When a parent or grandparent passes away without a clear plan, a house can end up owned by several people at once: siblings, half-siblings, cousins, a surviving spouse. Each heir owns a share, but nobody can sell the whole property on their own. One person wants to sell, another wants to keep it, someone else lives out of state, and the taxes keep coming due.
Longhorn Home Buyers works with families in San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Dripping Springs and across Hays County to sort out inherited houses with multiple heirs. We can buy the whole property when everyone is ready, and in some situations we can buy an individual heir’s share.
Situations we can help with
- The heirs don’t agree. One or more family members want to sell and others don’t.
- Some heirs live far away or haven’t been involved and don’t want to deal with the house.
- An heir can’t be found, or nobody is sure exactly who all the heirs are.
- One heir is living in the house and the others want their share.
- Nobody wants to pay the taxes or upkeep, and the house is falling behind. (See behind on property taxes.)
- The house is still in the deceased owner’s name and title needs to be cleared. (See inherited houses.)
Option 1: Sell the whole property together
When all of the heirs are on board, this is usually the cleanest path and often gets everyone the most money. We make one cash offer for the entire property, help figure out what’s needed to clear title, and typically close through a Texas title company. The proceeds are divided between the heirs according to their shares at closing.
We’re happy to talk with each family member directly and answer their questions, which often helps everyone get comfortable with the decision.
Option 2: Sell just your share
If you’re ready to move on but the others aren’t, you may be able to sell your individual interest in the property. In some situations we can buy an heir’s share on its own. You get paid for your part and you’re no longer responsible for the taxes, upkeep or family disagreements.
Buying a partial interest is different from buying a whole house. The price reflects that you’re selling a share rather than the full property, and depending on the situation the closing may be handled directly rather than through a title company. We’ll explain how it works up front, and we always encourage you to have your own attorney review the paperwork.
How it works
- Tell us about the property and the family. Call or text 512-995-7498 or fill out the form. The address, who passed away, and roughly how many heirs there are is plenty to start.
- We look into title and taxes. We check the ownership records and tax account so everyone knows where things stand.
- We lay out the options. We’ll explain what an offer for the whole property looks like, and whether buying your share alone makes sense.
- Close on your timeline. No repairs, no cleaning, no showings and no agent commissions.
Areas we serve
We work with heirs throughout Hays County, including San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Niederwald. We also buy in the surrounding counties, including Travis, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Bastrop, Blanco and Williamson. The heirs themselves can live anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Can one heir sell an inherited house without the others?
One heir generally can’t sell the whole property alone. Each heir owns a share, and a buyer of the whole house needs all of the owners to sign. An heir can usually sell their own share, though, and in some situations we can buy it.
What if one of the heirs refuses to sell?
Often the first step is simply a conversation. We’re glad to talk with each family member and answer questions. If an agreement isn’t possible, selling just your share may be an option. In Texas, co-owners can also ask a court to divide or sell the property through a partition, and Texas has special rules for inherited family property. That’s a question for a Texas real estate attorney.
What if we can’t find one of the heirs?
This is more common than people think. Depending on the situation, there are legal ways to move forward even when an heir is missing. We’ll work with the title company and, when needed, an attorney to find the right path.
How do you price an heir’s share?
An individual share is generally worth less than the same percentage of the whole house sold all together, because the buyer is taking on a partial interest. We’ll walk you through the numbers so you can compare it with selling together.
Who pays the property taxes and closing costs?
When the whole property sells, back taxes and closing costs are normally paid out of the sale at closing before the proceeds are divided. We’ll explain exactly how costs are handled for your situation before you sign anything.
Is this legal advice?
No. We’re real estate buyers, not attorneys. For legal questions about heirship, probate or partition, talk with a Texas probate or real estate attorney. We’re happy to work alongside yours.
Talk to us about your family’s property
Inherited a house in Hays County with siblings or other heirs? Call or text Longhorn Home Buyers at 512-995-7498, email thomas@longhornhomebuyers.com, or fill out the form below. We’ll give you straight answers and lay out your options.