Formal probate administration in Duval County typically takes 6 to 10 months. Summary administration for qualifying estates can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks. Out-of-state property owners who owned real estate in Duval County may also require ancillary probate, which adds additional steps but does not prevent a sale. The Building Buyer coordinates with your Jacksonville-area probate attorney throughout the process.

Ancillary probate is a secondary probate proceeding required in Florida when someone who lived outside Florida dies owning Florida real estate. For example, if a family member lived in Georgia but owned a house in Jacksonville, a Florida ancillary probate proceeding must be opened in Duval County to transfer or sell that property. The Building Buyer has experience with ancillary probate situations and works with attorneys who specialize in these cases.

Yes. The Building Buyer purchases tenant-occupied probate properties. We handle the tenant transition after closing, removing that burden from the estate. Whether the property has month-to-month tenants, long-term lease holders, or problem occupants, we are experienced in managing these situations so your family doesn’t have to.

Once the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court issues its authorization order, The Building Buyer can typically close within 3 to 7 business days. We work with a licensed title and escrow company and keep all closing documents prepared in advance, so the only delay is the court timeline itself — not ours.