Where do I handle probate for an inherited Pensacola home?
Escambia County probate goes through the Clerk's Probate Division at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 West Government Street, downtown. The probate phone is (850) 595-4300. If the home is in Pace, it falls under Santa Rosa County instead, with the Clerk of Court's main courthouse on Avalon Blvd in Milton. A Florida probate attorney can guide you through the steps for either county.
Are property taxes different inside Pensacola city limits?
Yes. The Escambia County Tax Collector lists 2025 total millage at 17.0080 mills for the City of Pensacola and 13.4035 mills for unincorporated Escambia County. Pensacola Beach and the Downtown Improvement District have their own rates too. That gap matters to buyers comparing homes on either side of the city line, so know which rate applies to yours.
I got PCS orders. How fast can I sell?
On the open market, Pensacola homes took a median of 82 days to sell in August 2026, according to Redfin. If your report date is sooner, a direct sale lets you pick a closing date that fits your orders. A licensed title company handles the closing either way, and we can lay out both options so you can compare the timing and the net.
My house had damage from Hurricane Sally. Can I still sell it?
Yes, you can sell it as-is. Since October 2025, though, Florida law requires sellers to disclose known flood damage, flood insurance claims and flood assistance at or before signing the contract. Wind damage should be described honestly too. A real estate attorney can tell you exactly what your disclosure needs to cover.
Is my North Hill or East Hill home subject to special rules?
It can be. North Hill has been a preservation district since 1973, and Pensacola's preservation districts have design guidelines for exterior work. That matters if you plan to fix the outside before listing, or if a buyer plans changes. Check with the City of Pensacola before starting major exterior repairs, and tell buyers the home is in a district.
Do you buy houses in Pace too?
Yes. Pace is an unincorporated community in Santa Rosa County, about 25 minutes northeast of downtown Pensacola, and it has grown to more than 24,000 residents. We buy there with the same options we offer in Escambia: cash, subject to your current mortgage, or a 1% listing through our licensed partner brokerage. Closings run through a licensed Florida title company.
What does it cost to ask HOMKEYS for options?
Nothing. Asking for a review does not commit you to sell, and you can take your time comparing our options with listing or any other offer.
Can a buyer take over my VA loan if I sell my Pensacola home?
Yes, VA loans can be assumed with the lender’s approval. But unless the buyer is an eligible veteran who substitutes their own entitlement, your entitlement stays tied to that loan until it is paid off, which can limit your next VA purchase. Check with your lender before you agree to an assumption.
What is the difference between a VA loan assumption and a subject-to sale?
In an assumption, the lender approves the buyer, who takes on the loan. In a subject-to sale, the buyer makes the payments but the loan stays in your name, and the lender can call it due under the due-on-sale clause. Both sides should use a real estate attorney before choosing subject-to.
Do I need a new roof to sell my Pensacola house?
No. You can sell as is. Florida law bars insurers from refusing to renew solely because a roof is under 15 years old, and for older roofs they must allow an inspection first. A buyer’s insurer may still ask for a four-point or roof report, so having one ready helps. Subject to qualification, property inspection, and transaction terms.
Can I sell my Pensacola home if a foreclosure sale date is already set?
Possibly. In Florida the sale is usually 20 to 35 days after judgment, and you can redeem by paying the full amount owed until the clerk files the certificate of sale. That window is short, so call a Florida attorney right away and avoid anyone who asks for upfront fees to save your home.