The short answer
Usually not. Whether to keep, sell or rent the house is a choice that can generally wait while the estate is settled.
A few things can't wait: insuring the house, keeping it safe, and its property tax bill. If your parent had Medicaid long-term care, the state's Medicaid program may also seek repayment from the estate.
This chapter explains how things usually work in the United States. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and the rules where you live may differ. Before you act on anything here, check it with one of the people named at the end of the chapter.
What to do
- Find out who has authority over the house now.
- Call the home insurer this week.
- Check that the house is locked and the heat or cooling is set.
- Find the property tax bill and its due date, and ask the assessor whether the death must be reported.
- Write down everyone's wishes for the house, without deciding yet.
What can wait
- Whether to keep, sell or rent the house.
- Clearing the house. Medicines and firearms are the exceptions; see What about medications, firearms, vehicles and devices?
Who can help
The executor, if there is one, is the first person to ask about the house. If no one has been appointed, the probate court can explain how that starts.
The home insurer can say what the policy covers while the house is empty. The county assessor or tax office can tell you what is due, and when.
The rules, phone numbers and web addresses in this book were checked against the agencies’, courts’ and organizations’ own pages in October 2026. Where a rule differs by state, the book names one state as an example. Check anything you rely on with the office itself.
From Book 4: Their House
This page has the short answer and the closing lists from chapter 1. The full chapter explains, in plain words, what exists, what to ask, and who can answer. The book covers months 3 to 15 after the death.
Questions near this one
Other questions on related subjects, from this book and the others.
- Can Medicaid recover costs from the estate or the house? Book 3, Their Money
- How do I protect myself personally? Book 2, Being in Charge
- What do I do about the house, pets, car and mail right now? Book 1, The First Month
- Do I owe tax on what I inherit? Book 3, Their Money
Hear when Their House is out
A short note when each book is out. Five or six emails a year at most. You can unsubscribe whenever you like.