Selling an Inherited Home in Jupiter & Palm Beach County

You're standing in your parents house, or your aunt's, your grandparents, someone you loved. You’re looking at decades of memories and belongings wondering how you'll get through this.

You didn't ask to become responsible for a property. You're grieving. You're managing your own life, your own family, your own job. Now there's this house, sitting there, with bills arriving, maintenance piling up, and you’re terrified of making the wrong decisions.

Where do you even start?

Maybe you live across the country and can't be here to handle things. Maybe you're local but completely overwhelmed. Maybe you're the executor managing not just the house but all the estate assets, and the weight of it feels crushing. Maybe there are siblings involved and don’t want to make the wrong choice and causing family conflict.

You're not alone in feeling this way.

I've walked with families through selling inherited homes since 2009. I get what you're going through. I know the questions keeping you up at night. And I know how to help you move forward. With clarity, fairness, and as little friction as possible.

The Weight You're Carrying Right Now

You Don't Know Where to Start

There's so much to figure out. Probate. Taxes. Repairs. What to do with all the belongings in the house. Whether you even can sell yet. Whether you should sell.

The Expenses Keep Coming

Property taxes, insurance, HOA fees if they exist for the home, utilities, lawn care. pool maintenance, the list goes on. Every month the house sits empty, you're spending money out of the estate to keep the home from falling into disrepair. You're worried about how long this will take and how much it's going to cost.

The House Itself Feels Like a Problem

Maybe the home is in perfect condition. Honestly that almost makes it harder for a lot of people. Especially when the home is located in Jupiter or Palm Beach County and you’re trying to sell in the winter time, but everyone wants to stay in the home one last time, and it becomes an extended vacation home. All the while the estates assets are getting depleted. It was a loved ones pride and joy, and selling it feels like betraying their memory. Or maybe the house has been declining for years because their health was declining, and now you're looking at outdated everything, deferred maintenance, things that don't work.

There's So Much Stuff

Furniture, photos, clothes, paperwork, sentimental items, garage junk, literally everything including the kitchen sink. Decades of a life lived. You don't know what has value and what doesn't. You don't know whether to donate it, sell it, throw it away, or keep it. The thought of sorting through everything is exhausting, and you haven't even started yet. I know a lot about this one because my wife and I spent two weeks doing this at her grandparents house.

You Feel Guilty

Guilty for wanting this to be over. Guilty for thinking about the money. Guilty for not handling it yourself. Guilty for selling at all, or for selling "too quickly," or for not keeping the house in the family. The guilt sits on top of the grief and makes everything harder.

I need you to hear this: None of those feelings make you a bad person. You're doing the best you can. This feeling is way more common than you think.

How I Help Families Sell Inherited Properties in Jupiter and Palm Beach County

I've helped dozens of families navigate the sale of inherited homes, one of those families was my own. I understand this isn't just a real estate transaction, it's the closing of a chapter. Here's how we'll work through this together.

We'll Start With a Conversation That Actually Helps

No sales pitch. No pressure. Just you and me talking about what you're dealing with. You'll tell me about the property, where you are in the probate process, what concerns you have, what your timeline looks like.

I'll answer every question you have. "Do I need a probate attorney?" "What's the house worth?" "How long will this take?" "Do you know someone who can help clean out the house?" "What do I do about the pool that hasn't been maintained in months?"

By the end of our conversation, you'll know what the next steps are. You’ll have some clarity.

I'll Walk the Property. Either With You or For You

If you're in Florida, we'll walk through the house together. I'll help you start seeing it differently. Not as your family's home, but as a property you need to sell. That shift is hard, but it's necessary.

We'll talk about condition. What repairs actually matter to buyers and what you can skip. Whether the property is something we market as-is or if investing in a few updates makes sense. I'll be honest with you about what I'm seeing and what your realistic options are.

If you're out of state, and many families I work with are, I'll go walk the property myself. I'll take photos and we'll get on a call so you can see what I'm seeing. You don't have to fly to Florida every other week. I'll be your eyes and ears here. This isn’t a normal home sale, you need a real estate agent who does not treat it as such.

