How to Sell an Inherited RV in Florida: Complete 2025 Executor’s Guide

You Just Inherited an RV in Florida

You’re the executor. The RV is 1,200 miles away in Florida storage. You don’t know anything about RVs.

Everyone wants answers. Your siblings want their inheritance. The attorney needs to close probate. The storage facility keeps sending invoices.

Meanwhile, you’re trying not to get scammed or leave $20,000 on the table.

First Steps After Inheriting an RV

Don’t panic. Here’s what to do first.

Step 1: Find the RV

Sometimes executors don’t even know where it is.

Check these places:

• Mail for storage facility invoices
• Bank statements for monthly charges
• Insurance documents (they have the address)
• Family members who might know

If you have the VIN, call Florida DMV at (850) 617-2000. They can tell you the registered address.

Step 2: Secure It

Once you find it, protect it from theft and damage.

If it’s in storage:

• Call the facility immediately
• Pay any past-due fees (prevents auction)
• Get yourself added as authorized person
• Continue monthly payments from estate funds

Step 3: Gather Documents

You’ll need these to sell:

• Florida title (shows ownership and any liens)
• Death certificate (get 5-10 certified copies)
• Letters Testamentary or Administration (proves you’re executor)
• Registration (confirms VIN and current status)

If the title is lost, apply for a duplicate immediately. It takes 7-10 business days.

Step 4: Know the Condition

You need to know what you’re selling, even from 1,000 miles away.

Best option: Hire a mobile RV inspector ($200-400)

They’ll visit the storage location, inspect everything, take photos, and send you a detailed report.

This $300 investment prevents $5,000+ surprises later.

Understanding Florida Probate

You can’t sell until you have legal authority. Here’s how probate works.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate. The court validates the will, appoints an executor, and authorizes you to sell assets.

Three types in Florida:

Disposition Without Administration – Estates under $10,000 total (2-4 weeks)

Summary Administration – Estates under $75,000 (4-8 weeks)

Formal Administration – Estates over $75,000 (6-12 months)

Most estate RVs fall under Formal Administration because the RV alone is often worth $40,000-80,000.

When Can You Sell?

You can sell as soon as you receive Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the court.

This usually takes 4-8 weeks after death.

You do NOT have to wait for probate to close (which can take 12+ months).

Dealing With Liens

Check the title. Is the lienholder section filled in? If yes, there’s a loan.

What to do:

• Call the lender (name is on title)
• Request current payoff amount
• Provide death certificate and executor documents

Two scenarios:

Positive equity: RV worth $68,000, loan payoff $43,000 = $25,000 equity ✓

Negative equity: RV worth $52,000, loan payoff $58,000 = $6,000 shortfall (we’ll solve this later)

The title company handles payoff at closing. You never touch the money. They pay the lender directly, then send remaining funds to the estate.

What’s Your RV Actually Worth?

You can’t price it correctly if you don’t know its value.

Step 1: Check NADA

Go to nadaguides.com and look up your RV by year, make, model, and length.

You’ll see three values. Focus on Low Retail for estate RVs.

This is your starting point, not your final answer.

Step 2: Research Real Sales

See what similar RVs are actually selling for in Florida.

Where to look:

• RVTrader.com (search Florida only)
• Facebook Marketplace (filter by location)
• eBay Motors – Sold listings (actual prices paid)

Look at 10-15 similar RVs. Note the price range.

Step 3: Adjust for Condition

Be honest about your RV’s condition.

Excellent condition: Add 5-10% to NADA Low Retail

Good condition: Use NADA Low Retail as-is

Fair condition: Subtract 10-20% from NADA Low Retail (most estate RVs)

Poor condition: Subtract 25-40% from NADA Low Retail

Quick Example

2017 Thor Palazzo 33.3

NADA Low Retail: $68,000

Similar Florida listings: $64,000-$73,000

Your condition: Fair (sat 10 months, needs service)

Adjustment: -15% = $57,800

Add: Solar panels (+$2,500), new fridge (+$1,200)

Subtract: Tires need replacement (-$800)

Realistic value: $60,700

List at: $64,900 (room to negotiate)

Accept offers: $59,000+

Your Four Selling Options

Let’s compare your choices honestly.

Option 1: Dealer Trade-In

How it works: Drive RV to dealer, they inspect, they offer, done in 24-48 hours

What you’ll get: 60-70% of retail value

Example: $70,000 RV → $42,000-49,000 offer

Good for: Extreme emergencies only

Bad for: Everyone else (you lose $20,000+)

Option 2: RV Consignment

How it works: Deliver RV to consignment lot, they sell it, take 10-15% commission

What you’ll get: 85-90% of retail (after commission)

Example: Sells for $70,000 → You get $59,500-63,000

The problem: You’re out of state. How do you deliver it to the lot?

Option 3: Do It Yourself

Time investment: 60-100 hours over 8-16 weeks

Success rate for out-of-state executors: 40-60%

What you’ll get: 85-100% of value (if successful)

Common outcome: Overwhelmed after 6 weeks, accept lowball offer, lose $8,000-12,000 anyway

Option 4: Professional Help (Me)

Three packages:

Essential ($497): Market analysis, listing creation, marketing, negotiation coaching. You handle photos and inquiries.

Professional ($997) – Most Popular: Everything in Essential + I handle all inquiries, professional photos, buyer screening, scam protection. You just attend showings.

Premium ($1,997): Complete white-glove. Lockbox system, I coordinate everything. You never visit Florida.

