Selling an Inherited Shore House in Cape May County, NJ (Probate Guide)

Step by step in Cape May County

1. 1

   Phone before you drive to the Court House

   The Cape May County Surrogate says it works by appointment and urges people to contact the office before coming. Call (609) 463-6666 or write to [email protected]. The process starts with an Information Sheet, so ask where to get it.

2. 2

   Decide what kind of case you have

   If there is a will, most applicants are asking for Short Certificates so they can do estate business such as accessing bank funds or selling a vehicle. Without a will, a family member applies to be administrator, which can need an original death certificate and possibly a surety bond. Ask what the house needs.

3. 3

   Check the small-estate rules

   The office describes small estates as $50,000 for surviving spouses or $20,000 for next of kin, handled much like an administration. A shore house often puts the estate above those numbers, so do not count on the shortcut.

4. 4

   Keep the originals straight

   The office retains the original will and death certificates and provides certified copies. Request enough copies. A bank, the title company and the state may each ask for one.

5. 5

   Handle the state tax lien

   The Division says inheritance tax is a lien on property owned at death and a waiver is needed to transfer it. If every heir is Class A, such as a spouse or child, Form L-9 may be enough for real estate. The Division's guide also sets interest at 10% a year starting eight months after death.

6. 6

   Account for shore carrying costs

   Tidal flooding, elevation history, flood insurance and salt-air wear shape the sale price of an Ocean City or Lower Township home. In Wildwood, fire-code and seasonal records can matter. In Cape May City, historic review can limit exterior work. Collect insurance and elevation papers now.

7. 7

   Then pick the sale path

   When authority and the waiver are set, compare a listing with a cash sale. Count months of insurance, taxes and utilities against the extra price a listing might bring.

Cape May County offices you may deal with

Cape May County probate questions