5 Tips for People Who Have Inherited Real Estate in South Carolina

If you’ve recently inherited a house or other real estate in South Carolina, you’re likely feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s a meaningful gift from someone you loved. On the other, you’re suddenly responsible for a property that comes with taxes, maintenance, and big financial decisions.

Whether the property is in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, or elsewhere in South Carolina, deciding what to do next can feel overwhelming. Should you move in, rent it out, keep it as a vacation home, or sell the inherited property in South Carolina and move on? Below are five practical tips to help you manage inherited real estate in South Carolina so you can make the best decision for your family and finances.

Tip 1: Decide Who Should Own the Property

One of the first decisions is who will actually own the inherited property. In some situations, one heir wants to keep the home while others would prefer to sell. In others, everyone agrees the property should go to a specific family member.

Transferring the deed to a single family member can simplify decision-making, but it may also have tax and legal implications. Before changing ownership, talk with a probate or real estate attorney and, if needed, a tax professional. They can help you understand how South Carolina inheritance laws, capital gains, and any out-of-state issues might affect your decision.

If multiple siblings or heirs are involved, it can also make sense to agree up front that you’ll eventually sell the inherited house and divide the proceeds, especially if no one plans to live there full time.

Tip 2: Consider Moving Into the Home

For some families, the best option is to make the inherited property your primary residence. If the home is in a good location, close to work or family, and in solid condition, moving in can:

• Help you avoid the costs of maintaining two separate properties
• Allow you to keep the home in the family and preserve memories
• Give you time to make long-term decisions without rushing into a sale

Just remember: even if you move in, you’ll still need to budget for property taxes, insurance, utilities, and repairs. If the house needs major work, weigh those costs carefully against your other housing options in South Carolina.

Tip 3: Run the Numbers on Renting It Out

If you don’t want to live in the home yourself, turning it into a rental property can seem like a great way to generate extra income. This option can work well in growing markets like Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, where demand for rentals may be strong.

However, becoming a landlord also means taking on new responsibilities, including:

• Finding and screening tenants
• Handling repairs and emergency calls
• Keeping up with local, state, and federal landlord–tenant laws
• Managing vacancies and potential non-payment issues

Before you decide to rent out inherited real estate in South Carolina, create a simple budget that includes expected rent, property taxes, insurance, repairs, and property management fees if you won’t be hands-on. If the numbers don’t make sense—or the stress isn’t worth it—selling may be a better fit.

Tip 4: Be Realistic About Using It as a Vacation Home

If the inherited property is in a desirable or scenic area, you might be tempted to keep it as a vacation home for the family. This can be a wonderful way to stay connected to the property and create new memories together.

But vacation homes come with ongoing costs, including:

• Year-round maintenance and cleaning
• Insurance and property taxes
• Utilities, landscaping, and potential HOA dues
• Travel costs for you and your family

If several heirs plan to share the vacation home, it’s important to put expectations in writing—who can use it when, who pays for what, and what happens if someone wants to cash out later. Otherwise, a well-meant vacation home can quickly become a source of tension.

Tip 5: Sell the Inherited Property As-Is for Cash

For many families, especially when the property needs work or no one lives nearby, the simplest option is to sell the inherited house as-is and divide the proceeds. This can be especially helpful if:

• The home needs significant repairs or updates
• The property has become a financial burden
• Heirs live out of state or have busy schedules
• There are ongoing disagreements about what to do with the house

Instead of listing with an agent, making repairs, and waiting months for the right buyer, you can work with a local South Carolina cash home buyer like Table Rock Homebuyers. We buy inherited property in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and throughout South Carolina in as-is condition—no cleaning, no showings, and no costly updates.

We walk you through your options, answer your questions with no pressure, and provide a straightforward cash offer so you can make the best decision for your situation.

If you’d like to talk through your inherited property and see what a direct cash sale might look like, share a few details about the house or call Table Rock Homebuyers at 864-272-5400. There’s no obligation, and we’re here to help you find the path that feels right for your family.