If you’ve suddenly inherited a house, you may not be prepared for the questions and issues that can arise. And if you make the wrong decisions, you will likely encounter financial, emotional, and family problems before long.
Forewarned is forearmed, they say, so here’s some of what can go wrong when you inherit a house in FLORIDA.
What Can Go Wrong When You Inherit a House in FLORIDA
You May Owe More Taxes than Anticipated
For many individuals, estate tax is not a major concern due to the substantial exemption, often in the millions. In 2010, the estate tax was temporarily suspended, but along with it, the step-up provision was also mostly suspended. When contemplating potential challenges associated with inheriting a house in FLORIDA and subsequently selling it, it’s essential to factor in the implications of the stepped-up capital gains situation.
The step-up provides that you pay capital gains taxes only on the gains above the fair market value at the date of the decedent’s death. It has nothing to with the price the decedent paid for the house – unless the step-up falls in one of the years when it was changed. In that case, you may owe a lot more in taxes than you bargained for.
The Mortgage May Be Bigger than You Thought
Generally in the past, when an elderly parent or relative passed, the mortgage on their house was paid off. These days, though, it’s common for elderly people to take out a reverse mortgage on their home to supplement insufficient retirement funds.
You need to be aware, then, that a reverse mortgage cannot be assumed by heirs. And in the case of a standard mortgage, you can assume the mortgage only if you live in the house yourself. So if you intend to rent the house, you may have to refinance it in your own name.
The House May Need Repairs and Upgrades
In the context of potential challenges when inheriting a house in FLORIDA, one of the most significant concerns could be the cost associated with maintenance and upgrades. Often, individuals inherit a house from a deceased elderly parent or a very close relative. Due to physical limitations or financial constraints, many elderly individuals may not have been able to perform necessary maintenance or renovations on the property. Additionally, knowing that they wouldn’t be residing in the house for many more years, they might choose not to invest in such improvements. This situation can pose financial and logistical challenges for the new inheritors.
If you plan to live in the inherited house, this may not be a huge concern. But if you intend to rent it or sell it, you’ll have to make repairs to make it presentable and upgrades to bring it up to code and meet other legal and insurance requirements. Installing a new HVAC system or re-wiring the house will involve a big chunk of money.
You May Have Problems with Relatives and Joint Heirs
But what if you’re not the only heir? That can be a problem. Suppose you and your siblings inherited the house jointly. If you want to sell it, your brother may want to rent it, and your other brother, to live in it himself. You can see what a powder keg waiting for a spark this is.
In most states, joint heirs of a home are considered tenants in common, and one heir can force a sale if it comes to that. The process, however, is expensive, and the emotional and familial consequences are likely to be highly unpleasant.
When inheriting a house in FLORIDA, several challenges can arise, particularly concerning tax laws, mortgages, and upgrade issues. To navigate these complexities effectively and prevent potential problems, it is advisable to seek assistance from a qualified professional. Their expertise can help address these issues promptly and ensure a smoother transition and resolution of any legal or financial concerns associated with inheriting the property.