Inherited houses are among the best leads in real estate: heirs often live elsewhere, share the house with siblings, and did not plan to own it. Public records show these houses in three places.
011. Death-related deeds
When a property passes to heirs, a deed is recorded. Its type gives it away: an affidavit of death or survivorship, a transfer-on-death deed, an executor's, administrator's or fiduciary deed, or a certificate of transfer in some states.
022. Estate and heirs owner names
When the estate itself holds the property, the owner of record often reads "Estate of", "Heirs of", or names an executor or administrator.
033. Probate court filings
Where the probate court publishes its case index, a new estate case is the earliest sign, often months before any deed.
04Timing
Most decisions happen in the first year: the family pays taxes and insurance on an empty house and decides whether to keep, rent or sell. Reaching out early, with patience, matters.
05How to reach heirs
- Write to the mailing address on the tax roll: it is where the bills go.
- Be kind and specific: offer a simple, as-is sale and flexible timing.
- Never pressure; the family may still be grieving.
06Stack the signals
An inherited house that is also vacant, tax delinquent or owned from out of state is a much stronger lead. LeadCounty marks inheritance deeds and estate owners for every county we cover and lets you stack them with those signals, refreshed weekly.
