Why Your House is Not "Ugly"

3 Reasons Why the Situation Feels Ugly

1. Complex Family Dynamics: Differing opinions among heirs can stall progress and create tension. Deciding what to do with the property often leads to disagreements and strained relationships. Having a nonbiased third party can help mediate discussions, keep relationships intact, and move the project forward in a fair and organized manner.
2. 
   Managing Heirlooms: Heirlooms often include large items that require coordination and effort to move, such as furniture, artwork, or other significant pieces. The process of removing and transporting these valuables can be exhausting, especially if it involves renting a vehicle or finding someone with a truck. Professionals can assist in orchestrating this process efficiently, ensuring all valuables are handled properly and delivered where and with whom they need to go.
3. 
   Dealing with Grief: Grief complicates decision-making, especially when someone passes away unexpectedly or there are unresolved family issues. Sorting through a loved one’s belongings can be emotionally taxing and overwhelming. Professional support can help manage the emotional toll, allowing you to break the process into smaller, manageable steps, and ensure that everything is done in a way that honors your loved one’s memory.

A quick cash offer might seem appealing due to the overwhelming nature of the task, but it doesn’t address underlying issues. The goal should be to handle the inheritance in a way that feels manageable and respectful.

How to Manage the Process

Step 1: Identify What You and the Heirs Want to Keep

In most estates, there are heirlooms and keepsakes that the family will want to retain. Make sure these items are removed or marked to prevent accidental disposal. Items like dining room sets or other furniture that won’t be sold should also be identified.

Step 2: Evaluate the Property for an Estate Sale or Other Options

Let professionals assess the value of the property’s contents to determine the best course of action. If there’s enough value for an estate sale or auction, this can be a great way to have people pay you to take unwanted items. Estate sales have downsides, so consider options like a complete buyout, which also handles trash removal. While selling items individually on Facebook Marketplace or eBay might fetch higher prices, it’s often a slow and drawn-out process. Garage sales are generally not worth the effort.

Step 3: Handle the Remaining Items

After any sales, the remaining items need to be dealt with. Donation companies may pick up items, but this can take time and might not fit your timeline. Once donations are picked up, the rest needs to be thrown out. Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK can handle this but can be expensive. Alternatively, you can rent a dumpster and load it yourself, though this might require a lot of effort if the dumpster isn’t conveniently placed.

Why Professional Help Matters

Donating and throwing things away should come last because families often mistakenly discard valuable items while keeping less valuable ones. It’s best to have an experienced professional determine what will sell and what can be discarded before starting the process. This approach ensures you get the most value from the belongings and minimizes unnecessary work.

Once all the stuff is out, you can focus on what should be done with the house. 

Handling an inherited property doesn’t have to be a daunting burden. By following these steps and seeking professional help, you can manage the process effectively, honoring your loved one and transforming an overwhelming task into a manageable one. Your loved one intended their inheritance to be a blessing, not a burden. 

Let us help you make it so. Give us a call 816-307-7163