When a parent or relative passes away, the house is often still full: furniture, clothing, papers, tools, decades of belongings. For the personal representative or trustee, one of the first questions is what to do with all of it, and whether the house needs to be emptied, repaired or updated before it can be sold.
The honest answer is that it depends. Some estate homes are worth preparing carefully. Others sell best exactly as they are. Here is how to think it through.
You may not need to clean it out at all
Many families assume the house has to be emptied and spotless before it can go on the market. Often it doesn’t. Many buyers, especially investors, contractors and buyers looking for a project, will purchase a home as-is, contents and all. Selling this way can save months of work and thousands of dollars in cleanout and repair costs, and it can be a relief for family members who live far away or simply can’t face going through everything.
I have sold several estate properties as-is, without a cleanout, when that was the best fit for the estate and the family. The right choice depends on the condition of the home, the market in that town, the estate’s timeline and what the family wants to keep.
When it makes sense to prepare the property
In other cases, a modest investment before listing can bring a noticeably higher price. That can include:
- A full cleanout so buyers can see the rooms, the floors and the condition of the home.
- Basic repairs and cosmetic updates, such as paint, flooring, fixtures or yard cleanup.
- Larger renovations when the numbers clearly support it and the estate has the time and funds.
The goal is not to spend money for its own sake. It is to compare what the estate is likely to net if it sells as-is with what it is likely to net after preparation, minus the cost and the time.
Options for the contents
When belongings do need to go, there are several ways to handle them, often in combination:
- Family first. Give relatives time to take keepsakes, photos and important papers.
- Estate sales and auctions. Furniture, collectibles, artwork and other items of value may bring more through an estate sale company or auction house.
- Donations. Usable furniture, clothing and household goods can go to local charities, and some organizations will pick up.
- Junk removal. Whatever remains can be cleared by a removal company, often in a day or two.
We work with trusted resources for auctions, estate sales, junk removal, cleaning and renovations, and can help coordinate them so family members don’t have to manage every step themselves.
Who decides?
In many cases, the personal representative of the estate, or the trustee if the home is held in a trust, has discretion over how to prepare and sell the property, guided by the will or trust and any court requirements. That discretion is helpful, but it comes with a responsibility to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. Keeping the family informed, documenting decisions, and working with the estate’s attorney helps everyone stay on the same page.
Protect the property while it’s vacant
Whatever you decide, an empty house needs attention. Check with the insurance company about coverage for a vacant home, keep the heat on or have the property winterized, secure the doors and windows, and arrange regular checks so small problems don’t become expensive ones.
How we help
Capital Realty Group helps personal representatives, trustees and families sell estate and inherited property throughout Greater Boston. We help you weigh selling as-is against preparing the home, coordinate cleanouts and contractors when they make sense, and work alongside the estate’s attorney from listing to closing.
If you’re settling an estate and wondering what to do with the house, call or text (508) 395-8333 or contact us for a free, no-pressure conversation. You can also learn more about our probate and estate real estate services.
