TWD #30 Selling the Family Home – Continued

Greetings, dear fellow adventurers! Once again, we find ourselves setting sail on the often turbulent yet ultimately rewarding sea of estate planning and transitions. I’m Carol Phillips, your seasoned guide, ready to navigate you through this complex labyrinth of helping your loved one with selling the family home.

We’ve journeyed far, haven’t we? You and your loved one have been steadfast companions through the pages of this blog, unearthing documents, making choices about possessions, perhaps even saying heartfelt goodbyes to some cherished objects. A daunting task, but one you’ve performed with grace.

Everything Must Go

Consider this! An intriguing option for handling the remnants of a lifetime is hiring an estate sale company. Picture these professionals as shipwrights, expertly organizing and pricing the cargo left in your loved one’s home. They’ll not only stage a sale but also secure the home during the process, and even handle the aftermath – unsold items finding new purpose through charity, with a tax receipt in return.

However, not all estates permit sales, much like some ports restrict trade. Fear not, for the digital realm offers solutions aplenty! Online auctions or even applications like Offerup can facilitate a smooth transition of belongings, protecting your loved one from unscrupulous scammers.

Sprucing Up

With the home now standing as an empty canvas, it’s time for some sprucing up in preparation for selling the family home! If repairs, painting, and curb appeal were part of your loved one’s departure plan, now’s the moment to set to work.

Now, imagine a photograph capturing the essence of the home. But when should this snapshot be taken? Your loved one and their agent are the artists here, choosing the right moment for the perfect picture – before the move, amidst their beloved belongings, or after the home’s transformation. In a bustling market, early advertising can stir anticipation, like whispers of a ship laden with exotic goods coming to port.

Selling the Family Home to an Investor?

Have you considered an investor? Selling a home to an investor can be like navigating uncharted waters. If the house is older, perhaps a ‘fix and flip’ investor could be the right choice. This person, an architect of rejuvenation, will estimate renovation costs and make an offer based on their calculations.

Here’s the formula: The potential post-renovation price, MINUS the cost of rehabilitation, MINUS their desired profit, EQUALS the offer they make. It may seem like they aim to make a king’s ransom, but remember, they too are risk-takers in a volatile market.

The Difference Between Investors and Wholesalers

Yet, beware of the distinction between investors and wholesalers! A wholesaler seeks the right to sell your property, acting as a middleman to a fix and flipper. Choosing a wholesaler requires caution – you want the sale to happen at the agreed price, and on time. If this path intrigues you, feel free to contact me. I’m here to guide you through these murky waters.

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

Common pitfalls lie in wait on our journey. Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial. I recommend an SRES specialist – a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. This is not the time for amateur sailors but for seasoned veterans, familiar with the currents of the market.

Do It Yourself?

The temptation to improve the house yourself, like a weekend warrior, can be great. However, take a moment to reflect. Does your team have the time and expertise? Are you familiar with the trends of your area? Over- or under-investment can have a significant impact on the sale. And most importantly, remember, your time is of immense value.

Stay the course! The journey may be challenging, but the end result is rewarding. Whether you or your loved one is moving, the ultimate goal is to transition into a situation better suited to your needs. Letting go of a home is a significant step, but remember, it paves the way for joy, relief, and new beginnings.

Imagine, the satisfaction of having everything sorted, the ability to focus solely on the activities you or your loved one have chosen to enjoy. It’s like finally reaching the shore after a long voyage, stepping onto solid ground, and relishing the feeling of accomplishment.

However, every ending is also a beginning. As you sell your loved one’s home, you’re not just letting go, but opening up new possibilities, just like a sailor scanning the horizon for the next adventure.

Investors

Remember, investors are not the villains of this tale. They, like everyone else, are trying to make their way in a risky market. Sure, their path is different, but it’s not inherently bad. Investors provide an option, a different course you might chart on this journey. As always, I can provide guidance if this is the route you choose.

Wholesalers

Similarly, wholesalers are another option to consider. They’re like traders looking to broker deals between sellers and buyers. They don’t buy your property outright, but they do offer you another way to navigate the market. However, like all paths, this one requires vigilance and careful consideration.

Weekend Warriors

Don’t forget, sometimes you might have to embark on a ‘weekend warrior project.’ This is when you choose to personally upgrade the house to increase its value. However, such a project isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires time, effort, and a deep understanding of your local real estate market. And most importantly, it requires you to consider the value of your own time.

In the grand adventure of life, transitions are inevitable. They can be challenging, but they’re also opportunities for growth and new beginnings. Selling the family home is one such transition. It’s more than just a financial transaction; it’s a significant life event, filled with emotional resonance.

You’re Not Alone

But remember, dear reader, you’re not alone on this journey. I’m here, ready to guide you through every twist and turn, every calm sea and stormy weather. I have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate this complex process, ensuring your journey is as smooth and rewarding as possible.

So, as we wrap up this post, I invite you to stay tuned for our next voyage together. There’s always more to explore, more to learn, and more adventures to embark on. I’m looking forward to sharing the journey with you. Until then, fair winds and following seas, dear friends!

Warmly,

Carol Phillips
Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist in Phoenix
Author of “Transitions With Dignity, A Six Step Blueprint To Help Your Loved One Embrace Change”

[email protected]
CarolPhillips.exprealty.com
TransitionsWithDignity.com