Selling an estate property is never easy. You’re already dealing with the emotional weight of losing a loved one, and now you have to figure out what to do with their house. It’s overwhelming, confusing, and frankly, the last thing you want to deal with right now. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate your options and make the best decision for your unique situation.

I will work with you, and often with an appraiser, to determine the value of the property. Armed with this knowledge, we can assess how much work, if any, will be needed to get the home on the market. From there, you can decide which option is the best for the estate.

Options for Selling the Estate Property

Selling “As-Is” Selling the house “as-is” means exactly that—you don’t make any repairs or improvements. The big advantage here is speed. You can sell quickly without investing time or money into fixing up the place. This option is great if the house needs extensive repairs or if you just want to get the sale over with. However, you might have to settle for a lower sale price since buyers will factor in the cost of repairs they’ll need to make.

Making Minor Repairs Sometimes, a little investment can go a long way. Small improvements like a fresh coat of paint, some landscaping, or fixing minor issues can make the property more attractive and potentially increase its value. This option strikes a balance between not spending too much but still making the property appealing to a wider range of buyers. It’s ideal if the house is in decent shape but just needs a little sprucing up. I have a list of reliable vendors and contractors standing by to help in almost any situation.

Full Renovation Going all out with a full renovation can really pay off if you have the time and resources. By making significant improvements, you can maximize the sale price and attract buyers looking for a move-in-ready home. Many people worry that this approach requires a substantial upfront investment and can be time-consuming. Did you know that when you work with Long & Foster and me, the renovation specialists at Curbio are ready to help with any type of project from handyman work, paint, and carpeting to transforming the entire home? There are no out-of-pocket expenses upfront; the renovation costs are paid at settlement after the sale.

The same is true for another vendor, Renovation Sells. Their programs differ a little, but the result is the same. Either of these companies works well for a personal representative of an estate living out of our area or out of state. You may wish to consider this option if the potential return on investment is high and you’re not in a rush to sell.

Who Wants to Buy This Property?

There are three kinds of buyers looking to purchase an estate sale—the traditional buyer, an investor, and a builder.

Traditional Buyer The traditional buyer is looking to move into the neighborhood and might be willing to add a little “sweat equity” but may need time to get a mortgage.

Investor An investor would renovate the current home to get it saleable and then put it back on the market. Selling to an investor may involve a cash sale with a short closing, but the offer may be under market value.

Builder A builder is looking to demolish most or all of the building, clear the lot, and create a new home with a higher sales price. This is likely to be a cash sale with a short closing and a lower price.

Selling an estate property involves many considerations, from legal requirements to emotional factors. By working with an experienced realtor, you will better understand your options. With my guidance, you can carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option and make an informed decision that best suits your needs and circumstances. Whether you choose to sell “as-is,” make minor repairs, or pursue a full renovation, the key is to approach the process with clarity and support. You don’t have to go it alone—trust someone with my experience to help you every step of the way. 

If you’re in this situation, give me a call at 410.991.0630 or 410.260.2800 and let’s chat about your options.