Inheriting a Home in Tacoma? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you inherit a home, it’s not just about property—it’s about memories, family, and navigating an unfamiliar process while emotions are still raw.

If you’re in Tacoma or Pierce County and wondering what to do with an inherited house, you’re not alone. Many heirs feel overwhelmed by questions like:

• “Do we have to go through probate?”

• “Can we sell the house right away?”

• “What happens if the mortgage isn’t paid?”

As a local probate real estate broker, I help families answer these questions every week. In this guide, I’ll break down what you need to know about inheriting a home in Washington State and how to make smart decisions for you and your family.

🏡 Step 1: Understand How Property Transfers After Death

The first thing to know is that how you inherit a home depends on how it was owned.

✔ Joint Ownership with Rights of Survivorship
If you co-owned the home with your loved one—like a spouse—ownership usually transfers directly to you. Probate may not be needed.

✔ Held in a Trust
If the home was placed in a living trust, the trustee can transfer ownership or sell the property without probate.

✔ Sole Ownership
If the deceased owned the property in their name alone, the home typically must go through probate before it can be sold or transferred to heirs.

In Pierce County, probate is handled through the Superior Court and generally takes 6–9 months, though timelines vary.

🔑 Step 2: Check for Liens, Mortgages, and Taxes

It’s common to inherit a home that still has a mortgage—or even unpaid property taxes. Don’t panic.

As the heir, you have a few options:

• Continue making mortgage payments to keep the loan current while you decide what to do with the property.

• Sell the home to pay off the mortgage and distribute any remaining equity.

• Work with the lender if the home is “underwater” or at risk of foreclosure.

A probate-savvy broker can help you evaluate your options and connect you with attorneys if needed.

📝 Step 3: Decide What to Do With the Property

Once probate is underway, you’ll need to decide how to handle the property:

✔ Keep It
If one heir wants to keep the house, they may need to buy out other heirs or refinance the existing mortgage into their name.

✔ Sell It
If multiple heirs are involved—or if keeping the home isn’t realistic—selling may be the best choice. A professional broker can help you price the home appropriately and guide you through repairs or selling as-is.

✔ Rent It
Renting the property can generate income, but it also comes with landlord responsibilities and tax implications.

Each option has pros and cons. What’s best depends on your family’s circumstances, the home’s condition, and the estate’s finances.

🤝 Why Work With a Probate Real Estate Specialist?

Selling or managing an inherited home isn’t like a typical real estate transaction. You’re not just dealing with property—you’re also dealing with family emotions, legal requirements, and, often, multiple decision-makers.

As a probate specialist in Tacoma, I help families by:
✔ Coordinating with attorneys and courts.
✔ Handling clean-outs, repairs, and staging.
✔ Marketing homes—whether they’re move-in ready or need to be sold as-is.

Having an experienced broker on your side makes the process smoother and protects the value of the estate.

🏡 Need Help With an Inherited Home in Tacoma?

Whether you’re just starting probate or trying to figure out what to do with a family property, I can help.

📞 Call Austin at Robertson & Co: 253.225.2395
📧 Email: austin@robertsonand.co

I’ll guide you through the process step by step and help you make the best decision for your family.