When inheriting a property in New Orleans, it’s easy to focus on the emotional side—memories, family, and legacy. But what catches most people off guard are the unexpected expenses that follow.
If you’ve inherited a house recently—or know one’s coming your way—it’s essential to understand what you’re signing up for. From taxes to maintenance, inheriting a property often means more financial responsibility than most realize.
Here are four hidden costs that can quietly drain your time, energy, and budget:
1. Property Taxes and Other Surprising Fees
Even if the house is paid off, the annual property taxes are now your responsibility. Those taxes can increase significantly in New Orleans—especially if a homestead exemption no longer applies.
🏷️ Estate or inheritance taxes depending on how the home was transferred
📈 Capital gains tax if the property gains value before you sell
These unexpected tax burdens can sneak up quickly, especially when you’re still figuring out what to do with the home.
2. Utility Costs—Even When the Home Is Empty
Vacant doesn’t mean free. In New Orleans’ humid climate, keeping the electricity or A/C running is often necessary to prevent moisture damage. Even if the home isn’t occupied, you may still have to cover:
🔌 Electricity, water, sewer, and trash service
🌧️ Stormwater drainage or minimum service fees
🔁 Reconnection costs if utilities have been turned off
Even if you’re not living there, the property can keep draining your wallet quietly in the background—until you’re forced to deal with it.
3. Maintenance, Repairs, and Code Violations
Homes that sit too long often start to deteriorate—inside and out. If the home hasn’t been maintained, you’re now on the hook for the upkeep and the consequences. Common issues include:
🌿 Yard overgrowth and junk accumulation
🧱 Roof damage, pests, or plumbing issues
🚫 Code enforcement citations for visible neglect
Without regular care, inherited homes can quickly shift from sentimental to stressful—and code violations only make it harder to sell.
4. Legal Issues or Family Disagreements
If you inherited the property with siblings or other relatives, things can get complicated quickly. Disagreeing on what to do with the house—or who’s responsible—can trigger delays or court involvement. You could end up dealing with:
⚖️ Costly mediation between family members
🧾 Unpaid taxes or liens tied to the estate
🕰️ Probate hold-ups when ownership isn’t clear
Even the closest families can hit roadblocks when a property is involved—and the longer things drag out, the more costly and emotional it becomes.
What Are Your Options After Inheriting a Property?
When inheriting a property, you have a few main options. You can keep and maintain the home, rent it out for passive income, make updates, list it on the market, or sell it to a local buyer.
For many heirs, the straightforward and least stressful option is to sell—especially if the home needs work or you live out of state.
If you go the traditional route with a real estate agent, expect to cover repairs, pay commissions and closing costs, and wait weeks or months for the right buyer to come along.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, selling the inherited property directly to a local homebuyer could save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
How REvitalize Makes It Easy to Sell an Inherited Property
At REvitalize, we help people like you sell inherited houses in New Orleans quickly and without repairs, fees, or stress.
We’re not agents. We’re local property buyers who understand the emotional and financial layers of inheriting a property—and we handle the hard parts so you don’t have to.
📞 Prefer to talk to a real person? Call us today at 504-621-1729. We’re more than happy to answer your questions—no pressure.
👉 Or start here to request your free, no-obligation offer
Whether you’re ready to sell or just exploring your options, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Have Questions About Selling an Inherited House?
Q: Can I sell an inherited property without fixing it first?
A: Yes. We buy inherited homes in any condition—no repairs, cleanout, or prep needed. Even if the house has code violations or has been vacant, we can help.
Q: Should I return to New Orleans to sell the house?
A: Not at all. Many of our sellers live out of state. We can work with you remotely and handle everything on your behalf.
Q: What if multiple family members inherited the home with me?
A: We help families navigate these situations all the time. If everyone agrees to sell, we’ll handle the paperwork—even if the heirs live in different states.
Q: How long does it take to sell an inherited house?
A: Most sellers close in 2–3 weeks, but we’ll move at your pace. If you need more time, just let us know
Q: What if I’m not ready to decide yet?
A: That’s completely okay. We’ll provide you with the information, answer your questions, and let you move forward when you’re ready—no pressure, just real help.
