If you inherited a property that you intend to sell, make sure you read this blog post all the way through to know the 3 things you can do in Milwaukee to prepare your inherited house for the sale…
When a loved one passes, it’s never easy. And while inheriting a house might feel like a generous final gift, it often comes with unexpected responsibilities—especially if you weren’t prepared to manage a property. I’ve worked with dozens of families across Milwaukee who suddenly found themselves juggling probate paperwork, utility bills, and emotional attachments, all while trying to decide what to do next.
Houses take effort: upkeep, taxes, maintenance, and in some cases, legal hurdles. That’s why it’s important to approach the situation not just with sentiment, but with a clear plan—especially if you’re considering selling. In this article, I’ll walk you through three meaningful first steps to prepare your inherited home for the market here in Milwaukee, based on what I’ve learned helping local families.
Preparing Your Inherited House For Sale — Tip #1
One of the most important first steps—before you start packing boxes or calling agents—is to preserve the memories. I’ve seen many families delay selling a house for years, not because they want to live in it, but because of emotional attachment. And I get it. This was someone’s home—maybe your parents’, a sibling’s, or a grandparent’s. It’s not just drywall and flooring; it’s birthdays, traditions, and echoes of their voice.
What’s helped my clients is creating a “memory kit.” Spend a weekend at the home collecting meaningful items: photo albums, letters, recipes, even a favorite mug. Take photos of rooms as they were or record a walkthrough video for your own personal archive. Once you’ve separated the memories from the structure, it becomes easier to see the house as an asset rather than an emotional anchor. If you need help working through this step, consider speaking with a grief-informed real estate advisor or estate transition coach—yes, they exist, and they can make a world of difference.
So if you’re thinking of selling but want to preserve the memories, do something special in the house — take pictures, gather some of the furniture and photographs and other mementos that you will cherish. You’ll have a few things that represent your memories and you’ll still be able to sell the house to keep it from becoming a burden.
Preparing Your Inherited House For Sale — Tip #2
Chances are, you inherited the house from someone who lived there for many years. Often, I’ve found that while a home may have been lovingly maintained, there are usually areas—like basements, attics, or spare bedrooms—that became long-term storage zones. Before listing the property, it’s crucial to declutter and deep-clean every space. This not only helps buyers visualize the home as their own, but it can also make a noticeable difference in value.
In Milwaukee, homes that hit the market clean and move-in ready often receive offers 10–15% higher than those sold “as-is,” according to local MLS data. If the task feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional estate cleanout service or organizer—especially if you’re managing the property remotely or under time pressure. I’ve worked with local companies like [Milwaukee Estate Services] who can manage everything from sorting to hauling donations. It’s worth every penny for peace of mind and a quicker sale.
Preparing Your Inherited House For Sale — Tip #3
Finally, a fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make. Many inherited homes in Milwaukee are decades old, and even if they’ve been well cared for, the colors may feel outdated or faded. I always recommend neutral, light tones—like soft greys or warm beiges—because they brighten rooms and appeal to the widest range of buyers.
For example, one client of mine inherited a ranch-style home in Bay View that hadn’t been painted since 1995. After repainting the interior with a soft modern palette, we saw increased showing activity within the first week of listing. The cost? Just under $2,000. The result? The home sold for $18,000 above the initial appraisal.
Tip: If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to a local real estate agent or stager who can recommend the most buyer-friendly updates in your neighborhood.
Summary
When your loved one passed the house on to you, they did so because they wanted to give you this gift. But selling the inherited house may make the most sense. So you’ve just read 3 things you can do in Milwaukee to prepare your inherited house for the sale.