Selling an Inherited House in Florida?
From Probate to Offers—We Help Make Sense of the Process
Inheriting a Property in Florida
What You’re Really Taking On
Inheriting a house might seem like a blessing, but for many Florida families, it quickly becomes a burden.
Maybe it was your parents’ home. Maybe it’s out of state. Maybe it hasn’t been updated—or even lived in—for years. Now it’s yours to deal with, and you’re responsible for utilities, taxes, insurance, upkeep, and whatever condition the house is in.
If you’re not the only heir, the situation can get even more complicated. You may be sharing ownership with siblings, extended family, or a legal estate. And if the property is still going through probate, it’s not always clear what you can and can’t do next.
All of this can leave you feeling stuck—emotionally, legally, and financially.
At Sell My House For Cash Florida we talk to people in your shoes every week. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Can You Sell Now?
Or Does Probate Need to Finish First
This is one of the most common (and confusing) questions we hear from Florida homeowners:
“Can I even sell this house yet?”
The answer depends on where you are in the probate process.
If the home was held in a trust, or you’re the sole named beneficiary with a clear title, you might be able to sell right away. But if the property is going through Florida probate, the court has to authorize the sale—and that usually requires naming a personal representative.
In many cases, the court allows the personal representative to sell the house while probate is still open, as long as everyone agrees and the estate isn’t contested. But if there are multiple heirs, unresolved debts, or no will, the timeline can stretch out.
Still unsure where you stand? Read our full guide on Selling a House in Probate in Florida to learn what’s possible—and what to avoid.
Don’t let legal uncertainty stop you from exploring your options. If you’re not sure whether you can sell yet, we’re happy to walk through your situation—with no pressure or cost.
3 Ways to Sell an Inherited House—Pros and Cons
Once you confirm you’re legally allowed to sell the property, the next question is:
“What’s the best way to do it?”
You’ve got options. Here are the three most common ways people sell inherited homes in Florida—and the pros and cons of each:
1. List It With a Realtor
Best for: Homes in good shape with no rush to sell
- ⏱️ Timeline: 60–120+ days
- 🛠️ You may need to clean, repair, or stage the house
- 💸 Expect to pay 5–6% in agent commissions
- 📉 May require price reductions or repair negotiations
Still considering a traditional listing? First ask yourself what’s worth fixing before selling—and what’s not.
2. Sell It Yourself (FSBO)
Best for: Sellers who have time and experience
- 📟 You handle pricing, showings, and paperwork
- 💵 No commissions, but still responsible for closing costs
- 🤝 Slower process unless you already have a buyer
- 🚕 Can be overwhelming, especially with emotional attachments
Thinking about going the FSBO route? Start here: How to Sell a House Without a Realtor
3. Sell It As-Is to a Cash Buyer
Best for: Homes that need work, distant heirs, or anyone who wants it done
- 🧹 No cleaning, no repairs, no showings
- ⚡ Close in 3–4 weeks
- 💬 We explain the offer and show you the math
- 🗳 No commissions or hidden fees
Curious how it works? Learn exactly how we calculate your cash offer and get your no-pressure offer here
Bottom line: You can sell fast without sacrificing peace of mind. It just depends on what matters most—time, money, or simplicity.
Do You Really Have to Empty or Fix the House First?
Short answer: No—you don’t.
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear from inherited property owners is:
“We need to clean everything out and fix it up before we can sell.”
That might be true if you’re planning to list the home with an agent or go FSBO. But if you’re selling as-is—especially to a local cash buyer—you can leave behind furniture, belongings, and even junk. You don’t need to paint, patch, stage, or spend money getting it “market ready.”
We’ve purchased inherited houses with:
- Years of untouched belongings
- Old appliances, stained carpet, and unfinished repairs
- Boxes of memories still in the attic
And we handled everything.
Unsure what repairs are worth doing? Read our guides on what to fix before selling a house and what not to fix.
If the idea of emptying the house makes your stomach turn—you’re not alone. Many sellers just want to hand over the keys and be done. That’s exactly what we help with.
Want to talk it through? Contact us or get a no-pressure offer today.
Will You Owe Taxes If You Sell an Inherited House?
This is where many people get stuck. You’ve inherited a home—but will selling it trigger taxes? Let’s break it down.
💵 Florida Doesn’t Have an Inheritance Tax
If you inherited the house from a loved one, you won’t owe any Florida inheritance tax—because Florida doesn’t have one.
📈 Capital Gains Taxes: What You Should Know
Where taxes might apply is when you sell the house. But here’s some good news: in most cases, inherited homes qualify for a step-up in basis.
That means:
- You’re taxed on the gain between the sale price and the home’s value at the time you inherited it, not what your loved one originally paid.
- If you sell the home soon after inheriting, there may be little or no capital gains at all.
🧾 Example:
Let’s say your parents bought the house for $100K, but when you inherited it, it was worth $300K. If you sell it for $310K, you’re only taxed on the $10K gain—not the $210K.
