When James and his sister, Carla, inherited their parents’ home in East Orlando, they were grateful—but also overwhelmed. The house had been vacant for months, needed roof repairs, and still held decades of memories. Neither of them lived nearby, and maintaining the property was costly. After talking with a few agents and investors, they realized selling to a local cash buyer might be the fastest way forward.

If you’ve inherited a property in Orlando, you might be facing a similar crossroads. Inheriting a home can be both a blessing and a burden—especially when you’re juggling family decisions, property taxes, and potential repairs. This guide walks you through what you need to know before selling an inherited property in Orlando, including your options, key questions to ask, and how to protect your equity.

Understanding the Process of Selling an Inherited Home

When you inherit a property in Florida, several factors come into play: probate, property condition, taxes, and family agreements. Orlando homeowners often find that the fastest path to resolution depends on whether the home has gone through probate (the legal process of transferring ownership).

If the home is still in probate, you’ll need court approval to sell. If ownership has already been transferred, you can proceed to list it on the market—or sell directly to an investor.

Here’s the main difference:

• Listing with a Realtor may bring a higher price but takes longer, especially if the home needs updates.
  
• Selling to a cash investor can be quicker and easier—no repairs, showings, or commissions—but may come at a slightly lower sale price.
  

“Run the Numbers” Comparison

Takeaway:
If you’re balancing multiple heirs, managing a vacant property, or need to settle the estate quickly, a cash sale could make more sense.

The Emotional Side of Letting Go

Many Orlando families find that selling an inherited home is not just a financial decision—it’s emotional. Memories of family gatherings, birthdays, and milestones can make the process difficult.

To make it easier, try these steps:

1. Hold a family meeting – Discuss everyone’s goals and expectations before making decisions.
   
2. Document everything – Keep written records of communications and agreements.
   
3. Work with local professionals – Orlando estate attorneys and experienced investors can guide you through local requirements and paperwork.
   

Tax Considerations to Keep in Mind

Before selling, it’s important to understand how taxes work for inherited properties:

• Step-up in basis: The home’s value is adjusted to its fair market value at the time of the owner’s death. This usually means you’ll owe less in capital gains tax when you sell.
  
• Estate taxes: Florida does not have a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes could apply to very large estates.
  
• Property taxes: Check with Orange County Property Appraiser to see if taxes have been reassessed.
  

Always consult a tax professional before closing to understand your specific situation.

3 Questions to Ask an Investor Before You Sell

When selling an inherited property “as-is” to a cash buyer, you want to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable, transparent investor. Here are three key questions to ask before signing any agreement:

1. “Can you show proof of funds?”
   A serious investor will provide a bank statement or letter showing they have the cash available to close.
   
2. “Will there be any fees or commissions?”
   Some investors advertise “no fees,” but then charge hidden costs at closing. Get everything in writing.
   
3. “Can I close on my own timeline?”
   A good investor will allow flexibility—whether you need to close in a week or a month—to sort personal items or finish probate.
   

Pro Tip: Check online reviews, ask for local references, and verify that their company is registered in Florida.

Orlando Glossary: Key Real Estate Terms

1. Probate: The legal process for transferring ownership of a deceased person’s property.
   
2. Step-Up in Basis: Adjustment of an inherited property’s value to current market value for tax purposes.
   
3. Title Search: A review of public records to confirm legal ownership and check for liens.
   
4. Lien: A legal claim against a property (such as unpaid taxes or contractor fees).
   
5. As-Is Sale: Selling a property in its current condition without making repairs.
   
6. Closing Costs: Fees associated with transferring ownership at sale (title fees, recording, etc.).
   
7. Quitclaim Deed: A document that transfers ownership without guarantees of clear title.
   
8. Appraisal: An official estimate of a property’s current market value.
   
9. Heir: A person legally entitled to inherit property.
   
10. Escrow: A neutral third party that holds funds and documents until the transaction is complete.
    

How to Protect Your Equity When Selling an Inherited Property

Equity is the difference between your home’s value and what you owe (if anything). When selling an inherited home—especially for cash—it’s crucial to ensure you’re keeping as much of that equity as possible.

Here’s how:

✅ Get at least two offers. Don’t accept the first investor offer. Request multiple bids from reputable local buyers to compare.

✅ Ask for a net sheet. A net sheet breaks down what you’ll walk away with after all fees and costs.

✅ Research your home’s fair market value. Use online tools like Zillow or Redfin, but also check recent sales in your specific Orlando neighborhood (e.g., Conway, Winter Park, Pine Hills).

✅ Avoid “assignment” deals you don’t understand. Some investors assign contracts to others for a profit. Make sure you know who’s actually buying your home.

✅ Consult a local attorney before signing. Even if you’re selling “as-is,” it’s worth paying for a short legal review to ensure your rights and equity are protected.

Local Resources for Orlando Homeowners

• Orange County Clerk of Courts Probate Division: www.myorangeclerk.com
  
• Orange County Property Appraiser: www.ocpafl.org
  
• Florida Department of Revenue – Property Taxes: floridarevenue.com
  
• HUD Housing Counseling in Orlando: Free guidance for homeowners managing inherited properties.
  

Final Thoughts

Selling an inherited property in Orlando doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you decide to list traditionally or sell to an investor, what matters most is making an informed decision that fits your family’s needs.

Like James and Carla discovered, a cash sale can offer peace of mind and closure—especially when done carefully and with the right guidance. Take your time, ask questions, and protect your equity every step of the way.