Selling the house of a loved one who has passed away can be very difficult. There are a lot of practical logistics to deal with, along with family issues and emotional complexity. It is important to do everything correctly, while keeping lines of communication open so that the family does not decide to contest the transaction.

Selling your loved one’s house

If your loved one passed away while living in a rental property, you may have questions about what will happen to the space, and to their lease. Often the landlord will allow you to break the lease, but legally the estate becomes responsible for it. While rent is being paid, the family cannot move in, but you may be able to sign a new lease or sublet out the property. Before the end of the lease you will have to move all of your loved one's things out, just like at the end of any other lease. 

Dealing with your loved one’s rental agreement

While you and your family decide what will happen with your loved one's house, there are a few steps you should take to make sure the house is secure and well-maintained. Make sure it is locked up tight and doesn't look vacant. Keep up with maintenance and certain utilities. And you may need to buy vacant-home insurance.

Maintaining your loved one’s vacant house

If you have inherited a house from a loved one, it can be amazing gift, but you will also have some important decisions to make. Starting with: Do you move in, do you rent it out, or do you sell? There are positives and negatives to all options. Be aware of any ongoing costs as well as debts attached to the property. If you choose to sell, make sure to remember capital gains taxes, which are calculated from the moment your loved one passed away. If you now own a house with several others, it's important to talk openly, as you will all have to come to agreement about what should be done.

When you inherit a house 

Although inheriting a house from a loved one without a will is the same as being gifted a house in a will, some complications can often arise. For example, siblings may end up with equal shares of the property and must all agree on what to do next. Or there may be another relative or companion of your loved one who has been living there and doesn't want to move out. The emotions of this situation can also be complex, particularly if you inherit from someone you were not particularly close to.

Inheriting a house without a will

Visiting your loved one’s home for the first time after they pass away can be an overwhelming experience. Unexpected emotions may arise. Lost memories can resurface. Be kind to yourself as you navigate a first visit. Mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for any and all feelings you may experience. Feel these feelings, and take things slow.


Visiting your loved one’s house after they pass away

Unfortunately, there are situations when a creditor can claim a house after the owner has passed, and this is rarely easy for the family. Familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of these claims can help prepare you for this challenge, should you encounter it while settling your loved one’s estate. While a mortgage remains attached to the house itself, other debts may force the estate to sell the house and use the proceeds to pay them off.

Can a creditor take your loved one’s home?

Very often your loved one's house is the biggest and most complicated asset to deal with, especially if it is a source of family conflict. Luckily for most situations, there are legal, guided processes to help you answer this heavily contemplated question. Making this decision will often depend on whether or not your loved one left a will or an estate plan. If there is no will, you will want to understand each financial consideration as you make this emotional decision. 

What happens to the house?

Cleaning out a very cluttered home

While you’re grieving the passing of a loved one, you might find yourself in charge of or a part of clearing out their home. No matter the size of the house or how much is in it, you’ll most likely experience a range of emotions during the process. You could feel overwhelmed, lost, sad, angry, and even guilty, and you might find yourself feeling many of those in tandem. Expecting the unexpected is key to getting through this tough work.

Dealing with the emotions of clearing out the house

Personal Belongings

The House

Property & Assets

Applying for Benefits

Managing Accounts

Taxes

Bills & Debt

Searching for Documents

Informing Others

The Will

The Funeral

Probate

Immediate Arrangements

Identity Theft Prevention

Grief & Grieving

If your loved one passed away while living in a rental property, you may have questions about what will happen to the space, and to their lease. Often the landlord will allow you to break the lease, but legally the estate becomes responsible for it.

If you have inherited a house from a loved one, it can be amazing gift, but you will also have some important decisions to make. Starting with: Do you move in, do you rent it out, or do you sell?

Selling the house of a loved one who has passed away can be very difficult. There are a lot of practical logistics to deal with, along with family issues and emotional complexity.

The House

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