How to Sell an Inherited Fixer Home in Roseville, CA?

kwellsgroup
Oct 17
2 min read

Updated: Oct 27

This home was owned by a family trust, and after the original trustees passed away, it was left to five heirs. My relationship began with the successor trustee, who had the challenging responsibility — and authority — to sell the property.

The home, more than 75 years old, had significant deferred maintenance and was filled with decades of personal belongings. With five heirs came five different opinions. How could one person possibly make everyone happy? How do you balance emotional attachment, fairness, and financial practicality — all at once?

Charming single-story home with a gabled roof and welcoming front yard, bathed in morning sunlight under a clear blue sky.

Why Sell Off-Market?

Given the home’s age and condition, we decided to market the property off market to investors first. Why? Because this strategy allowed the family to avoid the chaos of public showings, open houses, and unpredictable retail buyers.

Eventually, we secured a solid cash offer — as-is, with reduced contingencies, and a quick close. Isn’t peace of mind sometimes worth more than squeezing out every last dollar?

A Fair Outcome for All Heirs

Of the five heirs, two had taken on the majority of the effort and expenses — cleaning, coordinating, and preparing the home. A retail sale would have meant more months of stress, potential repairs, and the risk of failed escrows. That’s not fair to those putting in extra work only to receive the same 20% share.

By accepting the investor offer, the family reached a fair and balanced resolution — saving time, avoiding conflict, and preventing additional financial strain.

In real estate, the best offer isn’t always the highest offer. Sometimes, it’s the one that brings clarity, closure, and fairness to everyone involved.