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Do All Heirs Have To Agree To Sell Property?
Generally, a Surrogate’s Court appoints an administrator or executor to handle the estate of a deceased loved one (i.e., to settle the taxes and debts and then distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries).
In most cases, the executor is an estate heir, unlike the administrator, who is normally the closest living relative. Testators appoint executors in their wills. Let’s learn about Do All Heirs Have to Agree to Sell Property.
The Real Property during Estate Proceedings.
Is it necessary for all heirs to agree to sell the property as part of probate? It is up to the executor or administrator to sell the real property during estate proceedings. In cases where the decedent’s debts exceed his assets, the executor or administrator has permission to sell his real estate, even with the objections of the heirs, to please the decedent’s creditors.
It is always recommended that the executor/administrator consult with the heirs about whether to sell the property and at what price, even though the law only needs the executor or administrator to get approval from the heirs.
Suppose the executor or administrator wishes to avoid future litigation about misconduct accusations by the executor or administrator for selling real property below market value.
In that case, the beneficiaries should confirm in writing that they are comfortable with the property selling price. As a result of the waste of estate resources, selling real property below market value may constitute misconduct, and the executor or administrator may be held liable for a surcharge.
It is, therefore, important for executors and administrators to have an attorney to ensure they conduct their business correctly and without upsetting beneficiaries or triggering legal issues.
Real Property That We Have Already Transferred To an Heir
Must they all agree to sell property we have already transferred to an heir? As soon as the estate proceedings are over, the heirs become co-owners of the decedent’s real estate. All the heirs must agree to sell the entire property in this case.

Real Property That We Have Already Transferred To an Heir
A co-heir usually lives on the property rent-free, while the others don’t. The unhappy heirs will try to convince the other to sell the property. When the heirs who are not living on the property do not receive rent from it, this can lead to a feeling of unfairness.
An heir may file an action for partition if all the heirs refuse to sell the property. If you need help filing this action, you can consult a lawyer. To answer whether all the heirs must sell the property depends on whether the property is still subject to estate proceedings or has already changed hands.
Executors or administrators can decide whether to sell the real property if the estate proceedings remain. When real property transfers to heirs, all heirs must agree to sell the property before it can be sold.
What happens after objections of all heirs?
There is no need for all heirs to agree to sell a property if it is still in probate. The heirs need to petition the court for approval to sell the property. If they file a suit for partition, the court can order a property sale.
You should, however, always consult an attorney about this issue and inquire about the state’s county court’s instructions before proceeding. A lot of stress can be placed on surviving family members when a death occurs in the chain of titles. Selling a property after death can become much more difficult.
Determine whether the lender or the free owner owns the property
To determine whether the property is owned by the lender or the free and clear owner, you must determine whether a mortgage is still attached. Without joint tenancy with survivorship, a clear title and heirship must exist before a house may be sold.
To determine if there are surviving heirs, it is necessary to determine if there is more than one. If there are many heirs, they are all interested in the sale. However, interest in a property is not always equal. The ownership interest of one heir could have been larger.
In the case of a 5-bedroom house on a 10-acre lot, the heir who received 3 of the five bedrooms and 8 of the 10 acres would have had a greater interest in it.
Can We Sell The Property Without The Approval Of All Beneficiaries?
To fulfill the deceased’s wishes, the executor can sell the property without the approval of all beneficiaries. However, the beneficiaries will stay informed throughout the process. When a will is valid, the estate executor is approved by the judge to oversee and make decisions regarding the deceased person’s estate.
With a valid will, the executor takes over to carry out the deceased’s wishes. In the case of an estate, executors are primarily responsible for securing assets and distributing them based on the individual or persons who passed away.
Basic Functions of an Executor
- You must get a copy from the local courthouse to file the will.
- Decide what type of probate we need.
- Court representation for the estate
- In court, file a list of all assets.
- Ensure that taxes and outstanding debts have been paid.
- Please assist with the settlement of the estate until it settles.
- If there are any open contest periods, inform the heirs.
Properties Sometimes Sell For Market Value.
They may have received and accepted that offer for the property. But remember that properties sometimes sell for market value, especially in disrepair. In addition to selling the home, the executor can purchase the property.
All beneficiaries must agree to the terms of the sale, and the purchase must be made at fair market value.
Is It Beneficial To Keep Inherited Property?
Many owners can sometimes enjoy holding onto the property as an investment if they can
- This property location is in a good area and will likely increase in value over time.
- There can be an agreement among heirs as to how the property should be managed, or they can all live there together.
- Renting out or doing other business ventures with the property is the goal of all heirs.
An experienced real estate attorney can protect your interests when working out these agreements.
Bottom Line
Many issues come with the inheriting property, but you can extract the maximum value with some planning. If you have questions about selling or managing inherited property, you should speak to a qualified real estate attorney in Texas.
It’s not just about helping you and your heirs agree; a real estate lawyer can also assist with the following:
- Selling a property in poor condition or an undesirable location
- For your best interests, create the best real estate contracts.
- Creating joint ownership agreements between heirs
- Trusting property
- Bank loan negotiations
- Getting rid of tax or mechanic liens
- Making short sales, forbearance deals, or cash for keys possible
Legal help is necessary when selling or managing inherited property.

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