Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways Probate in Texas takes 6 months to 2 years — During this time, you're paying insurance, taxes, and maintenance on a property you might not want to keep You can sell during probate with court approval — This often speeds up the process and eliminates ongoing carrying costs while the estate is settled Inherited properties often need significant repairs — Deferred maintenance, storm damage, and outdated systems are common issues that cash buyers handle without requiring you to fix anything Cash sales eliminate traditional real estate hassles — No repairs, no showings, no financing contingencies, and you can close in 2-3 weeks once you have legal authority to sell

Inherited a House in Corpus Christi? Here's What You Need to Know About Probate and Selling Fast

Look, I get it. You're dealing with the loss of a loved one, and now you've got this house in Corpus Christi that you never expected to own. Maybe it's your grandmother's place on the Westside that needs major repairs, or your uncle's property near the port that's been sitting empty for months. I've seen this situation a hundred times, and I want you to know — you're not alone, and you have options.

Just last week, I had a woman call me from San Antonio whose father left her a house near Del Mar College. The roof was leaking, the AC hadn't worked in years, and she had no idea how to even start the probate process. Three weeks later, we closed on the property and she walked away with cash in hand, no repairs needed.

The Reality of Corpus Christi's Current Market for Inherited Properties

Here's what's happening in Corpus Christi right now. The median home price has reached around $195,000 as of early 2026, but here's the thing — that's for move-in ready homes. The inherited properties I see? They're usually not in that category.

Most inherited homes in Corpus Christi come with challenges. Maybe they're in older neighborhoods like Hillcrest or Central City where deferred maintenance is common. Or they're in areas that have seen better days, where the property values don't justify the repair costs. The coastal climate here is tough on houses — humidity, salt air, and hurricane threats take their toll over the years.

Traditional real estate agents will often tell you to fix everything first, stage the house, and list it. But when you're inheriting a property that needs $30,000 in repairs in a neighborhood where homes sell for $120,000, that math doesn't work. That's where companies like HOMESELL USA come in — we buy houses as-is, probate and all.

Understanding Probate in Texas — The Straight Truth

Texas probate isn't as scary as people think, but it's not exactly simple either. Here's what you're looking at:

When Probate is Required

In Texas, if the deceased owned real estate in their name only (no joint ownership, no transfer-on-death deed), you'll likely need to go through probate to get clear title. Even if there's a will, you still need the court to officially transfer ownership to you.

The Timeline Reality

Texas probate typically takes 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether there are complications. Independent administration (the most common type) is faster, but even then, you're looking at several months minimum. During this time, you're responsible for maintaining the property — insurance, taxes, basic upkeep.

The Costs Add Up

Court fees, attorney fees, appraisal costs, and ongoing property expenses. I've seen families spend $5,000 to $15,000 just getting through probate, not counting the months of carrying costs on a property they don't even want to keep.

Your Options for Selling During or After Probate

Whether you sell to HOMESELL USA or someone else, here's what you need to know about your options:

Selling During Probate

Yes, you can sell an inherited house before probate is complete, but it requires court approval. The executor or administrator can petition the court for permission to sell. This actually speeds things up in many cases because the sale proceeds get distributed instead of transferring the property first.

Selling After Probate

Once probate is complete and you have clear title, you can sell like any other property owner. But remember, every month you wait is another month of expenses, insurance, and taxes.

The Cash Buyer Advantage

Here's why cash buyers like us work well for inherited properties: We can work with probate timelines, we don't require repairs, and we can often close in 2-3 weeks once you have the legal authority to sell. No showings, no financing contingencies, no "what if the buyer's loan falls through" worries.

Common Challenges with Corpus Christi Inherited Properties

I've bought hundreds of inherited houses in the Corpus Christi area, and these are the issues that come up most often:

Hurricane and Storm Damage

South Texas gets hit hard by storms. Maybe the roof damage from the last hurricane was never properly fixed, or there's been ongoing water intrusion. Insurance might not cover everything, especially if the damage is older.

