Fresno Inheritance Guide · one-page checklist

An inherited house in Fresno: the first two weeks, from out of town

For heirs, executors and trustees who live somewhere else. General information, not legal or tax advice; your attorney confirms what applies to you.

Week 1: protect it

Insurance. Call the homeowner's insurer: the owner has died and the house is empty. Many policies stop covering some losses after 60 days vacant unless endorsed (Cal. Ins. Code §2071).
Keys and locks. Get one key to someone local. Change the locks if you don't know who has keys.
Water and power. Shut the water at the valve if nobody checks on it; keep power for a porch light.
Mail. Forward it to whoever handles the estate.
Vacant building. If it will stay empty over 30 days, register it with the City of Fresno and name a local contact. Unregistered vacant buildings can be charged $250 a month.

How was it held? A trust, a will, or a deed with two names. A title company can pull the deed in a day.
Who can sign? A successor trustee can usually act now. Without a trust, nobody can sign until the court appoints someone.
Property tax. Fresno County installments are due Nov 1 and Feb 1 (late after Dec 10 and Apr 10). Prop 19 can reassess the house unless a child moves in within a year.
A tenant? The lease continues. Rent goes to the estate; the rental registry must be updated within 30 days of a sale.
Photos and papers. Have someone local pull family papers and photos before anyone clears the house.

Keep it, rent it, or sell it. Ask your attorney or tax advisor about Prop 19 and the step-up in basis first.
If selling: get a value from someone who is not buying (an appraiser or a listing agent).
Compare listing it with selling it as it stands. A direct buyer pays less, and you skip the trip, cleanout and repairs.