If you’ve recently lost a parent and are standing in the home surrounded by decades of belongings, you might feel overwhelmed. This is one of the most difficult transitions families go through. You will deal with grief, paperwork, family dynamics, and then…all the stuff. Somehow, you’re expected to know what to do with it all. You’re not alone, and just so you know, there’s a manageable way through this.
Don’t Rush the Big Decisions
One of the biggest mistakes I see is rushing to “just get rid of everything” because being in the house feels unbearable.
I understand the urge, but moving too fast could lead to regret, family conflict, or estate complications, especially if probate hasn’t been completed yet.
The executor (Estate trustee) is responsible for managing the estate, which includes the home and its contents. Some things can happen before probate has been granted, and some things cannot. That’s why it’s important to:
- Confirm who has the authority to make decisions
- Keep records of all estate-related transactions
- Consult with a qualified lawyer
Clear communication early helps avoid delays and complications later on.
Remember, this is a process and not a weekend project. Giving yourself permission to take a deep breath and slow down will reduce stress.
Step One: Separate What’s Personal From Everything Else
Before you consider value, selling, or donating, your first step is emotional, not logistical. You want to start removing such things as:
- Photos
- Letters
- Documents
- Family heirlooms
Do these things before planning an estate sale. I suggest doing one room at a time to reduce the overwhelm. It’s also a good idea to include siblings and beneficiaries early in the process to avoid misunderstandings. Once sentimental items are set aside, the rest becomes easier, both emotionally and practically.
Helping a loved one sell their house? You may find these blog posts helpful!
- When Should Seniors Sell Their Home?
- Preventing Family Conflict When Selling Your Parents’ Home
- How to Sell Your Parents’ Home With Your Siblings
What Are Your Options For The Remaining Belongings?
In my experience, once the personal items are removed, most families consider:
- Estate Sales
- Donation
- Selling Items Individually
- Junk Removal
Selling items one by one might seem appealing, but the reality is it’s very time-consuming and generally not worth the effort during a time of grief.
I’m finding more and more families today choose estate sales as the way to go because they’re practical. Most of the estate companies I work with can handle everything listed above.
What is an Estate Sale?
It’s a professionally organized event in which the home’s contents are inventoried, priced, and listed for sale over a few days.
Estate sales are a great option when a house is full, family members can’t move or store the items, and the home will eventually be sold.
They’re designed to clear the house efficiently without creating additional work for the family.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Clears a lot of items at one time
- Reduces emotional and physical workload
- Generates funds for the estate
- Prepares the home for the market
Cons:
- Sentimental value doesn’t equal resale value
- Not everything will be sold
- Can be costly
If you’re considering an estate sale, I suggest having a company come out to evaluate the belongings so you can determine whether it’s worth proceeding. A good estate sale company will be upfront with you on the realistic value and a timeline to expect. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.
Once the house is empty, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Now it’s easier to proceed as you work towards selling the home.
How to Sell Your Parents’ Home
An empty house will feel different, both emotionally and practically. Now you’re in a position to decide how you want to sell the house. Are you willing to make small improvements and stage the house for maximum value? Or do you prefer to list it as-is, vacant?
I fully stage my listings at no extra cost to my clients. Preparing the home professionally will give you the best chance of success in the least time. The data shows we get our clients up to 10% more than market value, so it’s a no-brainer.
Searching for blogs related to seniors? Check out these other posts.
- Condo vs. House – What’s Better For Seniors?
- What Seniors Need to Know About Downsizing for Retirement
- Can Downsizing Actually Save Me Money?
A Recent Success Story
I recently listed an estate sale home in Scarborough, where the executor lived out of town. She wasn’t available to put in the necessary work, and she hired me because I could manage everything at the house on her behalf. I advised her to have the house painted, as that would be the best ROI, and then I would completely stage the house from top to bottom. I brought in contractors to provide quotes for painting, and then negotiated a price and timeline on my client’s behalf.
Before obtaining probate, we arranged an estate sale with a company to sell all the remaining contents in the house that none of the beneficiaries or family members wanted. Any items that weren’t sold were donated or discarded.
It took approximately six months for probate to be granted. My client sent me the Certificate of Appointment after she received it from her lawyer (the official probate document). We had the house painted, replaced some light fixtures, staged it, and put it on the market within 10 days of receiving her call. The house was sold within four days of going on the market, and we received two offers.
The reason this house sold so quickly and for a strong price was the planning and preparation we did in collaboration with my client, the executor. She took her role as executor seriously, knowing she owed the beneficiaries a fiduciary duty to act in their best interests. It was also the family home, so there was a lot of emotion attached to the sale. Being an executor can be exhausting because probate is a slow, long process. The seller earned $76,000 more than the most recent comparable sale, which was one week earlier, in a down market.
Navigating an estate sale requires unique skills and experience. If you have any questions, please let me know, as I’m happy to talk it through and help you create a clear path forward.
Need to organize an estate sale? I’m here to help! Reach out to 647.283.2127 or email stuart@stuartnodell.com to start a conversation.
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