Deferred Maintenance

When elderly homeowners can't keep up with maintenance, problems compound. I see foundation issues, electrical that's not up to code, plumbing that needs complete replacement. The estimate to fix everything can be overwhelming.

Family Disagreements

Multiple heirs who can't agree on what to do with the property. One wants to keep it, another needs cash now, and the third lives out of state and just wants it gone. A quick cash sale often solves these disputes.

Property Tax Issues

Sometimes property taxes haven't been paid in years. The good news is that Texas has a redemption period, but the back taxes and penalties can add up to significant amounts.

Why Corpus Christi Families Choose Cash Sales

Look, I'm not here to pressure you into anything. But let me tell you why families in situations like yours often choose to sell to companies like HOMESELL USA:

Speed: While your neighbors are waiting 60-90 days for a traditional sale (if it sells), you can close in weeks.

Certainty: Cash sales don't fall through because of financing issues. When we make an offer, we close.

Convenience: No repairs, no cleaning, no staging. We buy the house exactly as it sits, contents and all if needed.

No Costs: No realtor commissions, no closing costs, no repair expenses. What we offer is what you net.

What to Expect When You Call HOMESELL USA

Here's how it works when you reach out to us about an inherited property in Corpus Christi:

First, we'll have a real conversation about your situation. No high-pressure sales pitch — just straight talk about what you're dealing with and what your options are. We'll explain the probate process if you're not sure where you stand legally.

If you decide you want an offer, we'll schedule a time to see the property. This isn't a formal inspection — we're just getting a feel for the house and the neighborhood. We've seen it all, so don't worry about the condition.

Within 24 hours, we'll present you with a fair cash offer based on the property's current condition and the local market. No obligation, no pressure. Take your time to think it over.

If you accept, we handle all the paperwork and work with your probate attorney (or help you find one if needed) to make sure everything is done properly. We close at a local title company, you get your cash, and you're done.

The Bottom Line for Corpus Christi Inherited Properties

Dealing with an inherited house doesn't have to be a nightmare that drags on for months or years. Yes, there's paperwork. Yes, there are decisions to make. But you don't have to figure it all out alone.

The Corpus Christi market is decent right now, but remember — market value assumes a buyer who wants to live in the house, gets financing, and wants everything perfect. That's not always realistic for inherited properties, especially ones that need work.

Sometimes the smart move is to take a fair cash offer, avoid months of expenses and hassles, and move on with your life. Sometimes it makes sense to fix it up and list it traditionally. Every situation is different, and that's why we start with education, not sales pressure.

If any of this sounds like your situation, give Uncle Charles a call at HOMESELL USA. No pressure, no judgment — just straight answers about your inherited property and what your options really are. We've helped thousands of families 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 Corpus Christi before probate is complete?

Yes, but you'll need court approval first. The executor or administrator can petition the probate court for permission to sell the property. This often speeds up the overall process since you're distributing cash proceeds instead of transferring property ownership first.

How long does probate take for inherited property in Texas?

Texas probate typically takes 6 months to 2 years. Independent administration (most common) is usually faster, often completed in 6-12 months. The timeline depends on whether there are complications, disputes among heirs, or complex assets involved.

Do I have to pay property taxes on an inherited house in Corpus Christi?

Yes, property taxes continue during probate and after inheritance. You're responsible for current taxes, and any back taxes owed by the deceased. The good news is that inherited property gets a "stepped-up basis" for capital gains tax purposes, meaning you won't owe capital gains on appreciation that happened before you inherited it.

What if the inherited house needs major repairs I can't afford?

You don't have to fix anything before selling to a cash buyer like HOMESELL USA. We buy houses in any condition — roof damage, foundation issues, outdated electrical, plumbing problems, you name it. Traditional sales require repairs, but cash buyers factor the repair costs into their offer.

Can multiple heirs sell an inherited property together?

Yes, but all heirs who own the property must agree to the sale and sign the paperwork. If heirs can't agree, you might need to go through a partition lawsuit to force a sale. Cash buyers can often work with multiple heir situations more easily than traditional sales since there are fewer contingencies and faster timelines.