We buy houses in Pennsylvania and provide residents with the ideal way to sell their homes fast by offering cash for houses in PA. If you’ve suddenly inherited a property, you may not be prepared for the questions and issues that can arise. And if you make the wrong decisions, you will likely encounter financial, emotional, and family problems before long.
Forewarned is forearmed, they say. So as seasoned homebuyers in Pennsylvania, we have put down some of what can go wrong when you inherit a house in Pennsylvania.
You May Owe More PA Taxes Than Anticipated
Most people don’t have to worry about estate tax because of the very high exemption (in the millions), and the estate tax was even temporarily suspended in 2010. But also mostly suspended in 2010 was the step-up provision. So in considering what can go wrong when you inherit a property in Pennsylvania and when you intend to sell it, you need to consider the stepped-up capital gains situation.
The step-up provision refers to the concept where capital gains taxes are calculated based on the appreciation of an asset above its fair market value at the time of the decedent’s death. This provision is unrelated to the original purchase price of the home, except in situations where changes were made to the step-up provision during specific years. If such changes apply, it’s important to note that you might end up owing a significantly higher amount in taxes than anticipated.
The Mortgage May Be Bigger Than You Thought In Pennsylvania
Generally in the past, when an elderly parent or relative passed, the mortgage on their house was paid off. In Pennsylvania, it has become increasingly common for elderly individuals to utilize reverse mortgages as a means to supplement their retirement funds. By taking out a reverse mortgage on their homes, they can access additional financial resources that help bridge any gaps in their retirement income.
It’s important to be aware that heirs are unable to assume a reverse mortgage. Additionally, in the case of a standard mortgage, assuming the mortgage is typically only possible if you plan to reside in the property yourself. If your intention is to rent out the home, you may need to refinance the mortgage under your own name.
The Pennsylvania House May Need Repairs And Upgrades
When it comes to potential issues that can arise when inheriting a property in Pennsylvania, one particular concern stands out as potentially costly. In many cases, individuals inherit a home from a deceased elderly parent or a close relative. Often, these individuals may lack the physical capability and financial resources to handle necessary maintenance and upgrades. Moreover, some elderly individuals may opt not to make investments in maintenance and upgrades for their homes, as they are aware that their remaining years of residence in the property are limited.
If you plan to live in inherited property, this may not be a huge concern. But if you intend to rent it or sell it, you’ll have to make repairs to make it presentable and upgrades to bring it up to code and meet other legal and insurance requirements. Installing a new HVAC system or re-wiring the home in Pennsylvania will involve a big chunk of money.
You May Have Problems With PA Relatives And Joint Heirs
But what if you’re not the only heir? That can be a problem. Suppose you and your siblings inherited the house jointly. If you want to sell an inherited property, your brother may want to rent it, and your other brother, to live in it himself. You can see what a powder keg waiting for a spark this is.
In the majority of states, when multiple heirs inherit a home, they are typically recognized as tenants in common. This means that if necessary, one heir has the ability to initiate a sale of the property. However, it is crucial to note that the process itself can be costly, and it may also lead to unpleasant emotional and familial consequences.
Sell My House In Pennsylvania
So what can go wrong when you inherit a property in PA? Quite a lot, actually, if you’re not up to speed on tax laws, mortgages, and upgrade issues. It is best to contact qualified professional Pennsylvania home buyers to help head off these issues quickly. Or, you can sell your house in Pittsburgh directly to Dustin Buys Houses to get stress-free from the inherited property in Pennsylvania.