the property immediately — change locks, notify insurance companies, and make sure utilities stay on. Second, consult with a probate attorney familiar with Oakland County procedures. Third, get the property appraised to establish your stepped-up basis. Finally, evaluate your options realistically based on your financial situation and family dynamics, not emotional attachment to the property.

Remember, there's no shame in selling an inherited house quickly. You're not dishonoring your loved one's memory — you're making a smart financial decision during a difficult time.

I've been in this business long enough to know that every family's situation is different. What works for your neighbor might not work for you, and that's okay. The key is getting accurate information so you can make the best decision for your circumstances.

If any of this sounds like your situation, give Uncle Charles a call. No pressure, no judgment — just straight answers about your options and what makes sense for your family. We've helped thousands of people through this exact situation, and we're here to help you too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell an inherited house in Troy before probate is complete?

Yes, in many cases you can sell during probate with court approval, especially if the estate needs funds to pay debts or the property is creating a financial burden. Michigan courts often approve these sales when properly presented by a probate attorney.

How long does probate take for inherited property in Oakland County?

Michigan's informal probate process typically takes 6-12 months, though it can be longer if there are complications like contested wills, multiple heirs disagreeing, or complex assets. Formal probate takes longer and costs more.

Do I have to pay capital gains tax on an inherited house in Troy?

Inherited property gets a "stepped-up basis" equal to its fair market value at the date of death, which often eliminates or greatly reduces capital gains taxes. You'll need a proper appraisal to document this stepped-up basis.

What if the inherited house in Troy needs major repairs?

You have several options: make the repairs before selling traditionally, sell as-is to a cash buyer like HOMESELL USA, or negotiate repair credits with traditional buyers. Cash buyers often make the most sense for properties needing significant work.

Can HOMESELL USA buy a house with multiple heirs in Troy?

Yes, we regularly work with multiple heirs and can structure transactions to accommodate different family situations. We can work with your probate attorney to ensure all legal requirements are met and all parties are properly represented in the sale.