We'll Build a Plan That Makes Sense for You

Every inherited property is different. Your plan may include:

Understanding the legal timeline: I can't give you legal advice, but I can explain generally how probate works in Florida, what an executor's responsibilities are, and when you'll have legal authority to sell. If you need a probate attorney, I work with several excellent ones in Palm Beach County and can give you their information.

Getting the house ready: Maybe it just needs a deep clean and some landscaping. Maybe it needs significant repairs. Maybe it's somewhere in between. We'll talk through what makes sense, and what is just throwing money away.

Handling the belongings: There are estate sale companies in Palm Beach County. If there are items of value worth selling, this is a good first call to make. There are also junk removal services if you just need things cleared out of the home. I've helped families coordinate everything, from donation pickups to shipping family heirlooms across the country. From scheduling clean out crews to arranging for pool maintenance and landscapers, I've done it all. You tell me what you need handled, and I'll either do it myself or point you in the direction of someone who can.

Pricing it right: I'll provide a detailed review of homes that are for sale, and homes that have sold, in the neighborhood. No guessing. Just data. You'll know what the house is realistically worth and what you can expect to net after expenses.

Marketing thoughtfully: I prefer not to market a house while it's still full of personal belongings. It's harder for buyers to see themselves there, and I don't want family items becoming part of any disputes down the line. Once the house is ready, I'll market it professionally with the same quality photography, video, and online presence I provide for all my listings.

If you need speed over maximum price: Sometimes families need to close quickly. Maybe to cover estate taxes, maybe to distribute proceeds to multiple heirs, maybe just to stop the financial bleeding. If that's you, I can get you as-is cash offers from investors. This is rarely the best solution. I would truly see this as a last resort, not a solid option. In very limited circumstances, this can be the best path. But I need to stress, we need to exhaust all other options before this one.

I'll Coordinate Everything While You Live Your Life

You don't need to be in Jupiter to sell a house in Jupiter.

If you're out of state, I'll manage everything locally. I'll coordinate with contractors if repairs are needed. I'll schedule and oversee clean out services. I'll handle landscapers, pool companies, whatever needs attention. I'll be at showings. I'll manage inspection issues. I'll communicate with the title company, and all attorneys involved (there will be a few of those).

You'll get regular updates, but you won't be overwhelmed with details. You can stay in your own city, keep your job, take care of your family, and trust that things are moving forward here.

We'll Navigate the Sale With Minimal Drama

Once we have an offer, I'll walk you through it and explain what everything means. I'll negotiate on your behalf to get you the best terms possible. When inspection issues come up,and they usually do,I'll help you decide what's reasonable to address and what's not. On this note when possible, and depending on the age of the home, a pre inspection is something you and I will want to talk about.

If there are multiple heirs involved, I'll communicate clearly with everyone so no one feels left in the dark. If attorneys are involved, I'll work with them.

When it's time to close, you can often sign remotely, or though a mail away package you print out and overnight back to your attorney. You don't have to fly back to Florida for closing day.

And then it's done. The house is sold. The chapter is closed. You can finally exhale.

What Families Tell Me After We've Closed

You’ll find some of the families I’ve done this for in my google reviews. If you haven’t yet, please read through some of those. This is one of them

“Casey represented us in the sale of my father’s condominium. He is highly professional, experienced, knowledgeable and easy to work with. This was a complicated sale and we had to navigate many parties while I was not present in Florida He spearheaded the entire process keeping me informed and appropriately involved every step of the way. He was a great partner and I trusted his perspective, guidance and counsel. He worked tirelessly and diligently on our behalf. I would recommend Casey highly.”

Common Questions About Selling an Inherited House in Palm Beach County

What's the first thing I should do after inheriting a house in Jupiter?

