How to Handle an Inherited Property in South Carolina With No Will

Losing a loved one is hard enough. When they pass away without a will, things can feel even more overwhelming—especially if you and your family just inherited a house in South Carolina. Questions about who owns the home, how probate works, and whether you can sell an inherited house in South Carolina often come up all at once.

If the property is in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, or anywhere in the Upstate or Midlands, you may be wondering what your options are. The good news is that even without a will, there are clear steps you can take to protect the estate, avoid family conflict, and decide whether to keep, rent, or sell the inherited property.

Below are seven practical steps to help you handle an inherited property in South Carolina when there is no will—including options to sell an inherited house as-is without repairs or agent fees.

1. Find Out Who Inherits the Property Under South Carolina Law

Your first step is to determine who legally inherits the property. When someone dies without a will (called dying “intestate”), South Carolina intestacy laws decide who receives the home and in what shares.

In general, if the person who passed away was married, the surviving spouse and children usually share the estate. If they weren’t married, ownership may pass to their children, parents, or siblings—depending on the family situation. An attorney or probate court in the county where the property sits (for example, Greenville County, Spartanburg County, or Anderson County) can help confirm who the legal heirs are.

2. Get a Professional Valuation of the Inherited House

Next, you’ll want to understand what the inherited house is worth. A professional valuation or appraisal gives you a realistic picture of the property’s current market value in South Carolina.

You can hire a licensed appraiser or ask a local real estate professional for a comparative market analysis. This will help you and any co-heirs make informed decisions about whether to sell the inherited house, keep it, or rent it out. A clear value also helps avoid arguments among siblings and other family members.

3. Decide Whether to Keep, Rent, or Sell the Inherited Property

Once you know who owns the home and what it’s worth, it’s time to decide what to do with the property. Typically, heirs consider three options:

Keep the house. One or more heirs may decide to live in the home. If so, be sure you understand who will be responsible for the mortgage (if any), property taxes, insurance, and ongoing repairs.

Rent the house. Turning an inherited house into a rental can create income, but it also makes you a landlord. You’ll need to handle tenants, maintenance, and vacancies—or hire a property manager in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Anderson to oversee everything.

Sell the inherited house. Many families choose to sell inherited property in South Carolina and split the proceeds. You can list the home the traditional way, or you can sell an inherited house as-is for cash to a local buyer like Table Rock Homebuyers and skip repairs, showings, and agent commissions.

4. Understand Probate and Get Legal Guidance

If there is no will, the estate may need to go through probate in South Carolina. Probate is the court process that confirms heirs, pays off debts, and transfers ownership of assets like real estate. This can feel confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

An experienced probate or estate attorney can walk you through your options, including when you can sell inherited property during probate in South Carolina. Legal guidance is especially important if there are multiple heirs, family disagreements, or questions about title, liens, or past due taxes.

5. Communicate Openly With Other Heirs

When more than one person inherits the property, open communication is critical. Talk honestly about your finances, timelines, and preferences—whether that’s keeping the house in the family, renting it, or choosing a fast cash sale.

If you’re struggling to agree, consider involving a neutral third party, such as a mediator, attorney, or financial advisor. Setting clear expectations up front helps you avoid long-term conflicts and keeps the focus on honoring your loved one and making wise decisions together.

6. Settle Any Debts, Taxes, or Liens on the Property

Before you can fully enjoy the benefits of an inheritance—or sell an inherited house in South Carolina—you’ll need to make sure any debts tied to the property are addressed. This may include a remaining mortgage balance, property taxes, HOA dues, or other liens.

An attorney or title company can help you understand what’s owed and how it must be handled at closing. In many cases, past-due amounts can be paid out of the sale proceeds when you sell the house, rather than out of your personal pocket.

7. Transfer Ownership and Complete the Sale (If You Decide to Sell)

After confirming the heirs, addressing probate requirements, and resolving debts, the next step is to officially transfer ownership. This may involve recording new deeds in the county where the property is located—such as Greenville, Spartanburg, or Anderson County—and providing documents like the death certificate and probate orders.

If you decide to sell, you can either list the home on the market or work directly with a local cash home buyer for inherited property. A direct cash sale lets you avoid repairs on an inherited house in South Carolina, skip showings, and often close in a matter of weeks instead of months.

Inheriting real estate without a will can feel complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right information, a supportive team, and clear communication with other heirs, you can decide whether keeping, renting, or selling the home is best for your situation.

Table Rock Homebuyers is a local real estate solutions company and cash home buyer serving Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and surrounding South Carolina communities. If you’re considering a fast, as-is sale of an inherited house, we can walk you through your options and make you a fair cash offer—without repairs, cleaning, or agent commissions.

Want to talk through your situation with a real estate consultant who understands inherited property and probate? Send us a message or call Table Rock Homebuyers at 864-272-5400 today. We’re here to help you move forward on the timeline that works best for you and your family.