Inheriting a property can be both a blessing and a burden—especially when you’re unsure what steps to take next. If you’ve recently inherited a home in Pensacola, Florida, and are considering selling it, you might be wondering: What documents do I need?

Selling an inherited property involves more than just listing it and accepting an offer. It requires navigating legal and tax obligations, proving ownership, and making sure all paperwork is in order. This guide breaks down the essential documents you’ll need to successfully sell inherited real estate in Pensacola.

✅ 1. Death Certificate of the Deceased

This is the first official document required. You’ll need certified copies of the deceased’s death certificate to prove their passing and begin any legal proceedings related to their estate. It’s usually obtained from the funeral home or Florida Department of Health.

✅ 2. Will or Trust Documents (If Applicable)

If the deceased had a will or a living trust, these documents determine who legally inherits the property. You’ll need:

A copy of the will (if available)
Proof of probate or trust administration
Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary, which give the executor or personal representative legal authority to act on behalf of the estate

If there’s no will, the property will go through Florida’s intestate succession laws, and heirs will be determined by the court.

✅ 3. Probate Court Documents

In Florida, most inherited properties must go through probate before they can be sold—unless they were placed in a living trust or titled in a way that avoids probate (like joint tenancy or a Transfer on Death deed).

Key probate documents include:

Petition for Administration (to open probate)
Order of Summary Administration (for smaller estates)
Letters of Administration (for formal probate)
Court order approving the sale (if required by the court)

✅ 4. Property Title or Deed

The current deed is critical to proving legal ownership. Once probate is complete, the property’s title must be transferred into the heir’s name before it can be sold.

Make sure:

The deed is free of liens or disputes
Title is updated correctly in public records
Any mortgage balances or obligations are disclosed

If the title is unclear or contested, working with a real estate attorney or title company is strongly recommended.

✅ 5. Affidavit of Heirship (Sometimes Needed)

In cases where probate is skipped or simplified, an Affidavit of Heirship may be used to declare who the rightful heirs are. This document is not a substitute for full probate but can help establish a clear chain of ownership.

✅ 6. Tax and Financial Documents

You’ll also need the following financial documentation to ensure a smooth sale and avoid future tax issues:

Property tax records
Mortgage payoff statement (if the home is financed)
Utility and maintenance bills (especially if the home has been vacant)
IRS Form 8971 (used to report inherited property value)
Documentation of the stepped-up basis for capital gains calculation

✅ 7. Disclosure Documents

Even when selling as-is, Florida law requires certain disclosures when selling residential property. You’ll need to provide:

Seller’s Property Disclosure Form (if you know about major issues like mold, roof damage, or pests)
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for homes built before 1978)

If you’re unsure of the home’s condition, a pre-sale inspection may be helpful to avoid future liability.

💡 Pro Tip: Simplify the Process with a Local Home Buyer

Dealing with probate and paperwork can get complicated. If the property is outdated, vacant, or you just want to avoid the hassle of listing it, consider selling to a local cash home buyer in Pensacola like Moe Buys Homes.

We can work directly with you and your probate attorney to:

Help you understand required documents
Buy the property as-is, with no repairs or clean-out
Close quickly, even during probate (depending on your case)
Eliminate realtor fees, showings, and commissions

🏡 Need Help Selling Your Inherited House in Pensacola?

At Moe Buys Homes, we specialize in buying inherited and probate properties fast, fair, and with less stress. We understand the legal complexities and emotional weight that come with inherited real estate—and we’re here to help.

📞 Call us today or fill out our quick form online for a free, no-obligation offer on your inherited Pensacola property.