Estates start with the county commission
In West Virginia, estates are opened through the county commission, with filings handled by the county clerk. The Kanawha County Clerk's office is in Charleston, and the Putnam County Clerk's office is in Winfield. The commission appoints a personal representative, and some estates are referred to a fiduciary commissioner.
Who signs the deed
Depending on the will and how the house was titled, the sale may need the personal representative's signature, the heirs' signatures, or both. Houses held jointly with survivorship rights may pass outside the estate entirely. A title company or West Virginia estate attorney will tell you exactly who needs to sign before you accept an offer.
Taxes to ask about
West Virginia does not have a state inheritance tax. Federal tax rules often give inherited property a "stepped-up" basis, which can reduce capital gains when you sell. Property taxes, insurance and any mortgage still need paying while the house sits. Ask a tax professional what applies.
Selling as-is, from near or far
Many inherited houses in Charleston, St. Albans, Nitro and Elkview have decades of belongings inside and repairs that piled up. You don't have to fix or empty it. Heirs who live out of state can often close by mail through a title company. If the house is in good shape and the family has time, listing it may bring more, and we'll tell you.
River and hillside questions
Homes near the Kanawha, Elk and Pocatalico rivers and on hillside lots can have flood-zone, drainage or slope questions. Check whether the house is in a mapped flood zone and mention any water history. It helps any buyer give you a realistic answer.
For a broader explainer that covers Alabama, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, read how to Sell an Inherited House.
Selling in another state? See the Alabama and Pennsylvania versions of this page.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws and procedures change, so check with a licensed attorney, tax professional or HUD-approved housing counselor about your situation. UglyDuck is a home-buying and lead-generation service: we may buy your house ourselves or share your request with a trusted local buyer.