An estate sale refers to the sale of a house on behalf of someone no longer living. Though not the happiest of events, it is something many of us will face at one time or another. Grief and family dynamics can make the situation even more challenging.

Our years of experience have taught us that the most effective way to handle it is to plan in advance. It is a conversation we should have sooner rather than later, which will ensure our wishes and those of our loved ones are honoured and respected.

Working with the right real estate agent can also ease the transition during this time. No matter what happens in the market, it is always helpful to have a calm and comforting presence to guide you through it. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of how and when to find a real estate agent to navigate an estate sale.

Plan in Advance

If you are the Executor of the Will, it can feel as though there are endless tasks to do all at once. Juggling all the moving pieces of an estate sale is just one of these responsibilities. It can be a lot to deal with, especially if you are caught off guard.

The best way to handle it is to plan as many details in advance as possible. Your loved one can help by working with a lawyer to ensure the Will is clear and uncontestable. In addition, it will help to have all of the critical paperwork in one place, including bank statements, the title to the home, and any relevant account numbers.

When should you think about contacting a real estate agent? In most cases, clients put this off and then scramble when the time comes. However, there’s no reason you can’t begin the search beforehand. You don’t necessarily have to commit or sign any paperwork before you’re ready.

That said, it doesn’t hurt to start your research and even reach out for some interviews. When you’re in a calm state of mind and not rushed, you can make a more rational and well-informed decision. You will thank yourself when the time comes and having access to the right real estate agent becomes critical.

Are you or your loved one thinking about downsizing? The posts below might help with the planning:

• Why Should Empty-Nesters Consider Dundas?
• Why Should You Downsize To A Condo In Ancaster?
• Where Are Hamilton’s Best Communities For Retirees?

Know What You Want to Achieve

No matter their reasons for selling, every homeowner has specific goals they want to achieve. Your priorities during an estate sale are likely different than if you were downsizing or upgrading your own home.

For example, time is almost always of the essence since the Executor may want to settle the terms of the Will as quickly as possible. You may not have the time to declutter and repair the home as thoroughly as you usually would if it were your primary residence. In some cases, you might feel obligated to sacrifice some of the property’s value in exchange for a faster and less stressful transaction.

Here is the difference the right real estate agent can make. If you don’t have time to go through each room and clean and declutter, a well-connected agent has the resources to do it for you. At The O’Reilly Group, we work hard to ensure our clients can experience a hands-off transaction. We take care of everything from start to finish, including cleaning, repairing, and staging the home, formulating a comprehensive marketing strategy, and handling all showings.

Ask the Hard Questions

It’s human nature to want to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. However, you can not afford to work with the wrong expert just because you want to be “nice.” Sometimes, this means not choosing a friend or family member to represent you during an estate sale.

Instead, you may need to expand your search to a team with a specific skill set and unique qualifications. It also means asking the hard questions before making your final decision. Here are just a few things you’ll want to know:

• How many real estate transactions have you successfully closed over the past 12 months? A signed listing agreement is only part of the equation. The real question is whether it sold or not.
• What experience do you have with estate sales? As we have previously emphasized, estate sales are particularly challenging. Specific expertise is invaluable.
• Who will be my point of contact throughout this transaction? Unresponsiveness is one of the biggest complaints clients have when selling a home. An estate sale is when you need the highest level of service, and knowing who to contact and when is essential.

The following resources can help you make the most of your sale when time is short and results are critical:

• What’s The Fastest Way To Sell Your House In Hamilton?
• What Season Should You Sell Your Home In Hamilton Or Burlington?
• Do Staged Homes Sell Faster In Hamilton-Burlington?

Look Beyond the Obvious

An estate sale is a sensitive situation that goes beyond any of the usual challenges of selling a home. Time constraints, legal matters, and family dynamics all come into play during a time when you may be dealing with your own grief and emotions. This is one of the reasons why you’ll need a real estate agent who has the skills and experience to sell the home quickly, at top dollar and with as few complications as possible.

However, you will also want to work with someone who is compassionate and dedicated to a high level of service. When it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under your feet, having an expert by your side who listens and responds to you makes all the difference in the world.

This combination of expertise and commitment can be difficult to find, which is why we have always strived to offer the best of both. The O’Reilly Group consists of a team of experts and specialists, which means a knowledgeable and listening ear is only a phone call or text away. In other words, we will be available to you when you need it most.

Do you have questions about how The O’Reilly Group can help with your estate sale? Reach out to hello@theoreillygroup.ca or give us a call at 905-512-5323 to begin the conversation.

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