Inheriting a Property in Sonoma County: What to Do Immediately (Critical First Steps)

Inheriting a home can feel overwhelming—especially in the first few weeks. Whether the property is going through probate or held in a trust, the actions you take immediately after inheriting a house can protect the asset, reduce liability, and preserve value for beneficiaries.

If you’ve recently inherited property in Sonoma County, here are the most important steps you should take right away.

1️⃣ Secure the Property Immediately

One of the first things you should do is physically secure the home.

That includes:

Changing all exterior door locks
Securing garages, sheds, and side gates
Ensuring all windows are locked

Even if the home appears safe, vacant properties are at higher risk for trespassing, theft, and vandalism.

2️⃣ Update Vacant Home Insurance

This step is often overlooked—and it can be costly.

Most standard homeowner insurance policies do not fully cover vacant homes after a certain period (often 30–60 days).

You should:

Notify the insurance carrier immediately
Ask about vacant property coverage
Confirm liability protection remains active

Failure to do this can result in denied claims if damage occurs.

3️⃣ Stop Mail & Forward Important Documents

Mail piling up is a clear signal that a property is vacant.

Action items:

Forward mail to the executor or trustee
Watch for property tax bills, insurance notices, and court documents
Secure any financial or legal paperwork left in the home

This protects against identity theft and missed deadlines.

4️⃣ Remove Valuables & Personal Items

Before any clean-out begins:

Remove jewelry, collectibles, firearms, and sensitive documents
Photograph valuable personal property
Document items being distributed to beneficiaries

This step helps prevent disputes and protects fiduciaries from liability.

5️⃣ Maintain the Exterior

Vacant homes that look neglected lose value quickly.

You should:

Continue landscaping and yard maintenance
Remove debris and fallen branches
Keep exterior lights functioning

Curb appeal matters—even before the home is listed.

6️⃣ Confirm Ownership Structure (Probate vs Trust)

Before making major decisions, determine:

Is the property held in a trust?
Is probate required?
Who has legal authority to act?

Executors and successor trustees should not proceed with a sale or major repairs without proper authority.

7️⃣ Avoid Major Repairs Too Early

Many families rush into renovations before understanding:

The true market value
The estate’s financial position
Beneficiary goals

In many cases, light preparation and strategic pricing outperform costly renovations.

8️⃣ Speak With a Probate & Trust-Focused REALTOR®

Inherited properties are not traditional sales.

I can help you:

Determine next steps based on probate or trust status
Coordinate clean-out and vendor services
Create a plan that maximizes value and minimizes stress

The right guidance early on can save months of frustration.

Final Thoughts

Inheriting a property doesn’t mean you need to make immediate decisions—but it does mean taking immediate action to protect the asset.

Securing the home, updating insurance, and getting the right advice early can make the entire process smoother for everyone involved.

Daniel Cronin | REALTOR
Certified Probate & Trust Specialist
Relocation Specialist
W Real Estate – Cronin Team
DRE# 02069254 | 707-543-6483
SonomaEstateServices.com
dannymcroninrealtor@gmail.com