The first step is understanding where you are legally. If the property is going through probate, you'll need to be appointed as personal representative (executor) before you can sell. If the property was in a trust, the process may be faster. Either way, I'd recommend talking to a probate attorney to understand your timeline and responsibilities. Once you know where you stand legally, we can start planning the sale. What I would not do is try to do this on my own without speaking to an attorney.

Do I need to go through probate before I can sell the house?

In most cases, yes. Typically you cannot legally sell the property until you have legal authority, either as personal representative appointed by the court or as trustee if the property was held in trust. I can explain the general process and connect you with experienced probate attorneys, but you'll need proper legal counsel to navigate this correctly.

How long does it take to sell an inherited property in Jupiter?

Once you have legal authority to sell and the house is ready to market, well priced homes in Jupiter typically go under contract within 30-60 days and close 30-45 days after that. But the total timeline depends on several factors: what type of property it is (condo’s typically take longer to sell vs single family homes), where you are in probate, what condition the property is in, how long it takes to clean out and prepare, and how the market is moving when we list. After I see the house, and understand your situation, I can give you a more realistic timeline for your specific circumstances.

Should I fix up the house before selling, or sell it as-is?

Every house is different, so this is always a home by home decision. Some inherited properties are immaculate, maybe your family took meticulous care of it right up until the end. Those houses often need nothing more than a good cleaning. Other inherited homes have years of deferred maintenance because health was declining, and the home was also. Issues such as outdated everything, things that don't work, repairs that were never made, the list can be long here.

For properties needing work, we'll assess what repairs actually impact sale price versus what buyers will overlook or handle themselves. Major systems (HVAC, roof, plumbing) often need addressing. Fresh paint and landscaping often return more than they cost. Full renovations rarely make sense. I'll show you the numbers and help you make the decision that maximizes your net proceeds.

What do I do with all their belongings and furniture?

This is often the most emotionally overwhelming part. Here's how most families approach it:

First, family members take what they want. The items with sentimental value and heirlooms. Then, if there are valuable items remaining (antiques, collectibles, jewelry), consider contacting an estate sale company. There are several reputable ones in Palm Beach County who can assess what's worth selling and handle the sale for you.

For everything else, furniture, clothes, dishes, junk in the garage, you have options. Donation services like Habitat for Humanity will often pick up furniture. Junk removal companies can haul away what's left. I can get you in touch with people who handle all of this.

I've helped coordinate everything from estate sales, to full clean outs, to shipping specific items to family members out of state. Whatever you need, I can help make it happen. One less worry for you to have.

Can I sell the house if there's still a mortgage on it?

Yes. The mortgage gets paid off at closing from the sale proceeds. If the property is worth more than what's owed (which is almost always the case in Jupiter's market), the remaining equity gets distributed to the heirs. If by chance the property is worth less than the mortgage balance, we would need to work with the lender on options, but that's rare here honestly.

What are the tax implications of selling an inherited house?

Generally, inherited properties receive what's called a "stepped-up basis". Meaning the property's taxable value is reset to its fair market value on the date the person passed away. This usually significantly reduces or eliminates capital gains taxes when you sell.

However, every situation is unique, and I'm not a tax advisor. I strongly recommend consulting with a CPA who specializes in estate taxation. I can refer you to people who handle this work if you need a recommendation.

My siblings and I can't agree on what to do. How do you help with that?

This is more challenging, but I've navigated it before. Usually disagreements center around two things: what price to list at, and whether to invest in repairs.

I help by providing objective market data, not opinions, but facts about what comparable homes have sold for recently. I show you the numbers on what repairs cost versus what they'd likely return in sale price. Sometimes having a neutral third party present clear information helps families come to an agreement.

If one person wants to keep the house and buy out the others, I can help structure that too. In rare cases where agreement is impossible, the probate court can order the sale, but that's usually a last resort. Thankfully not one I’ve had to deal with.

I live out of state. Can you handle everything without me being there?

