Preparing an Estate Property for Sale

How to Evaluate, Improve, and Position Your Inherited Property for a Successful Sale

Selling an inherited property can feel overwhelming. Beyond legal paperwork and family dynamics, there’s a physical space to deal with—filled with memories, belongings, and sometimes years of deferred maintenance. Many heirs struggle with where to start, often asking:

“Should we just sell it as-is and get it over with? Should we invest in renovations to get top dollar? How much work is too much?”

Chatel Group provides a clear decision-making framework. We’ll help you evaluate the property, choose between selling as-is or making improvements, and prepare it in a way that honors your loved one’s legacy while maximizing your financial return.

1. Start with an Honest Assessment

Before calling contractors or staging professionals, you need a realistic understanding of the property’s current condition and market potential.

Conduct a Walkthrough

When we walk through the property together, we’ll look for:

• Structural Issues: Foundation cracks, roof damage, plumbing or electrical problems.

• Deferred Maintenance: Worn flooring, peeling paint, outdated fixtures.

• Curb Appeal: Landscaping, exterior paint, driveway condition.

• Layout and Features: Is the home functional by today’s standards? Does it have desirable features like a home office or open concept living?

We’ll Take photos and make a list of needed repairs or updates and compile this into a project plan..

Get a Professional Appraisal

Occasionally, we recommend obtaining an independent appraisal that gives you an unbiased estimate of the property’s current value. This is particularly important if multiple heirs are involved, as it establishes a neutral baseline and helps prevent disagreements over perceived value.

Order a Pre-Listing Inspection

We will arrange a pre-listing inspection to identify issues that could scare buyers or derail a sale. While not always necessary, it’s especially helpful if the home hasn’t been updated in years.

Market Analysis (CMA)

We will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to show how similar properties in the neighborhood are priced and how quickly they sell. This data will help guide your renovation decisions.

Quick Tip: Emotional Detachment

It’s natural to see the home through sentimental eyes, but buyers won’t. Use this assessment phase to start viewing the house as a product to be marketed, rather than a family treasure.

2. Selling As-Is vs. Renovating: The Big Decision

The next step is deciding whether to invest in renovations or sell the home as-is. Both approaches have advantages and drawbacks.

Selling As-Is

Pros:

• Faster timeline (no renovations or delays).

• Lower upfront costs.

• Appeals to investors and flippers.

Cons:

• Lower sale price—buyers will factor in renovation costs and risk.

• Smaller buyer pool (many retail buyers want move-in-ready homes).

• Emotional perception that the property wasn’t “honored.”

Selling as-is makes sense when:

• The home is in extremely poor condition.

• There’s no cash available for repairs.

• The market is so hot that buyers will compete even for “fixer-uppers.”
  
  

Renovating Before Selling

Pros:

• Higher sale price and greater return on investment.

• Wider buyer appeal (especially for first-time homebuyers who want turnkey homes).

• Faster offers and potentially multiple bids.

Cons:

• Requires cash investment and time.

• Can be stressful to manage during probate.

• Risk of over-improving for the neighborhood.

Renovating makes sense when:

• You have access to funds (through estate accounts or financing solutions like KW Seller’s Edge).

• The home is structurally sound but cosmetically outdated.

• The local market rewards turnkey properties with higher prices.

Example: $117K in Updates, $325K in higher Sales Price and over $200K in Profit

A client we worked with inherited a 1970s home with original carpet, wallpaper, and appliances. Instead of selling as-is, we invested $117,000 in paint, flooring, landscaping, lighting, moving a few walls, and updating the kitchen and 2 bathrooms. The home sold for $325,000 more than its original “as-is” estimate—an ROI of almost 3x in less than 120 days.

3. Renovations That Deliver the Best ROI

Not all updates are worth it. Chatel Group will help you focus on improvements that offer the highest return for the least investment.