Inheriting a house often means paperwork, family decisions, and a property that's been sitting empty, sometimes while you live somewhere else. I buy inherited houses in Lake County and West Volusia as-is, and because I'm also a licensed broker, I can list it instead if that would leave the family with more. You'll see both numbers before anyone decides.
We won't share or sell your info.
Where probate happens for these towns
- Lake County (Eustis, Leesburg, Tavares, Mount Dora, Umatilla, Clermont and nearby): probate is handled by the Fifth Judicial Circuit at the Lake County Judicial Center in Tavares.
- Volusia County (Deltona, DeLand, DeBary and nearby): probate is handled by the Seventh Judicial Circuit. Cases for the west side of the county are typically handled at the courthouse in DeLand, depending on where the person lived.
Your probate attorney files the case and handles the court side. My part is the house: what it's worth, getting it sold, and working with the family's timeline.
Does the house have to go through probate?
Usually, yes, if the house was in the deceased person's name alone. In Florida, a will by itself doesn't transfer the house. The court has to confirm who has the right to sell it. A house owned jointly with "right of survivorship" usually goes straight to the surviving owner without probate.
- Formal administration. The standard process. The court appoints a personal representative who can sign to sell the house. It often takes several months or more.
- Summary administration. A shorter process, available when the person passed away more than 2 years ago or the estate is worth $150,000 or less (raised from $75,000 on July 1, 2026), not counting exempt property.
Common questions
Can I sell before probate is finished?
Often you can sign a contract while probate is underway, with closing set for when the court gives authority to sell. Your probate attorney can tell you what applies to your case.
I live out of state. Can this be done without me coming down?
Usually, yes. Most of the paperwork can be signed remotely, and I can handle walk-throughs, contractors, and getting the house cleaned out on this end.
What if there are several heirs?
Usually everyone with an ownership share needs to agree, or the personal representative needs court authority. That's often the hardest part. I'm patient with it and can work around the family's timeline.
Who pays the bills while this happens?
The mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utilities keep coming. Keep the taxes paid. Unpaid taxes can lead to a tax certificate and, eventually, a tax deed sale.
The house is full of stuff and needs work. Does that matter?
Not to me. I buy as-is, so nobody has to clean it out, fix it, or show it. Take what you want to keep and leave the rest.
Houses I've bought in Lake County
Found Me Through This Website
- Area
- Eustis
- Year
- 2021
- House
- 4 bed / 2 bath single-family
- How they found me
- This website
- What I did
- Bought it and renovated it
This seller found me through this website. I bought the house and did a complete rehab: new roof, new AC, new plumbing, and a brand-new interior.
Fast cash sale or listing?
A cash sale is quicker and simpler, and the house stays as it is. Listing usually brings a higher price but takes longer and often needs repairs and showings. Because I can do both, I'll lay out each one for your house with the real costs, and the family picks.
I'm not a lawyer and this isn't legal advice. Talk with a Florida probate attorney about your specific situation.
More help
- Selling an inherited house anywhere in Central Florida
- Selling a house in Lake County
- Selling a house in Volusia County
- Selling a house in Eustis
Get Your Cash Offer
Tell me about the house. I'll call you within 24 hours, usually the same day.
We won't share or sell your info.