Discover what to do with an inherited home in Richmond, VA

If the house is mortgage-free, it can serve as an ideal first home for a family member. You may consider renting out the house regularly or for vacations. If you are contemplating renting the house outright, this article comparing the rent vs. sell options can provide further guidance in your decision-making process. However, it is crucial not to leave the house vacant for too long, as there can be numerous potential issues associated with a vacant home.

6 Tips If You Are Keeping Your Inherited Home in Richmond

Unless the inherited home in Richmond is brand-new or recently renovated (which is uncommon), you might find yourself faced with a substantial amount of work. However, the efforts could be worthwhile if you have valid reasons to keep it or choose to sell it.

1. List the tasks that must be completed. To begin, create a comprehensive list of tasks that require attention, including painting, updating fixtures, and decluttering. This will help you prioritize and determine which tasks can be tackled immediately versus later. By doing so, you’ll effectively streamline the process and ensure efficient completion.
2. Get organized and Declutter. To effectively assess the amount of work required, it is advisable to empty each room completely. Assemble belongings into labeled boxes for easy transportation or disposal, if necessary. It is recommended to tackle one area at a time when decluttering an inherited home in Richmond. This approach helps maintain control over the project and provides an understanding of the work required in each specific space. Take the time to carefully evaluate each item in the Richmond home, deciding what should be kept, donated to charity, or discarded. Although this process can be challenging, seeking assistance from friends or family can simplify the task. Once you have gone through your belongings, organize your Richmond house by assigning dedicated spaces for each item, ensuring easy retrieval when needed. Consider using storage bins, shelving, and other organizational supplies to maintain a tidy appearance. For more guidance on decluttering and organization, refer to this helpful resource.
3. Learn about the home. Conduct thorough research on the history, renovations, and potential issues of the Richmond home you recently acquired. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the necessary steps to maintain and care for the property effectively.
4. Consider getting an inspection If you intend to rent out the property, it is crucial to have a newly acquired inherited home inspected beforehand. This step holds significant importance for several reasons:

Safety: An inspection can uncover potential safety hazards in the home, such as faulty wiring, plumbing leaks, or structural issues. This valuable information ensures that the property is safe for tenants to inhabit.

Maintenance: Additionally, an inspection can bring to light necessary repairs or maintenance that the property requires, such as fixing a leaking roof or replacing an outdated HVAC system. Addressing these issues before renting the property prevents more significant problems in the future and ensures that the property is in excellent condition for tenants.

Legal compliance: An inspection also guarantees that the property adheres to all legal requirements for rental properties in your area, including building codes, fire safety regulations, and zoning laws. This diligent approach helps you avoid potential legal complications that may arise from renting out a property that fails to meet these requirements.

Tenant satisfaction: Lastly, obtaining an inspection guarantees that your tenants are content with the property they are renting. By resolving any issues prior to renting, you can prevent tenant complaints and minimize turnover.

5. Make a budget. Create a budget for essential maintenance, improvements, and repairs to estimate the required funds. This data will come in handy when you embark on projects, enabling you to stay focused and ensure that all related expenses are accounted for.
6. Find a reliable contractor and spruce up the home for resale. When undertaking major work, such as plumbing or electrical, it is crucial to select a reputable contractor who adheres to code. Before committing, thoroughly evaluate each potential choice, request references, and seek recommendations. If the majority of the work is within your capabilities, feel free to proceed independently. Begin by giving the exterior of the historic Richmond house the much-needed TLC it deserves. Examples of tasks include pressure washing, painting, and replacing any damaged or outdated components like shutters, windows, and doors. Once the exterior is in good shape, shift your focus to the interior. Consider necessary improvements to enhance livability, style, and marketability, such as updating outdated bathrooms, floors, or fixtures.

3 Options for Selling An Inherited Home in Richmond

1. Hire a real estate agent to help you out. A skilled realtor can assess the condition of your home and provide guidance on enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. This may involve making necessary repairs, staging the house, or even assisting with decluttering. These steps can require financial investments, but they greatly increase the chances of attracting buyers and achieving a successful sale.

• For sale by owner. Consider selling your house independently as a viable option. While it may require some additional effort, it provides a wonderful opportunity to avoid commissions and other expenses associated with using an agent. If you opt for this route, begin by listing your home online or in local publications, and then take charge of any subsequent showings.

Consider selling the house to a cash home buyer such as Forrest Buys Houses. Within approximately 24 hours of our initial conversation, our company will present you with a fair offer, free from any pressure. If you accept our offer, we can often complete the sale within a week. The best part is, you won’t have to worry about clearing or repairing anything. We take care of everything for you, without any inspections or additional charges such as commissions or closing costs. To learn more about how we operate, you can visit our website here. Additionally, you can find some of our reviews here. We are known for our professionalism and integrity. There is no harm in exploring this option further. Feel free to give us a call today at 804-409-2910 or simply fill out the form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you soon.