Compassionate, professional support for families navigating inherited property decisions
Inheriting a property can be both a blessing and a challenge, especially during an already emotional time. If you've recently inherited property in Stamford, Connecticut, you're facing important decisions that require both practical expertise and compassionate guidance. The Staci Zampa Team has over 20 years of experience helping families through these complex situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
Right now, you're probably wondering: "What do I do with this house?" and feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions that need to be made. The good news is you have options, and none of them need to be decided today.
You basically have three paths forward:
Before you can decide which path makes sense, you need to know what you're really dealing with. Is it a hidden gem or a money pit? Is it move-in ready or does it need serious work?
Here's what we'll figure out together:
What's it worth today? We'll look at recent sales of similar homes in your specific Stamford neighborhood. A house in North Stamford is different from one in Westover, and we know these markets inside and out.
What condition is it really in? We'll help you get a realistic picture of what needs attention and what constitutes a "big problem" versus normal wear and tear.
As a founding Compass Realtor, Staci is a top-producing and award-winning real estate agent in Stamford, CT, her hometown, which she proudly serves. With over $600 million in closed transactions, The Staci Zampa Team was recently named a Top Small Team by Sales Volume by Real Trends, and has MLS membership in Stamford, Greenwich, and Westchester County.
Staci is known for hard work, passion and tenacity, and clients repeatedly commend her ability to close even the most challenging deals. This expertise is especially valuable when navigating the complexities of inherited property sales.
One of the biggest advantages of working with someone who's been part of the Stamford community for decades? We know the right people for everything. Selling an inherited property often involves services you might not even realize you need.
We can connect you with trusted professionals
You probably have questions, and that's completely normal. Dealing with inherited property can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already managing so much. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from families in your situation. Every situation is unique, but these should help you understand the basic process and what to expect.
Most inherited properties in Connecticut typically need to go through probate, which is the legal process that transfers ownership from the deceased to the beneficiaries. However, there can be exceptions - if the property was held in a trust or had joint ownership with rights of survivorship, probate might not be necessary. We work with experienced probate attorneys who can help determine what may be required for your specific situation and help guide you through the process.
Note: For general guidance only. Consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The timeline can vary depending on several factors. If probate is required, that process often takes 6-12 months in Connecticut. Once you have clear title, selling the property itself usually takes 30-60 days in Stamford's current market, depending on the property's condition and pricing. We can help give you a more specific timeline once we understand your particular situation - some properties may move faster if everything is in order.
Note: For general guidance only. Consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Good news - Connecticut doesn't have a state inheritance tax, which can save you money compared to some other states. You may be subject to federal capital gains tax, but there's often an important benefit: inherited property typically gets a "stepped-up basis," meaning you're generally only taxed on gains from the property's value when you inherited it, not from when the original owner bought it. For many families, this can significantly reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes. We can connect you with tax professionals who specialize in inherited property to help ensure you understand all potential benefits for your situation.
Note: For general guidance only. Consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The decision-making process can depend on several factors, including the specific terms of the will and applicable court requirements. In some cases, if the will clearly establishes ownership percentages, certain decisions about selling may be possible with majority agreement, but this can vary based on your specific circumstances. If all heirs need to agree or if there's no will, everyone typically must be on board before proceeding. We've helped many families work through these discussions and can recommend professional mediators when helpful. The key is often getting everyone to the table early to discuss goals and concerns openly.
Note: For general guidance only. Consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Yes, property taxes typically continue to accrue during probate, and someone usually needs to pay them to avoid penalties and potential tax liens. Often, the executor of the estate handles this using estate funds. If you're the executor or taking responsibility for the property, we can help you understand what may need to be paid and when to help keep everything current.
Note: For general guidance only. Consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.