Selling an inherited house in Baltimore, Maryland

In Maryland, estates are opened with the Register of Wills. Baltimore City and each county have their own office. A personal representative is appointed and signs the sale on the estate’s behalf. If the home was in a trust, held jointly, or passed by another kind of deed, the trustee or new owners sign instead. A Maryland estate attorney can confirm which applies.

• Tell the insurer the home is vacant. A vacancy policy may be needed.
• Keep heat on in winter to protect the pipes.
• Check the home often, and keep the yard and steps tidy. Baltimore City has its own vacant-building rules, including registration for vacant structures, so check the city’s current requirements.
• Watch the property tax and water bills, which keep running.

Many older Baltimore homes need updates to systems, windows or roofs. If the heirs don’t want to manage repairs, an as-is sale can make sense. If the home is in good shape, listing often nets more. We’ll run both numbers.

Inherited homes generally get a stepped-up basis at the date of death. Maryland transfer and recordation taxes apply at closing. Depending on who inherits and the size of the estate, Maryland inheritance or estate tax may also apply. A CPA or estate attorney will confirm.