Inherited a Vacant Home? What to Do in the First 30 Days

When a loved one passes away, their home often sits empty while the family grieves and the estate gets sorted out. That's understandable. But a vacant house in Texas can run into trouble quickly — a slow leak, an AC failure in August, a break-in. This checklist helps protect the home, and its value, during the first month.

Week 1: Secure it

• Change or re-key the locks, and keep track of who has a key
• Lock windows, garage doors and gates
• Remove valuables, important papers, firearms and medications
• Stop the mail or forward it to the executor
• Take photos or a video of every room, for the estate's records

Week 2: Protect it

• Call the insurance company. Many policies change once a home is vacant, and some stop covering certain damage after a set number of days. Ask what's covered and whether you need a vacant-home policy.
• Keep the utilities on. You'll need power and water for showings, inspections and repairs.
• Set the thermostat. A moderate setting helps prevent mold, frozen pipes and a burned-out AC.
• Consider shutting off the water at the main between visits if no one will be checking the house often.

Week 3: Make it look lived-in

• Arrange lawn care so the yard doesn't announce that the home is empty
• Put a few lights on timers
• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on the house and call you if anything looks off
• Schedule regular check-ins — at least weekly — to look for leaks, pests and storm damage

Week 4: Plan what's next

• Talk to a probate attorney about who has authority to sell or rent the house
• Get a free value estimate so the family can compare options
• Decide what to keep, sell, donate or toss, and line up help
• Keep receipts for every expense — your attorney may need them for the estate

Out of state? We can be your eyes on the ground

Many of the families we help live hours away. We can walk the home on video, connect you with trusted cleaners, contractors and estate sale companies, and keep you updated by text or email. When you're ready, we'll help you decide whether to sell, rent or keep the house.

Southern Luxe Group serves Greater Austin Area to Bryan–College Station or anywhere in Texas. Get a no-pressure plan for the property or call Trina at (512) 629-9050.

This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Please check with your probate attorney and insurance agent about your situation.