After the grief of losing a beloved family member, the work of getting their property ready for sale can feel overwhelming. But making the effort can add significantly to the final sale price and provide you with an opportunity to sort through lots of memories. Here is my guide on what to focus on:
Break it into stages
Cleaning up a deceased estate is an enormous task. You are literally sorting through that person’s life. Be realistic about the time this is going to take and break it into stages and identify the assistance you may need, family members who can help you, and the contractors available. The first stage may be to identify personal effects that family members may wish to take as mementos of your loved one. The second stage is to go through papers and personal effects while the third is to clean up the property and the fourth stage, making it ready for sale.
Clear out the property
One of the key reasons why deceased estates sell for less than they should is because of the clutter. Be ruthless and clear the property out. Categorise furniture according to what needs to be taken to the dump, what can be donated to charity, what can be sold and what needs to be put aside for family members. Also identify key items that can be used to stage the house. Consider hiring a skip to help with the clear out and holding a yard sale to help cover the clean up costs.
Identify repairs and maintenance needed
All properties have a list of small jobs that need doing but which we never get around to. With the property now decluttered, you’ll have a clear understanding of repairs and basic maintenance that the property needs to present it well. With the sale, you’re not aiming to do major renovations. You just want the new owners to feel the property is in good order. Consider pulling up worn or stained carpet if there are floorboards underneath, repair doors and windows and fix any leaks or broken downpipes. If the property has wallpaper that is torn or stained, consider removing it and painting in a neutral colour.
Present for sale
Clean the property from top to bottom. Buyers of a deceased estate will forgive outdated bathrooms and kitchens if they are sparkling and clean. Wash windows inside and out. Paint areas that have required repairs and polish the floorboards. Get into the garden and cut back plants that have grow across windows, or which are preventing a clear view of the home from the street. Mulch garden beds and mow the lawns. Stage the property with key items of furniture you’ve kept for the purpose or consider bringing in a stylist.