Helping you sell a home after loss
When thinking of home sales, 99% of the time we visualise a happy story of people excitedly moving into a new shiny home. But in reality, the majority of sales are triggered by a lifestyle or circumstance change which may include the loss of a loved one.
No matter the story behind a loss, the added pressure of selling a property can often be too much for family members. Having (eventually) overcome the complexities and prolonged timeframes probate, family members hope to achieve a swift sale to allow them to fully grieve and begin a new chapter themselves.
However, many find themselves watching the home remain unsold, bringing extended periods of grief and unwanted frustration to all involved.
Over the past few years, our team have had the pleasure of working with many families to support them through the sale of their treasured homes at a time of loss and we always give our beloved clients the same message.
Be patient and kind to yourselves
Beginning the sale of your loved one’s home in a fast and ferocious manner will see the whole process taking that shape. Instead, start early, be patient with yourself and plan ahead.
Here are 5 key considerations to keep in mind ahead of selling after the loss of a loved one:
Give yourself time and reduce pressure
Take time early on to organise your loved one’s belongings ahead of selling.
We know that many family members put this off until absolutely necessary, but by leaving everything to the last minute you risk restricting some important grieving time and possibly impacting the swift process of the home’s sale.
Sorting, rehoming and removing extra pieces of furniture or beloved treasures will mean that you will be able to process everything that you have experienced and be prepared to proactively sell the home when the time is right.
QUICK TIP - If the property is furnished, consider whether the current pieces are suitable to show the property in the best way possible to attract a new buyer. We can support you with this step, just click here to book a free kickstart call with Natalie, our Founding Director.
2. Take time for memories
Sorting a loved one’s home is a wonderful time to stop, remember, reflect and reminisce. Use this time to share stories with family and friends, reconnecting with memories of your loved one. These can be some special times.
For hands on support with organising or quick tips on organising, decluttering and sorting, get in contact with our APDO (Association for Professional Declutterers and Organisers) registered professional, Faye Mapleson-House.
3. Accept and disconnect
Being able to look at your loved one’s home with a distanced perspective can be very difficult, but this holds the key to your selling success. By releasing your emotional connection to the property you will be able to more effectively identify anything you need to do to get the property set up for its sale.
We know that is one of the most difficult barriers to selling after loss, which is why we are ready to support throughout the process.
4. You are a team
Call on family members to support you throughout the preparation process. From organising to touching up the paintwork, sharing the work amongst family members and friends can be a great support.
5. Get a fresh perspective
If you cannot see the wood for the trees and are struggling to either get your loved one’s home prepared for sale or are failing to get the offer you want, then ask for help.
We offer exceptional consultation services which will pinpoint exactly what you need to do to sell and give you clear actions of how to do them.
A Little Barn Door consultation will bring you reassurance and action packed advice to get you where you hope to be in the most supported way.
Mrs Bowen did just this after losing her mother.
“Natalie worked her magic on my mum’s house when it was time to put it on the market. The difference she made was amazing and the house was sold in under 24 hours! Would definitely use again and would highly recommend Little Barn Door to anyone”
For more information, please get in touch. The Little Barn Door team are here to support you.