Start With Authority and a Plan. An inherited home comes with practical decisions at a personal time. Before preparing it for sale in Boca, confirm who has legal authority to act, what title work is needed and how the property will be insured and cared for. An estate or probate attorney should guide the legal steps. Your agent can help with preparation, pricing and the sale once the authority is clear.
Step 1: Confirm Who Has Authority to Sell
Start with how the home was owned. A trustee may have authority under a trust; probate may involve a court-appointed personal representative. Florida homestead rules can change the picture. Have an attorney confirm who can sign, what approvals are needed and when the home can be listed or sold.
Step 2: Protect the Property
Tell the insurer about the owner’s death and how the home is being used. A vacant or unoccupied home may need different coverage.
Arrange appropriate utilities, A/C and lawn care to reduce the risk of moisture damage and code problems.
Secure the home and check it regularly, especially during hurricane season. My fall home checklist can help.
Step 3: Understand Taxes and Bills
Property taxes: notify the property appraiser of the owner’s death and ask what happens to exemptions and assessed value. Surviving-spouse and other qualifying situations can differ. See how to estimate property taxes.
Income taxes: inherited property generally uses fair market value at the date of death for tax basis, subject to exceptions and alternative valuation rules. That can be an increase or a decrease. Ask a CPA what applies and which records or valuations to obtain.
Ongoing costs: plan for HOA or condo fees, insurance and utilities while the property is held and prepared for sale. Confirm who is responsible for paying them.
Step 4: Decide What to Do With the Contents
Give this part time. Before anyone removes, sells or donates belongings, confirm authority and any estate or trust requirements with the attorney. Then make a plan for keepsakes, an estate sale, donations or a cleanout. You don’t have to treat every decision as urgent.
Step 5: Prepare, Price and Sell
Compare an as-is sale with making selected improvements. Start with the home’s actual condition, likely costs and your timeline, rather than assuming an inherited property needs a full renovation. I can help you compare those options. See the pre-listing checklist and pricing guide.
A Few Questions That May Come Up
Can I sell a house in Florida before probate is finished?
It may be possible, depending on ownership, authority and any required court approvals. A property held in a trust may follow a different process. Ask the estate attorney to confirm the path for this home.
Do I have to fix up an inherited home before selling?
A sale without renovations may be an option. Compare the likely cost and benefit of any updates with the home’s condition and your timing. Ask about disclosure obligations and any legal or contract requirements before proceeding.
What if the home is in a condo or HOA community?
Ask which documents the association needs to recognize the owner or authorized representative, and keep track of fees and other obligations. Review the association documents early.
I'm not an attorney or tax advisor. This is general information. Please consult an estate attorney and CPA for advice about your situation.
Help With the Property, at Your Pace
Selling a loved one’s home can bring a lot of decisions at once. I can help with the property and coordinate with your attorney on the sale process. Call or text me at 561-888-3115.
References: The Florida Bar’s probate overview, IRS inherited-property basis guidance and Palm Beach County homestead guidance.
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