Sell My House to a Family Member

Selling a house to a relative can be smooth and it can be strained. If you want to sell your house to a family member, a few decisions are worth making in writing first.

Put the deal on paper

A handshake between relatives still needs a purchase contract, a deed and a closing. Using a title company or attorney protects both sides and gives the lender, if there is one, a clean record.

Agree early on the price and how it was set. A sale below market value can raise questions for tax and for other relatives, so discuss it with a professional.

Watch the mortgage

If your loan has a due-on-sale clause, a transfer to a relative may or may not be protected. The CFPB says federal law protects certain transfers, and the details matter. Ask the servicer before the deed changes hands.

If the relative plans to take over your payments, read our page on taking over a mortgage first.

When to look outside the family

A relative may not have the cash or the credit to close. If the family sale falls through, you will have lost time. Some owners line up a backup buyer in parallel.

Getting matched

Our form can serve as that backup. We refer your details to a buyer or other professional who may contact you, with no obligation to accept. We do not draw up family sale contracts or give tax advice.

See our guide to selling without a realtor.

Common questions