I Inherited a House in Florida — What Should I Do?
First, we’re so sorry for your loss. This can be a very challenging time for many reasons, and dealing with property ownership is tough even at the best of times.
You may be wondering: “I inherited a house in Florida , what do I do with this property? Should I rent it? Should I sell it? And if I sell, how should I do it?”
The truth is, you’ve got options. But with so many possibilities, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We’re seasoned investors in the Florida real estate market, and every month we buy multiple homes directly from people who’ve inherited a house and want a simple, stress-free way to move forward. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “I inherited a house, what should I do?” we’re here to help guide you through the best solutions.
Make Sure the Mortgage Is Paid
The property could quickly fall into foreclosure if payments aren’t maintained. In some cases, the existing loan may be assumable, allowing you to step into the same terms and continue making payments under the current agreement. Other times, the lender may require a full refinance into a new loan, which means going through the standard approval process and meeting today’s lending requirements.
If refinancing isn’t possible — perhaps due to credit, income, or debt-to-income ratio challenges — keeping the home may become more difficult. At that point, you’ll need to consider alternatives such as renting it out to cover the monthly payments, selling the property, or exploring creative solutions that give you breathing room. Understanding which options are available early on can prevent unnecessary financial stress and help you make the most informed decision.
Property Ownership Costs Money
It’s rare for a property that’s been passed down to be fully move-in ready without some attention. In many cases, the home may not have been updated for years, especially if the previous owner lived there for a long time. Outdated kitchens and bathrooms, aging HVAC systems, older electrical wiring, or a roof nearing the end of its life are all common issues. On top of that, deferred maintenance — things like landscaping, paint, or small repairs that were put off — can quickly add up.
Before making a decision about whether to keep or sell, it’s important to get a clear picture of what the property actually needs. A professional inspection can uncover hidden problems, from plumbing leaks to structural wear, and provide cost estimates for bringing the home up to modern standards. Having those numbers upfront helps you weigh the pros and cons of investing in repairs versus selling as-is. In some cases, the costs make ownership worthwhile, while in others, it may be more practical to move on.
Selling vs. Renting
A house in Florida can certainly be turned into a profitable rental, but success depends on more than just owning the property. Being a landlord means taking on the responsibility of finding reliable tenants, handling rent collection, and responding to repair requests — sometimes at inconvenient times. You’ll also need to budget for vacancies, routine maintenance, and unexpected costs like a broken water heater or roof leak.
For some families, this ongoing responsibility provides steady income and long-term equity growth. But for others, especially if you live out of town or don’t want the added stress, the constant management can quickly outweigh the benefits. In those cases, selling the property may be the smarter and simpler path forward.
If you’d prefer not to deal with the hassle, our team offers an easier option. We buy houses in Florida in any condition — no repairs, cleaning, or upgrades required. That means you can avoid the work of preparing the home for tenants or the retail market and move on with a fast, fair sale instead.
Evaluate Long-Term Potential
Sometimes holding onto an inherited property makes sense, especially if values in Florida are on the rise. Real estate can build wealth over time, and keeping the home could allow you to benefit from future appreciation while also creating a potential rental income stream. If the neighborhood is improving, new developments are being built nearby, or demand for housing is strong, holding the property may position you for long-term gains.
On the other hand, equity that’s tied up in a house may not always be the best use of your resources. If selling now allows you to invest in opportunities with higher or more immediate returns — such as paying off debt, starting a business, or putting money into another property with better cash flow — it may be the smarter move. The decision ultimately comes down to comparing your financial goals with the costs and responsibilities of ownership.
Many families come to us asking, “I inherited a house, what should I do?” The answer depends on your situation. Running the numbers side by side — projected appreciation, rental income potential, repair costs, and the net proceeds from selling today — gives you a clear comparison. Having this clarity ensures you’re making a choice that supports your long-term financial plans.
Tax Considerations
The “step-up in basis” can reduce capital gains if you sell, but property taxes and other costs still apply. Talking to a tax advisor in Florida can save you
thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling an Inherited House in Florida
Can I sell an inherited house without going through probate?
In most cases, inherited property in Florida must go through probate before you can officially sell it. However, there are exceptions, such as joint tenancy or living trusts. Many people ask, “I inherited a house, what should I do first?” — and often the answer is to confirm probate requirements with an attorney.
Do I have to fix the property before selling?
No, you don’t have to make repairs or upgrades. Many inherited homes in Florida need work, but professional buyers like us purchase properties as-is. This allows you to avoid repair costs while still moving forward with a sale.
What taxes do I have to pay when selling an inherited home?
Inherited homes typically benefit from a “step-up in basis,” which can reduce capital gains taxes. Still, you may be responsible for property taxes and other costs. If you’re wondering, “I inherited a house, what should I do about taxes?” the best step is to speak with a local tax advisor.
How fast can I sell an inherited house in Florida ?
If you sell through the traditional market, the process can take months. If you sell to a professional buyer like us, we can often close in as little as 7–21 days since no bank financing is needed.
Can I rent out my inherited property instead of selling it?
Yes, renting is possible, but it comes with management responsibilities, maintenance costs, and risks like vacancies. If you’re unsure whether to sell or rent, and find yourself asking, “I inherited a house, what should I do next?” we can help you compare the numbers side by side.
What if I still have siblings or co-heirs on the property?
If multiple heirs inherited the house in Florida , all parties must agree before selling. We often work with families in this exact situation and can help create a fair solution that ensures everyone receives their share.
How We Can Help
If you inherited a house in Florida and aren’t sure what to do next, we can help. We offer:
- Loss Mitigation & Asset Recovery: 24-hour plan comparing Repayment, Forbearance, Loan Modification, Reinstatement, Short Sale, and Deed-in-Lieu (last resort)—so you see paths before selling.
- Arrears, Escrow & Liens: We request payoffs/estoppels and negotiate reductions, waivers, or payment plans with lenders, HOAs, and lien holders.
- Probate & Title Coordination: We work with your PR/attorney to align signatures, court authority, and clear title (heirship/affidavits, releases).
- Preserve Great Mortgages (2–4%): Subject-To or Hybrid (Sub-To + seller-financed 2nd) to keep the low rate and improve net vs. a low cash sale; cash available when speed is the priority.
- As-Is & Fast: No repairs or clean-out needed; optional personal-property coordination; typical closings 7–21 days after clear title.
- Agent-Friendly: Your representation protected (NCND available); compensation paid through escrow via listing, buyer rep, or broker-approved referral.
What we need to start: Address • Probate status • Ideal timeline • Latest mortgage statement • HOA docs/rental rules • Any lien/tax/escrow-shortage notices
👉 Get Your Free Loss Mitigation & Estate Exit Plan (24-Hour Review) we can provide a fair offer and walk you through your options.
Stop stressing about what to do with your inherited house in Florida . Let us help you find the right solution and move forward with peace of mind.