@Opus 17 wrote:
When your father died, the ownership of the house passes to his estate, which is a separate legal entity.
That depends upon state law. In some states, ownership passes directly to the heirs or devisees and, regardless, the property gets a stepped up basis assuming the property is included in the decedent's gross estate.
@Opus 17 wrote:
I don't think the fact that your father never recorded the deed, changes the fact that he owned the home and it passed to his estate.
Recordation does nothing more than provide "record" notice to (potential) purchasers and others; it is a mere formality and generally would not have an adverse impact on an otherwise valid transfer.
