Need legal insight: Investor bought a large share of inherited property for very cheap and is offering the rest of us low amounts, citing probate + lien costs. What are my actual obligations

This situation is unfortunately more common than many people realize, and the pressure tactics you're describing are textbook investor strategies used in heir property and probate scenarios. Let's break down what's actually happening so you can make an informed decision.

First, the investor buying a 50% interest for $5,000 on a property worth $100K–$140K is a significant red flag. That purchase price represents roughly 3–7 cents on the dollar. While investors do incur legitimate costs — probate fees, lien payoffs, title clearing — those costs do not justify offering the remaining heirs a combined $7,500 when your collective interest likely represents $50,000–$70,000 in value.

Here's what you should understand about your rights as a co-heir:

**You have no legal obligation to accept any offer.** The investor cannot force a sale without going through a partition action in Florida court, which is a lengthy and expensive process for him — not just for you. That legal reality gives you more negotiating leverage than he's letting on.

**The communication structure concerns me.** Routing all offers through one sibling — especially when he hasn't contacted you or your other sibling directly — is a tactic designed to create information asymmetry and pressure. Each heir has independent rights to their share and should ideally consult independently with a Florida probate attorney before any agreement is signed.

**Get a second probate estimate.** One attorney's high quote doesn't define the market. Many probate attorneys in Florida offer reasonable flat fees or contingency arrangements for heir property situations. The probate process, while real, may not be as costly as the investor is implying.

**Explore your own sale options.** If selling makes sense for your family, you don't have to sell to this investor. Companies that specialize in inherited property purchases — including direct land buyers who provide a fair cash offer, as-is purchase terms, and can even structure owner financing in some cases — may offer significantly better terms. A cash offer from a reputable buyer can close quickly, often faster than a partition lawsuit would resolve, and lets you sell land fast without the drawn-out court process.

Before agreeing to anything, consult a Florida probate attorney independently, request a formal written offer, and consider reaching out to at least one other direct land buyer to compare options. You have more leverage than this investor wants you to believe.

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