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How to Sell an Unwanted Inherited House in Des Moines, IA

Our process is fair, works on your timeline, and is easy to follow.

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How to Sell an Unwanted Inherited House in Des Moines

Inheriting a house can be a blessing—but also a burden. While some properties are valuable assets, others come with unexpected expenses, maintenance needs, or emotional challenges. If you’ve inherited a house in Des Moines that you don’t want to keep, you’re not alone—and you have options.

Here’s how to sell an unwanted inherited home, and why working with a cash buyer like DSM Swift Home Buyers might be the easiest and fastest way to move forward.


Step 1: Understand the Probate Process (If Applicable)

Before selling, determine whether the property has gone through probate—the legal process of transferring ownership from the deceased to the heirs. In Iowa, probate can take a few months or longer depending on the situation. If the house was placed in a trust or had a designated beneficiary, probate might not be required.

If you’re unsure, consulting with a probate attorney or estate representative is a smart first step.


Step 2: Decide If You Want to Keep, Rent, or Sell

Once the property is officially yours, you’ll need to decide what to do with it:

  • Keep it – This can make sense if you want to live in the home or use it as a second property.
  • Rent it out – A good option if it’s in great condition and you’re ready to be a landlord.
  • Sell it – Ideal if the property needs work, is far from where you live, or you simply don’t want the responsibility.

If selling makes the most sense, your next decision is how to sell.


Step 3: Consider the Costs of a Traditional Sale

Listing the inherited home with a real estate agent might sound like a good idea, but it often comes with hidden costs and time delays, especially if the house needs repairs. You may need to:

  • Clean out and empty the home (a huge task in itself)
  • Make repairs or upgrades
  • Pay for cleaning, staging, and professional photos
  • Cover real estate agent commissions (usually 5%–6%)
  • Wait weeks or months for the sale to close

This route may not be worth it—especially if the home is outdated or in poor condition.


Step 4: Sell to a Cash Buyer for Speed and Convenience

If you’re looking for a faster, easier way to sell, working with a local cash buyer like DSM Swift Home Buyers is a great option.

We specialize in buying inherited homes—no repairs, no cleaning, no fees. We’ll give you a fair, no-obligation cash offer, and if you accept, we can close in as little as 2-4 weeks.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Sell the home as-is, even if it’s outdated or full of belongings
  • No need to pay for repairs, cleaning, or agent commissions
  • We pay all closing costs
  • We guide you through the process, even if probate isn’t complete yet
  • You get cash in hand and peace of mind—fast

Why Homeowners Trust DSM Swift Home Buyers

We’re based right here in Des Moines, and we’ve helped many families just like yours navigate inherited property situations with care, transparency, and respect. Whether the home is in great shape or in serious need of repairs, we’re ready to make the process simple and stress-free.

And if for any reason your situation isn’t a fit for us, we’re happy to connect you with someone who can help.

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Contact us today to get your offer!

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Ready to Move On from an Unwanted Inherited House?

You don’t have to deal with the stress of cleaning, fixing, or listing a house you never asked for. DSM Swift Home Buyers is here to help you sell fast, walk away with cash, and move forward on your terms.

Contact us today for a no-pressure consultation and see how easy it can be to sell your unwanted inherited property.

See what we can offer you for your house…