5 Things to Do Before Selling a Deceased Parent’s Home

Selling your parent’s house after they’ve passed away isn’t easy. Not only are you organizing an entire home sale from start to finish, but there are a handful of other variables to navigate too, like executorship, estate management, and coordinating with family members. On top of all that, it can also be an emotional experience.

As real estate agents who’ve helped countless families through this exact circumstance, we’re here to share some of our knowledge with you.

In this blog post, we’ll look at five things you’ll need to do before you sell a deceased parent’s house.

1. Talk to a Lawyer

Even if you’re a direct family member or next of kin, you can’t sell your parent’s house without legal authority. Before you do anything else, talk to a lawyer. They’ll review all relevant documentation to determine the legal status of the property and who can sell it as an asset within the estate.

If necessary, they’ll walk you through the required processes (such as probate) so that you’re able to sell the property without setbacks or penalties.

What to Know About Probate

Depending on the details of your parent’s Will, you may need to follow a process called probate in which the Court confirms you as an estate trustee. Luckily, the basic steps of probate are pretty simple. However, there are important aspects of the process that you should know about in advance.

Most importantly, probate takes time (sometimes several weeks to months), and you can’t finalize the sale until it’s been completed. You’ll want to get started on probate early.

There’s also a processing fee involved in probate. Known as the Estate Administration Tax, it can add up to thousands of dollars.

Selling another person’s house on their behalf? Check out these blog posts next!

• When is Probate Not Required in Ontario?
• Can a Power of Attorney Sell a House?

2. Know Who Will Be Involved

If there are any other individuals (siblings, relatives, etc.) who would like to assist with the sale of your parent’s house either formally or informally, you’ll want to start communicating as early as possible. An estate sale can be a lot of work; however, things will start to move quickly once you get the ball rolling.

Navigating a collaborative home sale during an emotional time can be, well, emotional. Maintaining an open dialogue and clearly defining everyone’s roles and responsibilities can reduce the odds of misunderstandings, interpersonal disagreements, and other challenges.

On that note, keep a record of all financial, legal, and real estate processes. This includes property appraisals, inspections, carrying costs (like utilities and insurance), home improvements, and property and estate taxes. Even if everyone trusts each other, having up-to-date documentation ensures interests are protected.

3. Hire a Real Estate Agent

The next thing you need to do before you can sell someone’s home after they’ve passed away is hire a real estate agent.

Hiring a real estate agent isn’t just a standard procedure. It is the biggest difference maker in your sale. Your choice of Realtor will directly impact how much you’re able to sell for, how quickly, and how easy (or not so easy) your experience is. So, what makes a good agent?

First, you’ll want to work with someone who has years, if not decades, of professional experience. The more market conditions they have worked under, the better.

Next, search for a real estate agent who has specifically sold homes close to your parents’ home. These hyperlocal insights will influence how the agent prices, advertises, and negotiates on the property.

Along with a strong track record of selling homes, choose an agent who has specific experience with estate sales. Their familiarity with the legal and personal aspects of these transactions will be immensely beneficial as you manage the sale of your deceased parent’s home. A full-service agent can also look after other aspects of the sale like decluttering or working with contractors on your behalf.

4. Prepare the Property For Sale

Selling a parent’s house after they’ve passed away can be stressful, and you may feel tempted to list the property as-is just so you can get it over with.

While this might seem like the fast and easy option, it can mean leaving serious money on the table. Ironically, it can also cause the house to stay on the market for longer.

Follow your agent’s guidance on effectively preparing the house for the market. They’ll let you know which steps are totally necessary, and which strategies can add extra value.

Helping your parents sell their house? Read these blog posts next!

• Are Condos Good For Seniors?
• How to Purge Your Home Before Selling It
• 3 Things Seniors Should Know Before They Sell Their Home
• How to Help Your Parents Declutter

5. Call The Lino Arci Team

If you’re searching for a compassionate, full-service real estate team who can help you sell your parents’ house, look no further than us, The Lino Arci Team.

As Vaughan, Ontario’s number one real estate team, we have the experience and strategies to help you sell quickly and for top dollar. On top of ensuring you enjoy a smooth, low-stress experience, your results are backed up by our Sold Guarantee and 100% of Asking Price Guarantee.

Need help with an estate sale? Our team is proud to offer industry-leading support for our clients. Call 416-571-2724 to get in touch or email us at info@arciteam.com.