Losing a parent or loved one is hard enough. Then you realize there is a house to take care of, maybe across the country from where you live. If that is where you are right now, take a breath. You do not have to do everything today.

Here is a simple checklist for the first 30 days, built for homes in St. Pete and Pinellas County.

Week one: protect the home

  • Change the locks and collect every key, garage remote and gate code.
  • Call the homeowners insurance company. Let them know about the death and ask about vacancy rules. Many policies change when a home sits empty.
  • Keep the power, water and AC on. In Florida humidity, an empty house without AC can develop mold quickly.
  • Forward the mail through USPS and stop newspapers and deliveries.
  • Remove food and secure valuables, jewelry and important papers.

Weeks two and three: get organized

  • Order 15 to 20 certified death certificates. Banks, insurers and the title company will each ask for one.
  • Find the original will and any trust documents.
  • Gather home papers: the deed, mortgage statements, property tax bill, insurance policies, HOA contacts and any survey or elevation certificate.
  • Talk with a Florida probate attorney about whether probate is needed and who will serve as personal representative.
  • Talk with a CPA about final tax returns and the tax side of selling an inherited home.

Week four: plan the next step for the house

  • Keep the bills current. The mortgage, taxes, HOA fees and insurance do not stop after a death.
  • Get an honest market analysis, including an estimate as of the date of death for your attorney and CPA.
  • Decide together whether to sell as-is, do a light refresh and list, rent it out or keep it in the family.
  • Make a hurricane plan if it is June through November, including who will check on the home after a storm.
Take your time with the belongings. Set aside the things that matter most first. Then an estate sale company, donation pickup or clean-out crew can take care of the rest. I am happy to introduce you to trusted local vendors.
Inherited a Home in Florida, free guide by Tiffany McAlister

Want the full printable checklist? My free guide, Inherited a Home in Florida?, includes the first 30 days, Florida probate in plain English, a list of accounts to cancel and questions for your probate attorney. You can also visit my Probate and Inherited Homes page or call me at 727-418-5756. Even if you are not ready to sell, I am happy to answer questions.

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. I am a licensed Florida real estate professional with Compass, not an attorney. Please talk with a Florida probate attorney and a CPA about your situation.