Absolutely. Many of the families I work with live across the country. They inherited a property in Florida, but live elsewhere. I handle everything locally. I coordinate contractors, clean out services, landscapers, pool maintenance, inspections, showings, whatever needs to happen. We communicate by phone, email, text, and video calls. Whatever you prefer. You can sign documents electronically. Often, you don't need to visit Florida at all during the process.

How much does it cost to maintain an inherited house while it's vacant?

This varies by property, but here's what you're typically looking at each month:

• Property taxes: Depend on assessed value. Palm Beach County isn’t inexpensive. A $10,000+ annual tax bill isn’t abnormal.

• Homeowners insurance: $200-$800+ (BUT some insurers won't cover vacant homes, so you may need specialized coverage)

• HOA fees if applicable: $200-$500+. If you’re in a golf course community there are additional fees.

• Utilities (keeping AC running so the house doesn't deteriorate, this is a non negotiable): $150-$300

• Lawn and pool maintenance: $250-$500

• Pest control, repairs, miscellaneous: $100-$300

Total: It adds up to a decent amount of money per month just to keep the doors locked and the grass cut. Over six months or a year, those carrying costs add up quickly. That's why many families want to move forward with a sale once they've had time to process their grief and handle the initial estate matters. Ideally the estate has enough cash to cover the expenses during the hold period.

What if I need to sell quickly?

If speed is your priority, maybe to cover estate taxes, maybe to stop carrying costs, maybe to distribute proceeds to multiple heirs who need their inheritance, I can help. I work with reputable investors who make cash offers on properties throughout Palm Beach County. They'll buy as-is, close quickly (often in 2-3 weeks), and you won't have to deal with repairs, cleanouts, or showings.

The trade-off is price. Cash investors typically offer 60-75% of market value because they're taking on the risk and work of repairs. For most families, marketing the property traditionally nets significantly more money. But sometimes the peace of mind and speed are worth the discount. I'll present both options honestly and let you decide what makes sense for your situation. I need to stress this though. This is RARELY the best option for anyone. You will get more money advertising the sale of a home on the open market. Unless absolutely necessary, this is typically not the best road to travel down.

The Real Cost of Waiting

I understand if you're not ready to sell. Grief doesn't follow a schedule. Sometimes you need time.

But I want you to understand what waiting costs. Not to pressure you, but so you can make an informed decision.

Every month the house sits empty, you're paying those carrying costs. $1,000. $2,000. Sometimes more. Over a year, that's $12,000 to $36,000+ in expenses that don't bring you any closer to resolution.

If the house needs maintenance and you're not there to notice problems, small issues become expensive ones. A small roof leak becomes water damage. An AC unit stops working and humidity causes mold. Landscaping overgrows and the house starts looking abandoned, which can result in a code enforcement case.

And emotionally, the longer it drags on, the heavier the weight becomes. The bills keep coming. The responsibility doesn't go away. You can't move forward because this piece of the past is still hanging over you.

I'm not saying you need to rush. I'm saying you deserve to know what waiting actually costs,financially and emotionally,so you can decide when the right time is for you.

What Moving Forward Looks Like

Imagine this: Six months from now, the house is sold. The proceeds have been distributed fairly. You're no longer getting bills for a property hundreds or thousands of miles away. You're no longer carrying the weight of this responsibility on top of everything else in your life.

You can grieve without the constant reminder of the house you need to deal with. You can remember your loved one without the stress of property management. You have closure.

The relief you'll feel is real. I've seen it in every family I've worked with. The exhale when we close. The weight that lifts. The ability to finally move forward.

That's what I help families reach.

Let's Have a Conversation About What You're Going Through

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about your situation and what your options are.

Whether you're ready to sell now or just starting to think about it, I'm here to answer questions and help you understand what's ahead.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Fill out the form below and I'll call you within 24 hours. Or if you'd rather talk now, call me directly at (786) 443-7203.

Casey Prindle, PA
Jupiter Realtor
Serving Jupiter and Palm Beach County Since 2009
Specialized Experience Helping Families Sell Inherited Properties

Selling a house after losing someone is hard enough. Let me handle the details so you can focus on what matters.