Still unsure? Always check with a tax advisor—but we can walk you through the basics so you’re not flying blind.
Want to go deeper? Read our full guide on Capital Gains Tax on Home Sales in Florida
The bottom line: Most inherited property sales come with minimal tax liability—especially if you sell soon and keep things simple.
Common Mistakes Inherited Property Owners Make
Inheriting a house can feel like a maze—and it’s easy to take a wrong turn. Here are some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen homeowners make (and how to avoid them):
❌ 1. Rushing to Sell Before Understanding Probate
Many people list or try to sell the house before confirming their legal authority to do so. If the home is still in probate, that could backfire.
Not sure where you stand? Read our full guide on Selling a House in Probate Florida
❌ 2. Spending Thousands on Repairs
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to make the house “presentable.” But many buyers—especially investors like us—buy as-is and don’t expect a single upgrade.
Not sure what’s worth fixing? Start here: What to Fix Before Selling
❌ 3. Holding Onto the Property Too Long
The longer you hold it, the more you’ll pay in taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. These costs can quietly eat away at your inheritance.
❌ 4. Letting Family Conflict Delay Decisions
Multiple heirs often mean multiple opinions. Avoid dragging it out by keeping communication open—and knowing your options.
We’ve worked with dozens of families in similar situations. We can help you find a solution everyone agrees on.
❌ 5. Choosing the Wrong Buyer
Not all cash buyers are the same. Some make big promises, then renegotiate late in the process. Others rush you or lowball you unfairly.
How we’re different?— we show you the math!
The key to avoiding mistakes? Information, support, and a clear plan. That’s what this guide—and our team—is here for.
Why Inherited Property Owners Choose to Work With Us
Selling an inherited house is personal. It’s not just about money—it’s about getting it done right without causing more stress for you or your family.
Here’s why so many Florida homeowners choose to work with Sell My House For Cash Florida:
✅ Local, Family-Owned Team (No Call Centers)
We’re not some national wholesaler with a hidden agenda. We’re a Florida-based husband-and-wife team who treat people like people—not transactions. You’ll work directly with us from start to finish.
Learn more about who we are → About Us
✅ You Don’t Have to Clean or Fix a Thing
Inherited homes are often full of furniture, boxes, and repairs. That’s fine with us. We buy homes exactly as they sit—no prep work required.
Not sure what’s okay to leave behind? → Selling As-Is in Florida
✅ You Choose the Closing Date
Need to wrap things up quickly? We can close in 3–4 weeks. Need more time to talk with your family or finish probate? We’ll work around your timeline.
✅ Fair Offers, No Pressure
We show you exactly how we calculate your offer—based on condition, repairs, and market value. No lowballing. No surprises.
Curious about the numbers? → How We Buy Houses
If it’s a good fit, we move forward. If not, no hard feelings.
You deserve options—and support. That’s what we’re here for.
Need Help Beyond the Inheritance?
Selling an inherited house comes with more than paperwork — there are often repairs, family decisions, and tough questions along the way. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure of the next steps, these guides can help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Want to avoid dragging it out? Here's how to sell your inherited house fast.
Concerned about value? Here’s how much you might lose—or save—selling as-is.
Want a quick, no-hassle sale? See the pros and cons of accepting a cash offer.
Inherited a house during a divorce? Here’s how to sell a house during divorce in Florida.
Inheriting a home but don’t plan to stay? Here’s how to sell quickly if you’re relocating.
Inherited a house with fire damage? Here’s how to sell it as-is and avoid costly repairs.
Inherited a home with leaks, mold, or flooding? Here’s how to sell a house with water damage in Florida.
If the inherited home has been neglected, here’s how to sell with code violations.
Wondering if you need to renovate the property? Learn what not to fix before you sell.
Inherited a property that hasn’t been maintained? Learn how to sell a house in poor condition.
Not sure if you’ll owe taxes on the sale? Here's what to know about capital gains tax in Florida.
Sharing the inheritance with family? Learn how to sell a house with multiple owners involved.
Alain Perez-Majul
Juan and Castilia are awesome! We were dealing with my parent's property here in Florida, and they went above and beyond when buying it from us. The process was quick and easy, we didn't have to do a thing to the house, and we closed within a couple of weeks. Thanks, guys!
Inherited a House in Florida?
We’re Here to Help—Statewide
Sell My House For Cash Florida buys inherited homes all across Florida—whether the house is in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, or even Pensacola.
You don’t have to live nearby, clean anything out, or go through the process alone. Whether you’re just starting probate or already have the title in hand, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Still unsure? That’s okay. We’re happy to answer questions or walk through your options at your pace.
Want to know more about us and how we help? Learn about our Florida home buying team.
Scroll down and fill out the form below to get started.
There’s no pressure—just a conversation with real people who understand what you’re going through.