How to Sell an Inherited Home in Miami (Step-by-Step Guide for 2025)

Inheriting a home in Miami might seem like a windfall—but selling it? That’s a whole different story. Between probate, paperwork, and sometimes family drama, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You're not stuck. Whether the house is a beachside bungalow or a fixer-upper in Little Havana, this guide will walk you through exactly how to sell an inherited home in Miami the smart way.

Let’s get into it!

Why You Might Want to Sell the Home

First, ask yourself: Do I even want to keep this house? Selling an inherited property is a common choice, especially if:

You live out of state.
The home is outdated or needs repairs.
You can’t afford taxes, insurance, or upkeep.
You’re splitting the inheritance with siblings.
You simply want the cash instead.

Step 1: Confirm Ownership Through Probate

Before you can legally sell the home, you have to become the rightful owner.

What’s Probate, and Why Does It Matter?

In Florida (including Miami), most inherited homes must go through probate—a court-supervised process that verifies the will and transfers ownership.

Probate can take 3–9 months, sometimes longer.

⚠️ If the home was in a trust or had a lady bird deed, it might skip probate.

Who Handles Probate?

The executor named in the will typically handles this, often with help from a probate attorney. If there’s no will, Florida’s intestate laws decide who inherits the property.

Step 2: Get the Home Appraised

To price it right (and avoid tax surprises), you need to know what the property was worth when the owner passed away.

This is called a “step-up in basis.” It means the IRS values the home based on its fair market value at the time of death—not what the original owner paid for it years ago.

✅ A professional appraisal protects you from overpaying on capital gains tax later.

Step 3: Decide How You Want to Sell

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. You’ve got options:

1. Sell Through a Real Estate Agent

Ideal if the home is in decent shape and you want top dollar. Local Miami agents can:

List on the MLS
Market the home to buyers
Handle showings and negotiations

2. Sell to a Cash Home Buyer

If the home needs work, or you want a fast, hassle-free sale, a cash buyer might be your best bet.

Cash buyers in Miami typically:

Buy as-is
Close in 7–14 days
Handle probate and legal paperwork

3. Sell at Auction

Rare, but possible. Some heirs choose this when the home is in rough shape or when heirs can’t agree on what to do.

Step 4: Handle Property Clean-Out and Repairs

This is where emotions kick in. Cleaning out a loved one’s home can be tough. Take your time—or hire professionals.

Once cleaned out, assess the condition:

Is it move-in ready?
Does it need cosmetic updates?
Are there code violations or permits to resolve?

You can choose to fix it up or sell as-is depending on your timeline and budget.

Step 5: Prepare Legal Documents

To sell the home, you'll need:

The probate court’s permission (if probate isn’t finished)
The copyright
Letters of Administration (proof you're the authorized seller)
Any existing will or trust documents
A property deed

???? Pro tip: A probate attorney can handle most of this for you.

Step 6: Price the Home Strategically

Miami’s real estate market is hot, but that doesn’t mean you can overprice. Use these tools:

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from your agent
Local sales comps
Zillow or Redfin for ballpark estimates

Homes in neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Brickell, or Wynwood will vary significantly in price.

Step 7: List and Market the Home

Work with your agent (or do it yourself) to make the home stand out:

Hire a professional photographer
Write a compelling listing description
Stage the home if necessary
Highlight local perks (beaches, nightlife, schools)

Step 8: Close the Sale

Once you accept an offer:

A title company will handle the legal side
Your agent will coordinate inspections, negotiations, and closing
If there’s a mortgage, taxes, or liens, those get paid out of the proceeds

???? After closing, the remaining funds are distributed to you (and any other heirs).

What If There Are Multiple Heirs?

If you inherited the home with siblings or other family members, you all must agree on the sale—or work with an attorney to divide proceeds fairly.

In some cases, one heir may buy out the others.

Tax Considerations When Selling an Inherited Home in Miami

No inheritance tax in Florida ✅
Capital gains tax applies if the home sells for more than its stepped-up value
Property taxes may change after the sale

???? Always talk to a CPA or tax advisor before selling—especially if the home has appreciated significantly.

What If You Want a Fast Sale Without Fixing Anything?

In that case, consider a local “We Buy Houses” company or real estate investor. Miami has many reputable ones who:

Pay cash
Buy as-is
Cover closing costs
Work with your probate attorney

This is a great option if you’re out of town, overwhelmed, or just want it done fast.

Conclusion

Selling an inherited home in Miami can feel like a maze, especially if you're new to probate, taxes, and real estate laws. But once you get through the legal hoops and emotional hurdles, it’s completely doable—and often profitable. So if you want to Sell your House Fast at good prices, now is the time.

Whether you go with a real estate agent, a cash buyer, or handle it on your own, the key is to understand your options and take it step-by-step. Don’t rush. Ask for help. And remember—you’re not just selling a house, you’re closing a chapter.

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