Free inherited-property checklist

First steps when a house suddenly becomes your responsibility.

This is a practical property-organization checklist, not legal or probate guidance. Use it to make the house safer, preserve information and build a clear list for the people helping you.

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First 48 hours: protect and document

Make sure doors, windows, garages and outbuildings are secure.

Photograph the exterior, every room and any obvious damage before major cleanout or repairs.

Identify urgent safety or property-preservation issues such as active leaks, no heat during freezing weather, broken windows or storm damage.

Locate basic property records you already have access to: insurance contact, mortgage/loan information, utility providers, HOA/condo contact and recent tax records.

Avoid discarding paperwork, keys, photos or valuables until the appropriate family/estate process is clear.

First week: understand what the house costs

List recurring costs: mortgage, tax, insurance, utilities, lawn care, HOA, security and other property expenses.

Ask the appropriate insurer or qualified professional what needs to happen if the home is vacant or occupancy has changed.

Start one expense record showing date, amount, purpose and who paid each property bill.

Write down known deadlines, appointments and property-service needs.

Estimate the monthly carrying cost using the free Curb2Close calculator.

Before the cleanout: make the belongings visible

Go room by room before hauling begins and photograph items that may matter to family members.

Create simple categories: keep, family decision, sell, donate, dispose, undecided.

Keep a separate list of items that someone has asked to receive or that require professional advice before moving.

Get more than one quote for large cleanout, repair or hauling work when practical.

Before keep / rent / sell decisions

Gather realistic repair and deferred-maintenance estimates.

Separate emotional preferences from the ongoing monthly property cost.

Write down what each path requires: keep, rent, sell as-is, or repair then sell.

Bring legal, tax, title and estate-specific questions to qualified professionals before acting on assumptions.

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