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What To Do When You Inherit an Unwanted House

March 08, 20255 min read

What To Do When You Inherit an Unwanted House in Florida.

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Introduction

Inheriting a house can be both a blessing and a burden. While some people may welcome the opportunity to own property, others may find themselves dealing with financial, legal, and emotional challenges they weren’t prepared for. If you’ve inherited a house in Florida and don’t want to keep it, you have options. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about handling an inherited house, from legal considerations to selling strategies, so you can make the best decision for your situation.

The Challenges of Inheriting an Unwanted House

Emotional Considerations

If the house belonged to a loved one, it’s natural to have sentimental ties to the property. Selling or changing it may feel like letting go of a piece of that person. Family disagreements can also arise if multiple heirs have different plans for the home. It’s important to communicate openly and consider all options before making a final decision.

 

Legal and Probate Process

Florida requires most inherited properties to go through probate, a legal process that transfers

hand drawing probate law

ownership from the deceased to the heirs. This can be time-consuming and costly, especially if there are multiple heirs, disputes, or outstanding debts tied to the property. If you need to sell the house quickly, working with a probate attorney can help streamline the process.

Tax Implications

While Florida doesn’t have an inheritance tax, you may still be responsible for capital gains tax if you sell the property for more than its fair market value at the time of inheritance. You’ll also need to cover property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance costs, which can quickly add up.

 Repairs and Maintenance Costs

Many inherited homes need repairs, especially if they were owned by elderly relatives who couldn’t keep up with maintenance. You may need to invest in costly fixes, deal with mold or termites, or handle code violations before selling or renting the property.

Real Estate Market Conditions

The real estate market fluctuates, which means selling your inherited house might take longer than expected. If the home is in an area with low demand, you could struggle to find a buyer willing to pay a fair price.

Options for Handling an Inherited House

Keeping the Property

If the home has sentimental value or fits your long-term financial goals, keeping it may be a good option. You can move in, use it as a vacation home, or even pass it down to future generations. However, you’ll need to consider the cost of upkeep, taxes, and possible renovations.

Renting It Out

Turning an inherited house into a rental property can generate passive income. However, being a landlord comes with responsibilities such as property management, maintenance, and finding tenants. If you don’t want to handle these tasks yourself, you may need to hire a property management company.

Selling the House

If maintaining or renting the property isn’t feasible, selling is often the best solution. This allows you to

For sale sign in yard of house

cash out the equity and avoid ongoing costs. The key is choosing the right selling method to ensure a smooth and profitable transaction.

How to Sell an Inherited House in Florida

Traditional Listing vs. Cash Sale

Traditional Sale: Listing your home on the market with a real estate agent may fetch a higher price but often takes longer. You’ll also have to pay for repairs, staging, and agent commissions.

Cash Sale: Selling directly to a cash home buyer like Surety Homebuyers allows for a fast, hassle-free sale with no repairs or fees. This is ideal if you want to sell quickly and avoid complications.

 Steps to Selling an Inherited Home

Gather Documents – Ensure you have the title, deed, probate paperwork, and any outstanding bills.

Settle Any Debts – Check for unpaid property taxes, mortgages, or liens.

Decide on a Selling Strategy – Choose between listing with an agent, selling by owner, or working with a cash buyer.

Prepare the Property – Clean and repair the home if selling traditionally.

Find a Buyer – If listing on the market, expect showings and negotiations. If selling to a cash buyer, you can typically close in as little as 7 days.

Benefits of Selling to a Cash Buyer

No Repairs Needed – Cash buyers purchase homes as-is, so you don’t have to invest in costly renovations.

Fast Closing – No waiting on mortgage approvals. Many sales close within a week.

No Fees or Commissions – Unlike traditional sales, there are no agent commissions, hidden fees, or closing costs.

Hassle-Free Process – Avoid dealing with buyer negotiations, showings, or market uncertainties.

Key Takeaways

Inheriting a house comes with emotional, financial, and legal responsibilities.

Your options include keeping, renting, or selling the property.

If you choose to sell, you can list with a real estate agent or sell for cash for a faster, easier process.

Selling to Surety Homebuyers allows you to skip repairs, fees, and long wait times.

Contact Surety Homebuyers

If you’ve inherited an unwanted house in Florida and want to sell it quickly without hassle, Surety Homebuyers is here to help. We provide fair cash offers with no fees, no repairs, and no waiting.

 📞 Call us at (863) 250-0837

🌐 Visit us at suretyhomebuyers.com

📧 Email us at [email protected]

We understand that selling an inherited home can be overwhelming. Let us take the stress off your shoulders so you can move forward with peace of mind.

James Thomas is the owner of Surety Homebuyers, a real estate investment company based in Lakeland, Florida. Since 2010, he has been dedicated to helping homeowners throughout Polk County navigate the challenges of selling their properties. With a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to providing honest solutions, James strives to make the home-selling process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

James Thomas

James Thomas is the owner of Surety Homebuyers, a real estate investment company based in Lakeland, Florida. Since 2010, he has been dedicated to helping homeowners throughout Polk County navigate the challenges of selling their properties. With a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to providing honest solutions, James strives to make the home-selling process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

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