Selling an inherited house in Virginia? I buy it as-is, for cash

Often yes, once someone has legal authority to sign. A qualified executor or administrator can usually sign, especially when the will grants a power of sale. Without one, every heir signs, and title companies may require extra protections because of Virginia’s one-year rule for sales by heirs. Your estate attorney confirms the path.

Under Va. Code 64.2-534, a sale by an heir or devisee within one year of the death is not valid against the decedent’s creditors, with exceptions such as a court-approved sale under 64.2-535. Title insurers plan around it, which is why authority to sign comes before the closing date.

With no will, the heirs own the house together and each signs the deed unless a court orders a sale. A recorded list of heirs (Va. Code 64.2-509) shows who they are. If one heir refuses, a partition suit is the usual fallback, handled by an attorney.

No. Take the keepsakes and papers you want and leave everything else. I handle and pay for the cleanout after closing, so the family does not have to rent a dumpster or schedule an estate sale.

Virginia has no inheritance tax and no state estate tax. For federal income tax, inherited property generally takes a basis equal to its value on the date of death, so a quick sale often produces little or no gain. Ask a CPA about your situation.

Usually yes. We can do the walkthrough by video with a neighbor, a relative or a lockbox, and many Virginia title companies offer mail-away or remote closings.

My written offer is made after the walkthrough and holds while the estate gets authority to sign, unless the house changes or something material and undisclosed turns up. We agree in writing how long it stays open.

The estate does. Keep the mortgage, real estate taxes, utilities and insurance current, and tell the insurer the house is vacant. Unpaid amounts are settled from the sale proceeds.

You sign the contract and the closing documents, and you take whatever belongings you want. That is it. You do not repair, clean, paint, stage, hold showings or haul anything to the dump. If you are out of town, the walkthrough can be done by video and most closings can be signed remotely.

Not unless something material and undisclosed turns up, such as an unknown lien, a title problem or hidden structural damage. My offer is made after I have seen the house, so the things you would expect a buyer to find are already priced in. If anything changes, I explain it in writing with the reason, and you are free to walk away.

No commission and no closing costs; I pay those. What comes out of the proceeds is what you already owe on the house: your mortgage payoff, any liens, and prorated property taxes or HOA dues. The settlement statement lists every line before you sign.

I can close in as little as 7 days when title is clear, or on any later date you choose. Estates, liens and HOA resale packets can add time, and you will know about any delay before you sign anything.

Tell me early. Liens, judgments and unpaid taxes are paid from the proceeds at settlement. If the payoffs are higher than the price, the title company and your lender have to agree on how to close the gap, and I will walk you through the options before you commit.

Often, yes. If you need a few extra days to move, we can write a short occupancy agreement into the contract so the timing works for you. Ask about it on the first call.

Ask any cash buyer for proof of funds, a licensed title company or attorney for settlement, and a written contract you can have reviewed. Never pay an upfront fee. I am a licensed realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, I close through licensed settlement companies, and I never charge sellers a fee.

I recommend it. Because I am the buyer, I cannot advise you on whether to accept. Your own realtor or attorney can review the contract and the numbers at your cost, and I am glad to answer their questions.