Selling a loved one’s home is never just a transaction, it’s a deeply personal journey. Whether you’re handling a parent’s estate after they’ve passed, or helping them transition into assisted living or a smaller home, the process can feel overwhelming, emotional, and unfamiliar and often times, uncomfortable.
As someone who has helped dozens of families navigate this chapter (and walked it personally with my own loved ones), I want you to know: you’re not alone. There is a way to honor the memories and make smart decisions that alleviate stress, save money, and avoid conflict along the way.
Here’s a compassionate guide to help you move forward—one thoughtful step at a time. (This blog contains a very abridged version, and if you want a more comprehensive guide, skip ahead to the end to download a free guide that I’ve created to help ease the stress and keep you on track.)
Step 1: Take Time to Process
Before you call a contractor or start packing boxes, take a moment to breathe. Grief and change are real and valid. Give yourself (and any involved family members) the space to process the emotions that come with closing a chapter.
It’s okay to feel nostalgic, sad, angry—or all of the above. This isn’t just a house. It’s years of holidays, laughter, routines, and memories.
Step 2: Gather Legal & Financial Documents
To prepare the home for sale, you’ll need to gather some key documents:
- The deed or title
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if the homeowner has passed)
- Mortgage details or loan payoff info
- Property tax records and insurance documents
If the home needs to go through probate, consult an estate attorney. (Need a referral? I’ve got trusted professionals I can connect you with.)
Step 3: Decide Who Has Authority
If the home was left to multiple heirs, it’s essential to determine:
- Who the executor or personal representative is
- Whether all parties agree on selling
- If power of attorney is needed for a living parent
Getting everyone aligned from the beginning can prevent future complications.
Step 4: Evaluate the Property’s Condition
Some families want to clean and stage the home for top dollar. Others prefer a fast, as-is sale to avoid stress and updates. Neither is wrong—what matters is what’s right for you.
Together, we’ll assess:
- Market value of the home in current condition
- Repairs needed (and whether they’re worth it)
- The timeline and budget that fits your situation
I’ll help you decide whether listing on the open market or selling to a trusted investor is the better path.
Step 5: Clean Out with Grace
This is often the hardest part—sorting through a lifetime of items. My advice? Break it into phases:
- Keep meaningful items or heirlooms
- Donate what can bless someone else
- Toss anything damaged or expired
- Store what you need time to go through
You don’t have to do this alone. I have trusted clean-out teams, junk haulers, and estate sale professionals I can recommend.
Step 6: Prep, List & Sell with Confidence
Once the home is ready, I’ll take care of:
- Market analysis and pricing strategy
- Listing photography and staging guidance
- Marketing to the right buyers
- Managing showings, offers, and paperwork
Whether you’re local or managing the sale from another state, I’ll be your eyes, ears, and boots on the ground.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Selling your loved one’s home is hard. It’s emotional. It’s complicated. But it can also be healing, and even beautiful—when handled with the right support.
If you’re facing this journey, reach out. I’ll walk you through your options with compassion, clarity, and the expertise to get it done.
📩 Schedule a free consultation today, no pressure, just help.
📞 Or call/text me anytime at 631-612-1616
P.S. If you’re not ready to talk yet, I’ve created a free downloadable guide:
“The Guide to Selling Your Loved One’s Home”
➡️VIEW HERE
Shaughnessy Dusling
Licensed Associate Broker at Real Broker NY LLC
150 Motor Parkway Suite 401,
Hauppauge NY 11788
ShaughnessySells(at)gmail(dotted)com | 631.612.1616 cell
