ESTATE TRUSTEES & LAWYERS: SHOULD I STAGE AN ESTATE SALE OR TEAR DOWN?
I had a recent conversation with an Estate Attorney and Executor about this very topic and my answer might surprise you.
YES. No matter what, I have found it will always benefit you to prepare the BEST presentation of the house – clean it up, prepare and stage it in the appropriate way. You do not need to use the most expensive stager if the home is a tear down, but there are so many unique ways to make it look good and appealing to buyers. Why? Because you will get the most amount of money. I sold a home over a year ago and I still get several people telling me they wish they bought it.
Selling a home after a relative passed away is what’s referred to as an “estate sale.”
An estate sale or tear down can be an emotional process and in specializing in working with Seniors and Estate Lawyers/Executors, I have learned my true value comes with thoughtful information paired with sensitivity and care for my clients.
It is a delicate balance of applying a deep understanding of the real estate market, the neighborhood, and the emotional side of the family.
Another thing to consider is the mindset of your buyer – even if you have deemed the home to be a “tear down” they may not be doing so right away. Providing an appealing place to live during the process of working with contractors, permits, the coastal commission etc. can be an invaluable asset in attracting the perfect buyer. The disconnect often lies in what we assume the future owners will do with the home and how soon. This may seem like a known concept for all homes, but far too often this process is ignored in estate sales and older homes.
In a recent sale we made inexpensive updates (re-painting, light landscaping, took out outdated fencing) that created a lot of value – and ultimately brought in more interest and higher offers. Whether we call it “staging” or being fully prepared – a home should always be presented to buyers in it’s best form.
-Margaux Glaser
Realtor
Pacific Palisades, Venice, Santa Monica Real Estate
Sotheby's International Realty
www.margauxglaser.com
