Does a power of attorney allow me to sell a house after the owner passes?

No. In Minnesota a power of attorney ends at death. A court appointed personal representative usually has the authority to sell.

Can a small estate affidavit transfer real estate?

No. Real estate usually cannot be transferred with a small estate affidavit. Probate or a transfer on death deed or other planning tool is required.

Do I need to fix everything listed on the St. Paul TISH report?

No. St. Paul’s TISH is a disclosure only evaluation that must be completed before marketing a property. It does not require specific repairs.

Selling an Inherited Home in St. Paul - A Clear, Local Guide for Executors & Heirs

Inheriting a house can feel overwhelming. You’re juggling emotions, paperwork, timelines, and a property that needs attention right now. This guide walks you through what to do first, who can legally sell, St. Paul specific rules, how to handle belongings (including recommended local estate-sale companies), and the simplest way to list and sell for top value.

Step 1: Stabilize the Property (Today–This Week)

Secure and insure: Change exterior locks, verify/transfer insurance coverage; if a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) applies, recent Minnesota updates require insurers to extend 30 days of coverage once notified, giving beneficiaries time to obtain a new policy.
Basic upkeep: Keep the lawn mowed, handle snow removal, set thermostats to prevent freeze-ups, and keep utilities on for inspections and showings.
Document hunt: Gather the will, any TODD, deed, mortgage info, tax statements, and major repair receipts.

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Step 2: Clarify Who Has Authority to Sell

After death, a Power of Attorney (POA) no longer works. In Minnesota, a POA terminates at death. A court-appointed Personal Representative (PR/executor) typically signs to sell.
If there’s a TODD: Title passes to the named beneficiary(ies) outside probate, once death is recorded and required affidavits are filed; beneficiaries can sell. (Minnesota updated its TODD law in 2024 to clarify procedures and insurance.)
Small-estate affidavits: Handy for personal property (bank accounts, etc.), but not for transferring real estate. You’ll still need probate or a TODD/other deed solution.

Not legal advice: Every estate is unique. We coordinate with your attorney and title company so authority and paperwork are airtight before listing.

Step 3: St. Paul–Specific Rules You Should Know

TISH evaluation required before marketing. St. Paul’s Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH) report is disclosure-only and must be completed before you list a single-family, condo, townhome, or duplex.
Vacant Building rules: If the home meets Saint Paul’s Vacant Building criteria (e.g., unoccupied and secured/boarded or with certain code issues), the sale may require registration, fees, and in some categories a City review.

Unsure whether your property needs TISH or vacant-building registration? We’ll look it up for you and set up the inspection.

Step 4: Decide “As-Is” vs. Light Refresh

Inherited homes often sell as-is, but light touch-ups (deep clean, paint, flooring patches, yard spruce-up) can expand the buyer pool and shorten time on market. We’ll show you ROI-positive fixes vs. projects to skip.

Step 5: Handle the Contents (Estate-Sale Options)

If you need a professional sale to clear belongings, here are a few Twin Cities companies frequently used by local families. Always vet for fit, fees, and availability:

Blue Moon Estate Sales – Minneapolis–St. Paul — Full-service estate sales; free consultation.
Estate Sales Minnesota — Full-service liquidations and online auctions; long Twin Cities track record.
Belleau J Estate Sales & Services — Boutique team serving Minneapolis & St. Paul for 10+ years.
Caring Transitions – Twin Cities Central — Estate sales plus downsizing/relocation support; serves St. Paul.
WellRive – Twin Cities Central — Offers full-service move management solutions.
Kim Teaver & Co - Twin Cities Central -Offers premium estate miquidation services across the Twin Cities.
Esquire Estate Sales - Twin Cities Central - Full service estate sales, providing a free in-home consultation.
English Ivy Estate Sellers - Greater Metro Area - Estate liquidation services that provide free consultations.

We can introduce you, compare quotes/commissions, and coordinate sale dates with your listing timeline.

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Step 6: Disclosures & Paperwork (Minnesota Basics)

Minnesota sellers must provide a written disclosure of known material facts before signing a purchase agreement. PRs and heirs who never lived in the home often use the Seller’s Disclosure Alternatives form (e.g., a third-party inspection or a written waiver with buyer consent). Regardless, known issues must be disclosed.

We’ll advise which disclosure option fits your situation and coordinate any city inspections (like TISH). Also, to protect you even further we can use an As-Is Addendum removing you from liability of the property after the closing except in cases of fraud.

Step 7: Pricing, Marketing & Showings

Pricing: We provide a no-obligation CMA (comparative market analysis) and an optional appraisal referral for estates that want formal valuation.
Marketing: Professional photography, floor plans, syndication to major portals, targeted digital ads, and neighbor outreach.
Showing strategy: We’ll balance access and security, especially important if personal items remain on site.

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Can You Sell During Probate?

Often, yes - with the Personal Representative’s authority (Letters issued by the court) and title company guidance. We’ll align the listing, offer, and closing with probate milestones so proceeds are distributed correctly. (Exact steps depend on supervised vs. unsupervised administration. Your attorney will advise.)

Step-by-Step St. Paul Listing Prep Guide

Order the TISH evaluation before you list.
Confirm who can sign (PR letters, TODD documentation).
If the property is truly registered as vacant under City code, check registration requirements.
Schedule contents removal (donate, haul-away, or professional estate sale).
Choose as-is vs. light refresh and set a go-to-market date.
Complete disclosure (standard or alternatives) and go live.

Questions We Get a Lot (Quick Answers)

Does a POA let me sell Mom’s house now that she’s passed? No. The POA ended at death; the PR sells.
Can a small-estate affidavit transfer the house? No. Real estate generally can’t be transferred with the affidavit; use probate or a TODD/other planning tool.
Do I need to fix everything on TISH? St. Paul TISH is disclosure-only, not a repair list, but it must be done before marketing.

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We’ll be your single call for valuation, city requirements (TISH/vacant), estate-sale coordination, pricing, marketing, and closing.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should consult a qualified attorney, tax professional, or local authority for guidance on their specific situation.

Just Inherited A House, What Next?