What to Know About Inheriting a Home: How to Avoid Stress, Risk, and Unexpected Costs
You’ve just lost someone you love, and suddenly you’re responsible for their home. Maybe it’s sitting vacant while your family decides what to do next. Maybe there’s talk of selling—or someone wants to move in someday.
Whatever the plan, here’s what most people don’t realize: managing an inherited property is more complex—and costly—than anyone expects.
From security risks and maintenance issues to insurance gaps and legal obligations, an inherited home can create overwhelming challenges for grieving families. At Starsia Law, we help families prepare in advance, so when the time comes, you’re not left scrambling.
Let’s walk through what really happens after a loved one dies—and how thoughtful planning can help your family avoid unnecessary stress and expense.
The First 48 Hours: Why Home Security Matters Immediately
In the days following a death, a vacant home becomes especially vulnerable. Sadly, criminals sometimes scan obituaries and funeral schedules, targeting empty houses while families gather to mourn.
That’s why securing the property should be a top priority.
✅ Change the locks immediately. You don’t know who has keys—neighbors, former caregivers, service providers.
✅ Update alarm codes and contact information.
✅ Let trusted neighbors know who is (and isn’t) allowed around the house.
✅ Remove valuables quickly. Jewelry, cash, small electronics, medications, and tools are common targets.
You don’t need to empty the house all at once—but you do need to remove anything that’s portable, valuable, or irreplaceable.
While this may feel like the biggest hurdle at first, the responsibilities only grow from there.
Maintenance Doesn’t Stop—Even When the House Is Empty
A vacant house still needs care—sometimes even more than one that’s lived in. Left unchecked, small issues can quickly turn into major (and expensive) problems.
Here’s what you’ll need to manage:
✅ Utilities must remain on. Heating, cooling, and water systems help prevent damage like mold or frozen pipes.
✅ Regular check-ins are a must. A minor roof leak can cause massive damage if no one notices.
✅ Lawn care and snow removal. An unkempt exterior signals vacancy—inviting trespassers and violating local codes.
✅ Pest control. Rodents and insects move in quickly when no one’s watching.
Many families don’t realize how much time, money, and energy it takes to keep up a home that’s no longer lived in. And yet, even all this can pale in comparison to what happens if insurance coverage falls through.
The Insurance Loophole That Could Cost You Thousands
One of the most common (and costly) surprises families face? Learning that the homeowner’s insurance policy may no longer apply once the house is vacant.
Most policies limit or exclude coverage if the home is unoccupied for more than 30 days. And yet, many families don’t notify the insurance company until it’s too late.
That means:
🚨 A house fire could be denied.
🚨 Water damage might not be covered.
🚨 You—or the estate—could be liable for the full loss.
Here’s what to do:
Contact the insurer immediately. Be honest about the vacancy.
Ask about vacant property coverage. It may cost more, but it's critical protection.
Don’t delay just because you’re planning to sell. Estate sales often take months, and gaps in coverage can be financially devastating.
The Better Way: How Life & Legacy Planning® Protects Your Family
All of these challenges—from security to maintenance to insurance—can be made far more manageable with the right estate plan in place before death occurs.
At Starsia Law, we don’t create traditional, documents-only estate plans. We help families build Life & Legacy Plans® that anticipate real-life challenges and provide clear solutions.
Here’s how that makes a difference:
✅ Complete Asset Inventory
Your family will know exactly what exists—deeds, insurance, accounts, and more—without having to dig through boxes or search for clues during a time of grief.
✅ Access to Funds for Expenses
We plan so property costs (like repairs, insurance, and utilities) can be covered immediately. Otherwise, your loved ones could be stuck paying out of pocket until probate is complete.
✅ Built-in Guidance and Ongoing Support
When you create your Life & Legacy Plan with me, your family isn’t left alone. They’ll have a trusted advisor—me—to guide them through each step. No guesswork. No stress.
The Time to Plan Is Before It’s Needed
If you want to make sure your loved ones don’t have to figure it out while they’re grieving—now is the time to act.
As a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm, I’ll help you create a plan that not only documents your wishes, but actually works when it’s needed. It starts with a Life & Legacy Planning® Session, where we’ll get you more financially organized than ever before, explore what would happen to your assets—including your home—and create a customized plan that fits your life and your values.
When you plan with me, your family won’t be left making hard decisions under pressure. They’ll have peace of mind—because you took care of the details for them.
Click below to schedule your complimentary 15-minute discovery call and get started today.
This article is a service of Starsia Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.