Losing a loved one is hard enough. But what most people don’t expect is what comes next: suddenly being responsible for their house.

Maybe the home is sitting empty while you and your family decide what to do. Maybe you’re considering selling it, or maybe another family member hopes to move in one day. Whatever the plan, an inherited house often comes with more responsibility and stress than most people realize.

Why an Empty House Isn’t Really “Empty”

The moment a home becomes vacant, the challenges begin. You’re not just deciding whether to keep or sell it, you’re dealing with security risks, ongoing maintenance, insurance headaches, and legal requirements. And often, all of this lands on your shoulders while you’re still grieving.

The First 48 Hours: Security Comes First

Most families don’t realize how quickly an empty house can attract the wrong kind of attention. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for break-ins to happen during funerals.

If you find yourself managing an inherited property anywhere around Lake Norman, here are immediate steps you’ll need to take:

• Change the locks (you never know who has keys).
• Secure valuables—jewelry, small electronics, tools, firearms, even medications.
• Update alarm codes and notify the security company.
• Ask neighbors to keep an eye out—and make sure they know who should (and shouldn’t) be around.

Taking these steps quickly can prevent theft, vandalism, or even just “curious visitors.”

Maintenance Doesn’t Stop

An empty house can quickly turn into a money pit if it isn’t maintained. Without someone living there, little issues can grow into major (and expensive) problems.

• Utilities still matter: You can’t just shut off the heat in winter—frozen pipes can cause thousands in damage. In North Carolina’s humid summers, lack of air circulation can lead to mold.
• Exterior upkeep: Overgrown grass, uncollected newspapers, or unshoveled snow signal vacancy and can hurt the home’s value—or worse, violate local ordinances.
• Repairs: A roof leak, clogged gutters, or foundation cracks won’t get noticed if no one’s checking regularly. By the time someone does, the damage can be massive.
• Pest control: Vacant homes are prime real estate for mice, insects, and more.

If you’re already juggling your own household, this added responsibility can quickly feel overwhelming.

The Insurance Surprise No One Talks About

Here’s the part most families never see coming: your loved one’s homeowner’s insurance may not cover the property once it’s vacant.

Many policies exclude or limit coverage after 30 days of vacancy. That means if the house suffers fire, water, or storm damage, the insurance company may deny the claim leaving you or the estate responsible.

If you inherit property in North Carolina, one of your first calls should be to the insurance company. Be honest about the home’s status and ask about vacant property coverage. It may cost more, but it’s far cheaper than covering a six-figure loss out of pocket.

How Planning Ahead Prevents Stress

Most of these challenges—security, maintenance, insurance, and finances—become easier if there’s a solid estate plan in place before someone passes away.

At our Davidson estate planning law firm, we create plans that go beyond documents. We help clients build a complete asset inventory, so their family isn’t left searching through boxes trying to figure out where the deed, mortgage statement, or insurance policy is.

We also design strategies to ensure funds are available right away to cover property expenses. Without that, surviving family members are often forced to pay out-of-pocket for repairs, lawn care, or insurance until probate is complete. And in North Carolina, even with a will, the probate process can take several months or longer.

Most importantly, we serve as ongoing advisors. That means your family won’t be left on their own to figure out how to handle the house. They’ll have someone to guide them through the decisions, step by step.

Protect Your Family From This Stress

If you want to spare your loved ones from the overwhelming responsibility of managing your home (or other property) after you pass away, the time to plan is now.

Our role as Lake Norman wills and trusts attorneys is to make sure your family has a clear plan, the financial resources to manage your estate, and the support they’ll need when the time comes.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call today to learn how we can help you protect your home, your assets, and most importantly, your family.