When a loved one dies, the last thing you want to do is think about selling a home. Unfortunately, if you’ve been left with a property that you don’t want to keep, that’s exactly what you’ll have to do. But how do you handle the process while you’re grieving? This guide is going to help you do just that, by giving you plenty of advice about probate houses and how to shift yours as quickly as you can. The sooner you can get through this, the easier it’ll be.
Read on to find out more.
What Are Probate Houses?
When a loved one dies and hasn’t written a will, you have to apply for probate to take control of the assets, including any real estate. If there is a will, the Executor of the will applies for a Grant of Probate. Once it’s been approved and the will has been validated, the executor can distribute and manage any assets.
So, a probate home is one you have control over. It’s legally yours to live in, distribute, or sell.
If you’re unsure whether you have the rights over the inherited house, contact a lawyer who can help you.
What Happens if There’s More Than One Executor?
In some cases, the estate of your loved one will be assigned to more than one executor. Does this complicate the sale?
It depends. Both parties have to agree on all decisions, including the price you sell the home for and how you list the property. Every little thing must be agreed on.
If all the executors can agree, the process is simple. In fact, it can be a bonus to have someone there to work on it with you and to lean on when you feel you have to.
When you sell the property, the money will be shared between the executors.
Tips For Selling a Home While Grieving
Selling a property that was owned by a loved one can be very difficult. Before you begin, here are some tips to make it that little bit easier:
- Always ask for help when you need it
- Don’t do anything you’re not ready for (unless you’re in a rush)
- Create lists when you’re feeling overwhelmed
- See a professional for grief counseling if you’re struggling
- Seek advice from lawyers and realtors for any questions you have
It’s also vital that you look after yourself during this time. Take days off to deal with your emotions and some time for yourself. Don’t get so wrapped up in the process that you forget you’re grieving.
Is Anyone Living in the House?
Sometimes, an inherited home will already be being lived in. It could be that your loved one rented out the home, for example. Now that you own the home, you can choose to remove these people from the property, asking them to relocate.
Of course, if you’re selling, this is essential! After the tenants have moved, be sure to change the locks to maximize security.
Search the Home For Important Documents
Look around your probate house for important documents. These can include insurance policies, house ownership documents, and any maintenance for selling the estate. You may find unpaid bills that need to be paid, too, and subscriptions that have to be canceled.
Go Through Personal Items
One of the hardest parts of selling probate homes is going through your loved one’s belongings. Before selling, you’ll have to remove all items from the home. If you’ll struggle to do this at the present time, ask someone else to go through the home for you and put the items into storage for you to deal with at a later date.
Be aware that some of the belongings may be in the will. Before getting rid of any belongings, thoroughly go through what your loved one requested.
Assess the Property
Now, it’s time to walk through and assess the state of the house. Look for any areas that may need some care and attention.
Are the appliances working and in good condition, or do they need to be replaced? Are any additions to the property not up to code? Are there areas of the home that need some cosmetic cleaning up or repairs?
It’s vital the property is in as good shape as it can be before you sell. It’ll make it quicker to find a buyer and you’ll get a better price, too.
How Do You Want to Sell Your Home?
If you want to sell, there are many different avenues you can go down. You can go the traditional route of using a realtor, but you’ll need to do a lot of leg work when working with them. You may have to host open houses and negotiate prices, which is difficult work for someone who is grieving.
Or, you can choose WeBuyHouses. We provide a simple way to sell your home quickly, with little intervention needed from you along the way. If you’re finding it difficult to deal with the process, it’s a great option.
All you need to do is fill out some basic information online. We’ll phone you to set up a viewing, and within a day you’ll a cash offer from our team. You can then say yes or no, and we’ll close the sale whenever you’re ready.
There’s no rush, no pressure, and no hassle. Do it your way.
Learn More and Get in Touch With Our Team
If you’re selling probate houses or a single home while you’re grieving, we can help. With our team by your side, we can make the process quick and simple. Selling your loved one’s home doesn’t have to be hard with Yes Home Buyers.
Feel free to get in touch with our team to find out more. We’ll be happy to help with any questions you may have.
