A lot of the sellers I talk to inherited the house and have no idea where to start. This is the rough order I walk people through. Details vary by state, so the estate attorney has the final word on the legal side.

1. Find out who actually has the authority to sell. Usually that's the executor or administrator once the court appoints them, or the trustee if the house was in a trust.

2. Keep the place insured and secured. A vacant house often needs a different policy, so call the carrier.

3. Keep paying the mortgage, taxes and utilities so the estate doesn't fall behind while things get sorted.

4. Clean it out before deciding on price. Families usually find things they want to keep, and an empty house shows its condition honestly.

5. Get a real number. Pull recent sold comps, then compare what fixing it up, listing as is, and taking a cash offer would each net after costs and time.

6. Talk to a tax pro about basis. Heirs often get a step up in basis to the value at the date of death, which can change the math a lot.

What would you add? And for the investors here, what's the most common thing that makes an inherited house deal fall apart?