How to Leave a House to Someone in a Will
Are you a homeowner who’s thinking ahead? Good for you — planning your estate means protecting your legacy and easing the burden for those you leave behind. Of course, one of the most common (and most valuable) assets to include in a will is the place you call home.
Today, we’re breaking down exactly how to leave a house to someone in a will, including a few smart variations you may not have considered — like naming a Realtor, donating your home to an institution, or setting up a trust to handle everything smoothly.
Can I Leave My House to Someone in My Will?
Absolutely — as long as the property is legally yours to give.
When creating your will, you’ll want to clearly name the person (or organization) you’re leaving the house to. Be specific: include their full legal name and current address, and clearly describe the property, especially if you own multiple.
What to Include in a Will (When Real Estate Is Involved)
Wills can range from simple to complex, but when real estate is involved, a few key elements matter:
- Full legal description of the property
- Name of the beneficiary
- Any mortgage details or liens on the property
- Whether the house is being left with or without conditions
- Instructions for what to do if the beneficiary predeceases you
Bonus: If you want to assign a Realtor to sell your home in your will, this is also the section to name them.
Searching for more insights related to family, law, and real estate? Consider these blogs:
- How Does Probate Work In DC?
- Joint Tenants Vs. Tenants in Common
- Buying a Home With a Partner: When is the Right Time?
Assigning a Realtor in Your Will
If your goal is for the home to be sold and the proceeds distributed to your heirs or a cause you care about, you can include that directive in your will.
Assigning a Realtor in your will is a strategic way to ensure the process is smooth and handled by someone you trust. You can name a specific real estate professional or simply give your executor the power to choose one. Some important considerations here:
- Should the house be sold immediately?
- Should it be rented out first?
- Should certain items or fixtures stay or go?
Your instructions don’t have to be pages long — just precise enough to avoid confusion.
Leaving a House to an Institution (Like a Church or Charity)
Want your home to keep giving even after you’re gone? You can absolutely leave your home to an institution, such as a church, nonprofit, or university.
Be sure to:
- Confirm that the organization accepts real estate gifts
- Talk to your estate planner or attorney about potential tax implications
- Clearly name the institution in your will, just like you would with a person
This is a powerful legacy move — just make sure the organization is equipped to handle property transfers first.
Leaving Your Home to a Trust
Another popular option? Leaving your home to a trust.
A revocable living trust allows you to transfer the property during your lifetime but retain control. Upon your death, the house goes directly to your named beneficiaries — and without the hassle of probate court. This is often considered the best way to leave real estate to heirs if you’re looking to simplify the process and reduce legal entanglements.
What Happens If There’s No Will?
If you don’t leave a will, the process gets infinitely messier. The transfer of property after death without a will is governed by your state’s intestacy laws, which usually means the court decides who inherits the home.
That might be your spouse, your kids, your siblings, but it could also lead to a complicated legal battle waiting to happen.
Interested in amplifying your home’s value in the long term? Explore these related blogs next.
- How Much Value Does an In-Law Suite Add to Your Home
- How to Make Your Home Smart
- Should You Renovate Or Sell?
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re passing your home to a loved one, donating it to a cause, or preparing it for sale, having a plan — and putting it in writing — is the best gift you can leave behind.
How to leave a house to someone in a will doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. Talk to an estate attorney, think through your options, and don’t forget the details — like your Realtor, your trust, or your backup plan.
Ready to buy or sell this summer? Let’s navigate the process together. Get in touch today by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing us at js****@*******ra.com.
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