Nobody Prepared Me for This: The Hidden Realities of Inheriting a Home
The First Surprise: Immediate Security Risks After Death
The first 48 hours after a homeowner passes away are critical. Empty homes become targets for break-ins—especially during funeral services. If you've inherited a home, your first steps should include:
Changing the locks (you never know who had access)
Updating alarm codes and security contacts
Notifying trusted neighbors about the situation
Removing valuables like cash, firearms, jewelry, and electronics
Ongoing Maintenance: A Vacant Home Needs Constant Attention
Unlike occupied homes, vacant properties can deteriorate quickly without daily oversight. Key issues include:
Climate control: Avoid frozen pipes in winter and mold in summer
Regular inspections: Small leaks can cause major damage if unnoticed
Exterior upkeep: Unmowed lawns, newspapers piling up, or snow buildup can signal vacancy (and attract trouble)
Pest control: Rodents and insects love an empty house
Even when unoccupied, a home still needs utility services and ongoing care—making property management an immediate concern for heirs.
Insurance Gaps: Why Standard Homeowners Policies May Fail You
Many people don’t realize that standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover vacant properties. Within 30 days of the home becoming unoccupied, your policy may:
Reduce or eliminate coverage
Charge higher premiums
Require a switch to vacant home insurance
Failure to update the insurance could result in total loss without reimbursement. Fires, floods, and other disasters don’t wait—and your insurer won’t cover what wasn’t disclosed.
Legal and Financial Strain on the Family
Besides logistical challenges, families often discover that estate funds are inaccessible for months, especially if the property must go through probate. This means:
You may need to front the costs of repairs, upkeep, or insurance
Intra-family conflicts may arise about who should live there or when to sell
You will not be able to sell the home without court involvement if the home must go through probate
Without a plan in place, inheriting a home can become an emotional and financial burden instead of a gift.
The Solution: Estate Planning Done Right
With the right type of estate planning, these burdens can be avoided entirely and help your family navigate real-life logistics with ease.
If you want your loved ones to inherit peace of mind instead of problems, now is the time to create a legally sound, practical plan that addresses real-life situations like inheriting a home.
You’ll start with a Planning Session, where we’ll get you more organized than ever before and create a plan tailored to your wishes, assets, and values. It’s the best way to ensure your home and everything you’ve built is handled exactly how you want—with zero confusion and maximum protection for the people you love.
👉 Click here https://www.emilyhesterlaw.com/contact#book-intro-call to schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call and start protecting your family today.
