6. Determine a method of sale
Sell as-is to a cash buyer: Selling an inherited home on the market often requires extensive time and effort, including repairs, staging, marketing, and negotiations. During this period, heirs are responsible for ongoing expenses like mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility bills.
For a faster sale, consider selling the house as-is directly to a cash buyer. While this option may yield a lower sale price, it offers speed and convenience, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process. HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in nearly any condition, allowing you to skip repairs and close in as little as 10 days.
Partner with an agent with probate experience: If you prefer to list the house on the market, hire a top real estate agent with experience in probate sales. This approach can maximize the proceeds for the heirs. HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool can connect you with top-performing agents who specialize in probate sales.
“If you know that you are the official heir and that the title has changed hands, then the next step would be to identify your real estate agent who has experience with inherited properties, out-of-state sellers, downsizing, hoarder houses, estate sales, junk removal, repairs, etc.,” Taranto says.
Selling an inherited home can be emotionally challenging, but an experienced agent can simplify the process and provide peace of mind.
7. Enlist the help of a mediator if needed
When multiple heirs are involved, disagreements can arise. If your family is struggling to agree on the home sale, a mediator can help resolve conflicts.
A mediator can assist in finding solutions to disputes over the sale, such as disagreements on renovations, selecting an agent, or handling tenants. This can save time and reduce expenses.
For instance, one heir might be reluctant to sell due to sentimental attachments or disagreements over the sale price or method. A mediator can facilitate discussions and help the family reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
Taranto says proper planning by homeowners can eliminate the need for a mediator. “It seems the vast majority of people do not have a proper estate plan in place prior to needing it. So, the best advice is to consult with an estate planning attorney to prepare an estate plan prior to needing it. This might include a will, a trust, and a durable power of attorney.”
8. Discard, donate, or sell unwanted items
“The next biggest issue is stuff,” Taranto says, “Senior citizens often have acquired a lot of stuff during their years, and many seniors in Florida have adult children that live in other states. Dealing with a house full of stuff and being in another state creates a number of issues.”
Create a decluttering plan with other heirs and family members to tackle the task over a few weekends. You can hire a professional estate sale company to manage and promote an estate sale or sell items individually through a garage sale and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp.
“The best way to overcome this is to work with a real estate agent who has years of experience in dealing with exactly this type of sale; an agent who supports the sorting, sale, and removal of stuff, as well as needed repairs,” Taranto suggests.
Although decluttering a loved one’s home can be emotionally challenging, it’s an important step for a swift and successful sale (and a higher selling price). According to top real estate agents surveyed by HomeLight, decluttering can add approximately $8,000 to a home’s value.
9. If listing, prepare the property for sale
When preparing the home for sale, focus on light, cosmetic upgrades rather than full renovations. Consult your real estate agent for recommended upgrades that can enhance the property’s value and marketability.
“We’ve seen a lot of pretty messy situations,” Van Fossen recalls. “If you don’t hire a Realtor that has the ability to jump in and connect the dots with the appropriate people to do the work, it just drags it out that much longer, especially in Florida where most of the kids are out of state.”
Even a small investment can make a significant difference with the right guidance. This might include professional cleaning, painting, yard work, and improving the entryway to boost curb appeal. An experienced agent can also advise on which repairs to prioritize and which to skip.
Here are some simple, high-impact projects to help sell your inherited Florida house faster:
- Hire a landscaper to clean up the lawn and add new mulch and flowers.
- Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door.
- Replace aged carpet and linoleum with vinyl wood flooring.
- Remove worn window valances, furniture covers, and other dated details.
- Paint the walls a light, neutral color (one of the best ROI improvements).
- Replace loose or broken fixtures such as light switches, knobs, and handles.
- Fix leaks and apply new caulk to sinks and showers.
“Clean as much as possible. New paint and professional staging are great if there is a budget for that. Mulching and landscaping are also great value for the money,” Taranto recommends.
10. Sell the home
Once the property is decluttered, updated, and ready for market, it’s time to sell the home. Work closely with your real estate agent to set a competitive price and create an effective marketing strategy. This may include professional photography, virtual tours, and listing the property on multiple online platforms.
Your agent will help schedule and conduct showings, negotiate offers, and handle all the paperwork involved in the sale.
If you opt for an all-cash sale through Simple Sale, you can get started by answering a few questions about the home and your selling timeline. You’ll receive a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours.
