How to Sell a House in Probate in St. Petersburg, FL – Complete Guide for 2025

Selling a home is never simple—but selling a house that’s gone into probate comes with extra emotional, legal, and financial layers. Whether you’ve inherited a property in Old Northeast, Kenwood, or Gulfport, navigating probate can feel overwhelming.

If you’re asking:

  • Can I sell a house in probate in St. Petersburg, FL?
  • How long does probate take?
  • Do I need court approval to sell?
  • What if the home needs repairs?

You’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of selling a house in probate in Florida, what to expect, how to avoid common pitfalls, and tips to help you move forward with confidence.

What Is Probate, and Why Does It Matter?

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. It often involves:

  • Validating the will (if there is one)
  • Appointing a personal representative (executor)
  • Paying debts and taxes
  • Distributing assets, including any real estate

In Florida, probate is handled in the county court where the deceased lived—in this case, Pinellas County.

When a house is part of the estate, it cannot be sold until:

  • The court appoints a legal representative, and
  • The estate is granted the legal authority to sell it

Can You Sell a House That’s in Probate in St. Petersburg?

Yes, you can—but with conditions.
You’ll need the court’s permission unless the will specifies otherwise. In many cases, once a personal representative is appointed, they have the power to sell assets—including real estate—to settle debts or distribute inheritance.

You can usually sell the house:

  • To pay off estate debts
  • To divide assets among heirs
  • If it’s written in the will
  • If there are no objections from beneficiaries

Steps to Sell a House in Probate in Florida

Let’s walk through the full process:

Step 1: File the Probate Case in Pinellas County

The probate case must be opened with the court. You’ll file a petition, usually with the help of a probate attorney, and request to be appointed as the personal representative (PR).

Once the PR is appointed, you’ll receive Letters of Administration, which give you the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Step 2: Determine the Status of the Property

Ask these questions:

  • Is there a valid will?
  • Is the home titled solely in the deceased’s name?
  • Are there co-owners or liens?
  • Is the mortgage current or in foreclosure?

The answers affect the type of probate required and how you’ll handle the sale.

Step 3: Get the Home Appraised or Evaluated

To sell fairly and legally, you’ll need to understand the home’s value. This can be done by:

  • Ordering a professional appraisal
  • Asking a local Realtor for a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)
  • Requesting a cash offer from a local buyer (especially if it needs repairs)

This step is essential for pricing and court documentation.

Step 4: Notify Beneficiaries and Creditors

Florida probate law requires:

  • Formal notification of all potential heirs and beneficiaries
  • Publishing a notice to creditors in a local newspaper
  • Paying off valid debts before assets can be distributed

The house may need to be sold to cover debts.

Step 5: Decide How to Sell the Property

There are two main paths for selling a probate property in St. Petersburg:

✅ Option 1: Traditional Sale (MLS)

You can list the home with a real estate agent after receiving court authorization.

Pros:

  • Potentially higher offers
  • More exposure to buyers

Cons:

  • Requires cleaning, staging, and showings
  • Repairs may be needed
  • Buyer delays and financing issues
  • May take 30–90+ days to close

✅ Option 2: Sell to a Cash Buyer or Investor

Cash buyers purchase homes as-is, often in 7–14 days, and handle closing costs, paperwork, and cleanout.

Pros:

  • Fast and easy
  • No repairs, inspections, or cleanup
  • Ideal for inherited homes in poor condition

Cons:

  • Offers are usually below market retail value
  • Be sure to work with a reputable local buyer

This is often the best option when the home is distressed, the estate has limited funds, or the family needs closure quickly.

Step 6: Get Court Approval (If Needed)

If the will doesn’t specifically authorize the sale, you may need to:

  • File a petition to sell the property
  • Present the accepted offer to the judge for approval
  • Wait for a court order before closing

In many cases, personal representatives in Florida have broad powers to sell assets—check with your attorney to confirm.

Step 7: Close the Sale

Once everything is in order:

  • Title is transferred to the buyer
  • Sale proceeds go into the estate account
  • Funds are used to pay debts or distributed to heirs

After the sale, the personal representative files a final accounting with the court to close the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Sales in St. Petersburg, FL

❓ How long does probate take in Florida?

Probate can take anywhere from 3 months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate, court delays, and whether any disputes arise.

❓ Can I sell the house before probate is finished?

You typically cannot transfer ownership until probate is officially opened and a representative is appointed. Some cases allow pre-sale agreements with court approval.

❓ What if the house is in bad shape?

That’s common with inherited homes. You have options:

  • Sell as-is to a cash buyer
  • Make light repairs and list traditionally
  • Donate or auction off contents before listing

❓ Do I need a probate attorney?

It’s highly recommended. Florida probate law is complex, and mistakes can delay the process or expose you to liability.

❓ What happens to the mortgage during probate?

The lender must still be paid. If mortgage payments stop, foreclosure proceedings could begin—even during probate. The house may need to be sold quickly to satisfy the debt.

Top 5 Tips for Selling a Probate Property in St. Petersburg

  1. Act quickly but carefully – Delaying probate can result in legal or financial complications.
  2. Keep the property secure and maintained – Install locks, maintain the yard, and prevent squatters or code violations.
  3. Communicate with all heirs – Transparency helps avoid disputes and delays.
  4. Don’t spend your own money on repairs – Unless reimbursable from the estate.
  5. Work with local professionals – Probate attorneys, real estate agents, or home buyers familiar with the St. Petersburg market make a big difference.

When Selling to a Cash Buyer Makes the Most Sense

You may want to consider selling directly to a local investor if:

  • The home is outdated or damaged
  • You live out of state and can’t manage the sale
  • You want to avoid showings, inspections, and long waits
  • The estate needs fast cash to pay off debts
  • You’re overwhelmed and want a simple solution

A good cash buyer will:

  • Make a fair, no-obligation offer
  • Handle probate paperwork with your attorney
  • Close in your timeline, sometimes within days
  • Buy the home exactly as it sits

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Selling a probate house in St. Petersburg, FL, doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support and understanding of the process, you can resolve the estate, reduce stress, and move on peacefully.

Whether you want to list on the market or sell directly to a buyer for cash, knowing your options and rights puts you in control.