Losing a loved one is a painful process, and it’s one that often stretches far beyond that first mourning stage. We all know to expect the heartache of initial loss, as well as the emotional and mental toll of planning a funeral. However, most people don’t think about the challenges that come afterward until it’s upon them. Selling a loved one’s house is one such challenge.
This process can be cathartic, challenging, numbing, and often manages to be all of these things and more. To help, we’ve put together the following guidance for how to make this process as easy and efficient as possible, as well as some tips for helping your mind, heart, and soul begin to heal.
Get Organized
When it comes to selling a loved one’s house, one of the most important — and often, most challenging — tasks is to get organized. You’ll need to find a lot of paperwork before you can get the house sale process rolling. If your loved ones had a strong filing system, this might not be that rough. If not, however, you may need to do some serious searching in order to find what you need. If you cannot find a certain document, you may be able to request copies.
This organizing process can be hectic, but it also has the potential to reduce your stress significantly. Once you have all the paperwork you need, you’ve crossed a major item off your to-do list. Never underestimate the psychological power of being prepared.
Hire an Estate Lawyer
Many people think they’ll only need an estate lawyer if things get messy, but the reality is an estate lawyer makes sense no matter what. Even when there are no disputes or conflicts along the way, a lawyer will be able to help you make sense of any complicated or unclear steps you need to take when selling your loved one’s home.
If you’re not sure how to find a good estate lawyer, ask friends and family who have lost loved ones who they’ve used. Not only will this help you get some names to consider, but you can also get a sense of how trustworthy and efficient a lawyer might be. The American Bar Association notes that a great recommendation from a friend can help you feel more confident with your final choice.
Also, depending on the wishes of the departed, you might even want to consider starting a nonprofit. If so, you won’t necessarily need a lawyer; online services like Zenbusiness can help by walking you through the steps required to start a formal nonprofit in a couple of hours. And by taking these steps properly, the National Council of Nonprofits points out that you avoid the possibility of not being properly registered, which could get you into trouble.
Connect With an Agent
Although it’s possible to sell a house on your own, a real estate agent is a wise investment, especially when handling an emotionally challenging sale. Connect with a real estate agent you can trust to find interested sellers and help you decipher the best offers. Not only will you get the benefit of their real estate connections, but you’ll also have an informed ally who can help you navigate the process with ease.
Give Yourself Time
Many people work to get a loved one’s home sold as quickly as possible. Although this might work for some people, and it can reduce the amount of time you’re directly reminded of your grief, it’s not always the best bet, psychologically speaking. For many people, the act of cleaning out a loved one’s home and preparing it for sale is extremely powerful on an emotional level. This process can provide catharsis, allow you to revisit cherished memories, and give you a sense of connection with your lost loved one.
Check in with yourself emotionally throughout the process to make sure that you’re not rushing things just for the sake of being done with them. This doesn’t mean you have to intentionally drag things out, but do give yourself time to process and grieve as you go. This is rarely an easy process, and you don’t have to force yourself to pretend it is.
Finally, consider seeing a therapist while you’re going through the home selling process. Although many people find it psychologically beneficial, any intense emotional process can lead to psychological distress. A pro can give you the coping tools you need to handle the challenge and keep your grief manageable along the way.
SLG Senior Care is committed to connecting seniors with the right care home or community. Call us at (415) 656-6869 to learn more about how we can help!
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