What you’ll get: 90-98% of retail value

Time investment: 6-12 hours total

Quick Comparison

Dealer Trade-In: Fast (2 days), lose $20,000+

Consignment: Can’t deliver RV, doesn’t work for you

DIY: 60-100 hours, 50% failure rate, high stress

Professional: 10 hours, 95% success, $6K-10K better outcome than DIY

The Sale Process (Professional Package)

Here’s exactly what happens when you hire me.

Week 1: Initial Consultation

15-minute call. I learn about your RV, location, timeline. You decide if you want to move forward. Zero pressure.

Week 1-2: Photography & Analysis

I coordinate professional photographer to visit storage. I complete market analysis showing realistic pricing.

Your time: 20 minutes

Week 2-3: Marketing Launch

I post on 7+ platforms with professional listing. Serious Buyer Deposit System™ filters out tire-kickers.

Your time: 10 minutes approval

Week 3-8: Buyer Management

I handle all inquiries and screen buyers. You get weekly update calls.

Your time: 30-45 minutes/week

Week 6-10: Offers & Negotiation

I review offers with you, craft counter-offers, negotiate strategically.

Your time: 30-60 minutes per offer

Week 10-14: Closing

I coordinate title company, lender payoff, remote signing. You sign via mobile notary in your state.

Your time: 2-3 hours total

Total timeline: 8-12 weeks

Your total time: 8-12 hours

Common Problems & Solutions

I’ve seen these issues 40+ times. Here’s how to solve them.

Problem #1: RV Won’t Start

Two options:

Option A: Sell as-is, reduce price by 1.5× repair cost

Option B: Invest $800-1,800 in service, increase value $3,000-6,000

I recommend Option B if estate has the cash. ROI is 2-3×.

Problem #2: Siblings Disagree on Price

Solution: Professional appraisal ($200-400) settles arguments with facts.

Or I do a free family conference call, present market data, usually brings consensus.

Problem #3: Storage Fees Piling Up

Every month costs $225 storage + $60 insurance + $500 depreciation = $785/month

Solution: Reduce price by $3,000 to sell 4 months faster = saves $3,140

Getting less money faster often nets MORE than waiting for top dollar.

Problem #4: Underwater Loan

RV worth $52,000, loan payoff $58,000 = $6,000 shortfall

Solution: Negotiate with lender BEFORE listing

I’ve negotiated $9,800 in lien forgiveness. Lenders know repossession costs them $3,000-5,000. They often accept payoff $5K-10K below loan balance.

Problem #5: Buyer Backs Out

Happens 15-20% of the time.

Solution: Keep earnest money deposit (if contract allows), then re-market to previous interested buyers

How to Avoid Scams

Estate sellers are prime targets. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Top 5 Scams Targeting Executors

Scam #1: Fake Cashier’s Check

Buyer sends check for $6,000 MORE than price. “Wire me the difference.” Check bounces, you’re out $6,000.

Scam #2: “I’m Military Overseas”

“I’ll pay full price without seeing it.” Fake wire confirmation. You release RV. Money never arrives.

Scam #3: PayPal/Venmo Overpayment

Fake payment screenshot. You refund “overpayment.” Original payment reversed.

Scam #4: Title Hold Scam

Buyer hands you check, takes RV same day. Check bounces 3-5 days later. RV is gone.

Scam #5: Fake Escrow Website

Buyer suggests “secure escrow service.” Website is fake. They steal your info.

Red Flags – Walk Away If:

• Offers full price without seeing RV
• Claims to be overseas/military/unable to visit
• Wants to pay MORE than asking price
• Asks you to wire money back
• Pressures you to move fast
• Suggests PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App
• Provides their own “escrow service”

Safe Payment Methods

✓ Wire transfer through title company (best – gold standard)

✓ Verified cashier’s check at buyer’s bank (watch teller issue it, wait 5-7 days)

✗ Never accept: Personal checks, PayPal, Venmo, money orders, Bitcoin, payment over asking price

Common Questions

How long does it take to sell an inherited RV?

Most sell in 60-90 days when priced correctly and marketed professionally. With my help, typically 8-12 weeks.

Can I sell before probate closes?

Yes. You can sell as soon as you receive Letters Testamentary or Administration (usually 4-8 weeks). You don’t wait for probate to close.

What if there’s still a loan on it?

Common situation. Title company pays off lender at closing, sends remaining funds to estate. If underwater, we can often negotiate with lender.

Do I have to fix everything before selling?

No. Sell as-is and price accordingly. Don’t spend $3,000 fixing things to get $2,000 more in sale price.

What if my siblings disagree on the price?

Get professional appraisal ($200-400) or I’ll do free family call with market data. Facts usually create consensus.

How much does storage cost while I’m selling?

$150-300/month for storage + $40-80/month for insurance = $190-380/month. Every month delay costs the estate.

Can I sell it from out of state?

Yes. 90% of my estate clients are out of state. I coordinate everything remotely. You never have to visit Florida.

What documents do I need to sell?

Florida title, death certificate (certified), Letters Testamentary/Administration, and registration.

What if the title is lost?

Apply for duplicate title at Florida DMV. Takes 7-10 business days. I can guide you through it.

How do I avoid getting scammed?

Use title company for all transactions. Never accept PayPal/Venmo. Never wire money to buyers. If I’m handling it, I screen everyone.

What’s your fee structure?

Flat fee, not commission. Essential ($497), Professional ($997), Premium ($1,997). No hidden costs.

What makes you different from consignment?

You don’t transport RV to me. I work remotely. Flat fee vs 10-15% commission. Faster timeline. Built specifically for out-of-state executors.

Your Next Step

You’ve read 5,000+ words. You understand the process.

You have two paths:

Path A: Try DIY (60-100 hours, 50% success rate)

Path B: Get professional help (10 hours, 95% success rate)

Either way, don’t let the RV sit. Every month costs the estate $785.