How to Sell a Commercial Property That You've Inherited Out of State
If you have inherited a commercial property in another state, you may feel stressed and unsure about what to do next. Managing a building from far away can be difficult. You may not know the local real estate market, the condition of the property, or the tenants inside. If your goal is to sell an inherited commercial property out of state fast, selling as-is to a cash buyer is often the easiest and quickest solution.
This guide explains how to move forward quickly while avoiding common delays.
Understand the Legal Process First
Before you try to sell the inherited commercial real estate, make sure you have the legal right to do so. In many cases, inherited property must go through probate. Probate is the legal process that transfers ownership from the deceased person to the heirs.
Check if probate is complete. If it is still open, you may need court approval before selling. If there are multiple heirs, everyone may need to agree to the sale.
You should also confirm:
The property title is clear
There are no unpaid taxes
There are no liens or judgments
You have copies of any lease agreements
Taking care of these details early helps you avoid delays later when you are ready to close.
Evaluate the Property Condition
Many inherited commercial properties need repairs or updates. The roof may be old, the HVAC system may need work, or the interior may look outdated. If you live out of state, managing repairs can be expensive and time-consuming.
You would need to hire contractors, approve estimates, and monitor the work from a distance. This can slow down the sale and increase your costs.
If your main goal is speed, selling the commercial property as-is is often the better option. Selling as-is means you do not fix or upgrade anything. The buyer purchases the property in its current condition.
Why Selling As-Is Makes Sense
Selling an inherited commercial property as-is can save you time, money, and stress. You do not need to invest more cash into a building you never planned to own. You also avoid long repair negotiations with buyers.
As-is sales are especially helpful if:
The property needs major repairs
It has problem tenants
It has been vacant for a long time
You do not want to manage it from another state
Instead of preparing the property for the open market, you can move straight to finding a serious buyer.
Benefits of Selling to a Cash Buyer
If you want to sell your inherited commercial property fast, cash buyers are often the best choice. Cash buyers specialize in buying properties quickly, often in any condition.
Here are the main benefits of selling to a cash buyer:
No bank financing delays
No repair requirements
Fewer inspections
Faster closing timelines
Less paperwork stress
Traditional commercial property sales can take months. Buyers often rely on loans, and commercial loans require strict underwriting. If financing falls through, you must start over.
Cash buyers do not depend on lenders. This allows you to close in weeks instead of months.
Price the Property Realistically
When selling a commercial property for cash, pricing is important. Cash buyers usually offer below full market value. In exchange, they provide speed, certainty, and convenience.
Instead of focusing only on the highest possible price, consider your total net outcome. When you sell as-is to a cash buyer, you save money on:
Repairs and renovations
Property management
Travel costs
Agent commissions
Holding costs like taxes and insurance
For many out-of-state heirs, a slightly lower cash offer is worth the fast and simple process.
Prepare for a Remote Closing
One of the biggest concerns for out-of-state owners is closing the sale. The good news is that most commercial real estate transactions can be handled remotely.
A title company or real estate attorney will guide you through the paperwork. Documents can often be signed electronically or with a local notary in your area. You do not always need to travel to the property’s state.
Make sure you have:
Government identification
Probate documents, if required
Lease agreements, if the property is rented
Property tax records
Having these ready will help speed up the closing process.
Reduce Stress and Move Forward
Inheriting a commercial property in another state can create financial and emotional pressure. You may not want the responsibility, especially if the building requires work or has management issues.
Selling the inherited commercial property as-is to a cash buyer allows you to simplify the situation. You avoid long listing periods, complex negotiations, and ongoing expenses. Instead, you turn the property into cash and move forward with fewer complications.
Conclusion
If you want to sell an inherited commercial property out of state fast, focus on simplicity and speed. Make sure you have the legal authority to sell, gather important documents, and understand the property’s condition. Then consider selling as-is to a reputable cash buyer.
This approach reduces delays, removes the need for repairs, and allows for a faster closing. For many heirs, selling to a cash buyer is the most practical way to handle inherited commercial real estate and move on with confidence.