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A plain-English checklist for executors about the house

Short answer: This checklist covers the house-related tasks most families need to think about: secure it, check insurance, handle mail and utilities, track taxes and expenses, document the contents, and wait for legal authority before selling. It is a conversation starter for a family and their attorney, not a substitute for legal advice.

First week

• Secure the house: check locks and who has keys.
• Tell the insurance company the owner has passed. Ask what changes if the house is vacant.
• Forward the mail and watch for bills.
• Take dated photos of every room.

First month

• Keep utilities on at a safe minimum (heat, water, power).
• Make a list of property taxes, loans, and recurring bills.
• Keep a folder or spreadsheet of every estate expense with receipts.
• Ask the attorney who has authority to act and what that allows.
• Do not sell, give away, or remove valuables until the attorney says it is okay.

Before any decision about the house

• Ask whether an appraisal is needed, and who orders it.
• Compare options: keep, rent, sell.
• Ask the attorney and a trusted CPA about timing and taxes.
• Get references for any agent, clean-out company, or contractor.

Keep records

Good records protect the executor. Save emails, receipts, photos, and notes about every decision.

A note

This page is general, educational information. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk to your own attorney, CPA, or broker about your situation.

Try this week

1. Print this checklist for your next family meeting.
2. Add two items specific to your county or practice.
3. Share it with clients as a handout.

Questions people ask

Who is this checklist for?

Executors and families managing an inherited house, and the attorneys and paralegals who guide them.

Is it complete?

No. It is a starting point. Every estate is different.

Can I reprint it?

Attorneys are welcome to adapt it for their own clients.

This page is general, educational information. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk to your own attorney, CPA, or broker about your situation. I'm a GGMS customer, and I receive a discount from GGMS.