Inheriting a home in New York can feel like both a blessing and a burden. For many families in Staten Island and Brooklyn, the property represents memories, history, and legacy. But for executors and heirs, the reality often hits quickly:

Probate is expensive, time-consuming, and full of hidden costs most people never see coming.

As Staten Island’s only Certified Probate Expert (CPE) and the trusted probate real estate resource for families across the boroughs, Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC helps executors navigate these challenges with clarity, structure, and guaranteed solutions.

If you’ve inherited a home or you’re responsible for settling an estate, here are the costs you need to prepare for—and how to avoid unnecessary financial stress.

1. Property Maintenance During Probate (Often the Biggest Shock)

Most homes sit in probate for 6–12 months, and during that time, the estate must continue to pay:

• Property taxes

• Homeowners insurance

• Utility bills

• Lawn care or snow removal

• Emergency repairs

• HOA fees (if applicable)

In Staten Island, these recurring costs can easily reach $2,000–$3,000 per month. For many executors—especially out-of-state family members—this becomes unmanageable.

How We Help:
Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC can provide:

• Immediate cash offers (3+ offers) to eliminate carrying costs

• Flexible closing dates to align with court timelines

• Turnkey cleanout coordination so you don’t need to be on-site

2. Insurance Lapses and Vacancy Problems

Many inherited homes are vacant, and most insurance policies exclude coverage for long-term vacancy.
Executors are often unaware that:

• A standard policy may cancel after 30–60 days of vacancy

• Estate insurance is more expensive

• Claims may be denied for lack of upkeep

If something goes wrong—like burst pipes or vandalism—the estate can be hit with thousands in out-of-pocket repairs.

How We Help:
We coordinate with the estate attorney and insurance provider to make sure the property remains protected—and we help you move toward a fast, safe sale.

3. Cleanout, Repairs, and Deferred Maintenance

Most probate homes haven’t been updated in years. That means:

• Old electrical or plumbing systems

• Outdated kitchens/bathrooms

• Roof leaks

• Mold or moisture issues

• Full home cleanouts

• Personal items and furniture needing removal

A typical Staten Island estate cleanout ranges from $1,500 to $8,000.
Repairs can range anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000+.

How We Help:
Our sellers don’t need to invest in repairs. Through our:

• Multiple Cash Offer Platform

• Certified Pre-Owned Home™ Program

…we help you sell the home as-is or position it to attract stronger offers without unnecessary spending.

4. Property Taxes, Water Bills & Municipal Fines

It’s common for inherited homes to have:

• Unpaid water bills

• Property tax arrears

• Open violations

• ECB/HPD fines

• Liens

These can delay closing and add thousands to the estate’s obligations.

How We Help:
Our team does a full municipal lien search up front and works with attorneys, title companies, and the city to clear issues quickly.

5. Attorney Fees, Court Costs, & Accounting Fees

Even the smoothest probate cases involve:

• Filing fees

• Executor accounting

• Attorney retainers

• Appraisals for tax purposes

These expenses can total $5,000–$15,000 depending on complexity.

While unavoidable, the total financial strain on heirs becomes overwhelming when the property is not generating income.

This is why many executors choose a guaranteed or immediate-sale option to reduce the estate’s costs.

How Executors Can Reduce or Avoid These Hidden Costs

Executors do not need to carry every financial burden of an inherited home. At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC, we specialize in reducing or eliminating these costs through structured, executor-friendly solutions:

✔ Option 1: Get 3+ Cash Offers in 24 Hours

No repairs.
No showings.
No cleanup required.

One of these offers is typically at 100% of market value, giving heirs speed and fairness without discount buyers or investor pressure.

✔ Option 2: Certified Pre-Owned Home™ for Probate Properties

This program helps heirs:

• Increase buyer confidence

• Minimize inspections and repairs

• Prevent deals from falling apart

• Sell faster and for more

It’s ideal when heirs want the highest sale price but still want a controlled and predictable process.

✔ Option 3: Probate Concierge Service

We handle everything:

• Cleanouts

• Junk removal

• Repairs if needed

• Staging

• MLS launch

• Buyer negotiations

• Attorney coordination

Executors stay informed—but not overwhelmed.

✔ Option 4: Our Probate Support Hotline

Executors across Staten Island rely on us for free guidance:
📞 718-571-8366
🌐 NYSProbateSolutions.com

Whether you’re selling now, considering options, or simply need clarity, we’re here to help.

Why Executors Trust Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC

• Staten Island’s only Certified Probate Expert (CPE)

• Transparent, documented processes

• Options for cash, as-is, certified, or full-market listings

• Guaranteed solutions no traditional agent offers

• Proven.track record assisting families during stressful transitions

Probate is complicated. Selling the estate home shouldn’t be.

FAQs About Inheriting a Home in New York

1. How long does probate take in New York?

Most cases take 6–12 months, depending on court processing times and whether there are objections or complications.

2. Can I sell a probate home before probate is complete?

Yes — marketing and accepting offers is allowed.
Closing typically requires court approval unless you are the Administrator/Executor with full authority.

3. Do I need to make repairs to sell the home?

Not with us. You can receive cash offers as-is, or we can prepare it for market using our Certified Pre-Owned Home™ approach.

4. What if the heirs don’t agree on how to sell the home?

We help mediate options and provide structured sale pathways so families can make informed decisions.

5. What’s the fastest way to sell a probate property?

Our Multiple Cash Offer Platform, which provides 3+ offers—often including one at the highest value available—typically delivers the fastest, most certain result.