5 Things To Check Before Accepting an Offer on Your Inherited Home

By David Pannell

David Pannell is the Managing Broker and founder of Cities Real Estate, a forward-thinking brokerage based in Fort Worth, Texas. A licensed Realtor since 2005 and a broker since 2010, David is known for his expertise in helping families sell homes quickly, especially those navigating the complexities of probate and inherited property.

You just received a few offers on the home you inherited, and one of them looks amazing. But before you sign, here’s something I’ve learned after years of working with probate sellers in Dallas–Fort Worth: the highest price doesn’t always mean the best offer. A great offer isn’t about who says they’ll pay the most. It’s about who will actually get you to closing with confidence and no surprises. Let’s look at the five signs of a strong, reliable offer.

1. Verified proof of funds. If a buyer claims to be paying cash, make sure they can prove it. Ask to see a bank statement or a letter from a hard money lender that you can call directly. Legitimate buyers won’t hesitate to share proof. If they can’t (or won’t) provide it, that’s your first red flag.

2. Clear contract terms. Check the contract itself. In Texas, most legitimate offers use the TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) 11-page agreement. Review the earnest money and option fee sections carefully. Option money is what protects your time; it’s what you get to keep if the buyer walks away. For inherited homes, I recommend aiming for at least $250 a day in option money so you’re covered if things fall through.

3. Flexible closing schedule. A strong buyer understands your timeline, especially during the probate process. If you need extra time to clean out belongings or wait for court approval, ensure that this is written into the contract. Good buyers will allow a leaseback period. (sometimes up to 21 days) so you can finish everything comfortably before handing over the keys.

4. Fewer contingencies. Contingencies are conditions that let a buyer back out. If they say, “We’ll pay $100,000, but only if the inspection goes perfectly,” or “only if financing comes through,” you’re taking on risk. The fewer contingencies, the stronger the offer. An actual cash buyer should have zero excuses for changing the price later.

5. Open, honest communication. Trust your gut. If the buyer stops responding, avoids calls, or dodges questions, that’s a problem. A legitimate buyer or agent will stay in contact, answer questions directly, and help you feel confident every step of the way.

When you inherit a home, especially during probate, you want an offer that’s predictable, simple, and real. Before signing anything, confirm the buyer’s proof of funds, read the fine print, and ensure the timeline works for you.

At Cities Real Estate, we collaborate with local attorneys, probate courts, and families to ensure a straightforward and transparent process. If you’d like a second opinion on an offer or just want to know what your inherited home is worth, I’m here to help. You can reach me at (817) 797-9047 or david@citiesrealestate.com. You don’t have to go through this alone; there are good buyers out there. The key is knowing what makes an offer truly great.