Local real estate expert Pat Settar shares insight and practical advice for navigating the process of inheriting a home.
In towns like ours, where homes often stay in families for generations, it’s not uncommon to see a property passed down after the loss of a loved one. These homes come with stories, memories, and emotional weight — and settling them is rarely straightforward. For many local families, especially those trying to handle everything from out of state, the process of managing and selling an inherited home can quickly become overwhelming.
There’s the legal side, of course: probate, paperwork, title transfers. But just as often, it’s the quieter, more emotional parts that catch people off guard — like deciding what to do with a house full of belongings, or navigating differing opinions among siblings. When a loved one passes, the task of sorting, cleaning, and preparing their home can feel like a second wave of grief.
The Cleanout is Often the Hardest Part
The physical home is one thing — but it’s what’s inside that often proves most difficult. Even when families aren’t planning to keep the property, it’s not uncommon to spend weeks or months deciding what to do with the contents. There’s no blueprint for how to sort a life’s worth of objects — what to keep, what to donate, what can be let go.
I have seen this first hand, over my 31 years of experience. This is why I always recommend purging your stuff and getting your affairs in order while you’re still physically and emotionally capable. Taking the time to downsize or simplify is a generous act that can make a hard time just a little bit easier for loved ones later on.
Renovate, Clean Up, or Sell As-Is?
Many families wrestle with whether or not to fix up an inherited home before putting it on the market. The right choice depends on several factors: the condition of the home, the amount of time and money available, and the goals of the estate. In some cases, fresh paint and minor repairs make a big difference. In others, pricing the home appropriately and selling as-is is the most sensible path.
What matters most is making a decision that fits the situation — not rushing into a renovation project just because it’s expected. Every estate is different.
A Note on Capital Gains and Inheritance
One common misconception is that heirs will be heavily taxed when they sell an inherited home. In reality, the IRS provides what’s called a “step-up in basis” for the immediate family. This means that the home’s value is reset to its market value at the time of inheritance. If it’s sold shortly after, there’s often little or no capital gains tax owed. It’s always wise to consult a tax professional, but this provision brings relief to many families who assume they’ll face a large tax bill.
When There’s More Than One Decision Maker
Inheriting a home often involves more than one person — siblings, extended family, sometimes even multiple generations. And while everyone may have good intentions, differing opinions about when and how to sell can create tension. These moments benefit from open communication, clearly defined roles, and ideally, a neutral third party, like an experienced realtor, estate attorney, or professional mediator, to help keep things organized and respectful.
Families often do best when they approach the process with a shared understanding: this isn’t just about selling a house. It’s about honoring the person who lived there — and making thoughtful choices about what comes next.
Final Thoughts
Inheriting a home is never just a matter of paperwork. It can be emotionally complex, logistically challenging, and sometimes unexpectedly beautiful. It’s also something more and more local families are facing — especially as longtime homeowners begin planning for the future.
Whether a home is passed down through generations or unexpectedly left behind, the process of settling it is one that deserves time, support, and understanding. With the right information and thoughtful planning, families can navigate it with clarity and care — and make decisions that reflect not just what the house is worth, but what the legacy behind it means.
About the Author
Pat along with her husband, Mike Settar, have been Harrison Township residents for 31 years. Pat and Mike raised their three daughters, Meryl, Carly, and Paige in Mullica Hill. All three Settar girls attended the highly-rated Harrison Township Elementary Schools and graduated from Clearview Middle and High School. Pat and Mike love being residents and raising their family in Mullica Hill.
Pat Settar is a prominent member of the community. She is the Chair of the Harrison Township Beautification Committee, a proud supporter of the Harrison Township Historical Society, an annual sponsor of Harrison Township Day and Lights on Main, and supports a variety of other causes in our town.
Pat has been recognized with several Real Estate industry accolades, including the Top 1/2% in the BHHS Network, a member of Philly Magazine’s Who’s Who for Top Producers, and a Platinum Award from the Board of Realtors, and many others. Her most cherished industry honor is the Don Brogan Peer Appreciation Award. Pat was chosen for this prestigious award by her peers from the Gloucester/Salem Counties Board of Realtors for her high ethical standards, maintaining cooperation with others in the industry, having a spirit for the Real Estate business, and her knowledge of the profession. Pat Settar has built an all-female team and is proud to mentor and support these incredible women in their Real Estate careers. The Pat Settar Team has a 5-star rating on Zillow, she says that making her clients happy, makes her happy!
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