Can You Sell a House in Probate with Title Issues or Unpaid Taxes?

TLDR: In Missouri and Kansas, you can sell a probate home even with title issues or unpaid taxes. Court authority is required, but liens and back taxes are typically resolved at closing, and title companies clear the record so the buyer receives clean ownership

Selling a house in probate is rarely straightforward. When title issues or unpaid taxes are involved, it can feel downright impossible.

Fortunately, in Missouri and Kansas, it’s still possible to sell a home in probate even with complications like back taxes, liens, or ownership disputes. The key is knowing the process and working with the right team to guide you.

At Riverfront Home Buyers, we help families across Jackson, Clay, Platte, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties sell inherited homes. We help even in tough situations like probate delays, multiple heirs, or clouded titles. Here’s what you need to know.

Do You Have the Legal Authority to Sell?

Before anything else, make sure you—or someone involved—has the legal authority to sell the property. That usually means being named as the executor in a will or being appointed as an administrator by the probate court in Missouri or Kansas.

Without these documents, the title can’t legally transfer to a new buyer.

What Counts as a Title Issue During Probate?

A title issue is anything that prevents the home from being legally transferred to a new owner.

This might include:

• Outstanding property taxes or IRS liens

• Disputes between heirs

• Claims from creditors or unresolved debts

• Clerical errors on the deed or missing documentation

• A deceased owner with no will or unclear heirs

Even if these problems exist, a sale can often move forward. But it requires the right legal steps—and an experienced buyer who’s willing to work through them.

Can You Sell a House in Probate with a Tax Lien?

Yes. In both Kansas and Missouri, it’s common to sell a home that has unpaid property taxes or other liens. These are usually paid off at closing using proceeds from the sale.

A good title company will work directly with the county to obtain payoff amounts and ensure the lien is resolved before the buyer takes ownership.

If the lien is large, it will reduce your net proceeds from the sale—but it doesn’t stop the transaction from happening.

What If the Title Is Still in the Deceased Owner’s Name?

This is where probate comes in. Probate is the legal process that transfers property from the deceased to their heirs. In most cases, you’ll need a court order or Letters Testamentary/Administration to sell the house.

If the property hasn’t been through probate yet, we’ll connect you with local attorneys who can help you get started. If probate is already in progress, we’ll work around the timeline and help coordinate everything from walkthroughs to closing.

What If Heirs Don’t Agree on Selling?

This is one of the most common issues we see in Kansas City. If not all heirs agree, the court may need to step in—or one heir may be able to buy out the others. We’ve seen it all, and we’ll never pressure anyone. Our goal is to help families understand their options and keep communication clear, even when things are complicated.

What Happens at Closing?

The title company plays a big role here.

They’ll:

• Pull a full title report

• Identify any clouds, liens, or issues

• Coordinate with the probate court or attorneys

• Ensure all debts and taxes are paid out from the proceeds

• Issue clean title to the new buyer

At Riverfront, we stay involved from start to finish to keep things moving smoothly.

Thinking About Selling an Inherited Home with Issues?

We understand how overwhelming probate can be—especially with title problems or back taxes. That’s why we walk families through the process step-by-step, offer flexible closing dates, and never pressure anyone to move forward.

Reach out today to ask a question or request a walkthrough. We’re local, experienced, and here to help.

Call us to start the conversation and request an offer: 816.448.8164

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FAQ: Selling a House in Probate with Title or Tax Issues

Can I sell a house in probate if the title isn’t clear yet in Missouri or Kansas?

In many cases, yes—but it depends on the severity of the title issue. Common problems like unpaid taxes or missing signatures can often be resolved before closing. We work with the title company to help you understand the options.

Who pays the unpaid property taxes during a probate home sale in Jackson County, MO?

Typically, the taxes are paid directly out of the seller’s proceeds at closing. The title company collects the exact amount owed and distributes it to the county before finalizing the transfer.

Can I sell a Kansas City-area house with an IRS lien or mortgage?

Yes. These can usually be paid off from the sale proceeds. However, it’s important to know how much is owed so there are no surprises. We help sellers get that information early.

Do all heirs have to agree to the sale of an inherited home?

If multiple heirs are listed, it’s best for everyone to be on the same page. In some cases, a court can intervene if one heir refuses to cooperate. We can’t give legal advice, but we work closely with attorneys who can help.

How long does it take to close on a probate home with title issues in Missouri or Kansas?

It varies. Some close in as little as two weeks; others take longer depending on the court’s timeline or what needs to be cleared. We offer flexible closing and keep communication open every step of the way.

Do I need a probate attorney in Kansas City to sell an inherited home?

Not always, but legal help is strongly recommended—especially if you’re dealing with multiple heirs, unresolved liens, or out-of-state relatives. We can connect you with trusted local probate attorneys.

Does Riverfront help with inherited homes in probate?

Yes. We regularly buy homes from heirs navigating probate across the Kansas City area—including Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri, and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas.

Is there any cost to get an offer?

No. Our walkthroughs and offers are always free, with zero obligation. We’re happy to answer questions and help you decide if selling makes sense.

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About the author

Costa Karellas, co-founder of Riverfront Home Buyers, brings leadership experience as a Marine Corps Captain and later as a manager of large offshore drilling projects. Those roles shaped his calm, intentional approach. At Riverfront, he focuses on helping homeowners find a fresh start and keeping the business running smoothly, while outside of work he values time with family and remains a loyal Patriots fan who also respects the Chiefs for their consistency and preparation.

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Reviews:

Riverfront Home Buyers is a veteran-owned, family-run business in Kansas City and a BBB-accredited company with an A rating, trusted by local families across Missouri and Kansas. Click here to read more reviews.

“If you are looking to buy or sell a home, you need to call Stevie and Alex at Riverfront Homebuyers! They helped us so much on our real estate journey. They have so much knowledge of the market and trends in real estate. I was nervous about selling, but they are so upfront, kind, and honest in their dealings that the process felt so easy! They just know hiw to take the headache out of the whole proces. Prompt about returning messages too. I will definitely work with them again!” -  Kristina Hannon

“Alex and Stevie purchased a family home from us that had several heirs on it. They were very patient and great to work with.” - LaJoyce Riley