Losing a parent and then having to sell their home is a lot to carry at once. I see families stuck here for months, sometimes years, because nobody wants to be the one who “sells Mom’s house.”
It’s important to remember, that your parent would want you to make the decision that’s right for your family right now. Not the decision that feels the least guilty.
When a home sits after a death, three things happen. One: it starts to show neglect. Two: the emotional weight gets heavier, not lighter. Three: the market moves, and you miss the window.
Hi, I’m Tanja Odzak, Realtor with eXp Realty. I help people sell and buy homes right here in the East Bay
What I recommend: hire a professional who is experienced in situations like this within two weeks. Get a current market analysis and have a conversation to decide: are you keeping it for income, selling it now, or renting it? Don’t decide based on emotion; decide based on numbers. You don’t want to get into a financial hole over emotional indecision. (and yes, this happens!)
If you’re selling, price it right from day one. Overpriced homes can sit for eight, nine, sometimes twelve months. Correctly priced homes move in weeks. That matters when there are four heirs waiting to settle the estate.
One more thing: if there are multiple heirs, get clear on decision-making before you list. Nothing kills a sale faster than disagreement in the middle of negotiations.
I’m Tanja Odzak and I’ve sold over $95 Million worth of homes and have a decade of experience. If you’re navigating this right now, call me. We can walk through the numbers and clear the path forward. Message me “ESTATE SALE” and let’s get you unstuck.