Dealing with a Parents' House After Their Passing: A Personal Journey
When it comes to what to do with a parent's house after they pass away, it's important to have a clear plan and to understand all the options available. For those who find themselves in this situation, dealing with a parents' home after their death can be a challenging and emotional task. This article explores the experiences of several individuals as they navigate this process, including downsizing before it becomes an issue and making tough decisions about their parents' belongings and property.
Understanding the Plan Beforehand
My 88-year-old mother owns no property anymore, and when she passes away, some of her personal items will be distributed to her children. While my husband and I hope to downsize before it becomes necessary, the farm property will eventually be sold and split between the heirs. My husband has a lot of farm-related items that will need to be sold or disposed of by his brother and my daughter. Some people may feel a sense of gratitude or envy towards this task, but it's important to approach such responsibilities with empathy and understanding.
Converting the House into a Rental Property
Many individuals may consider turning their parent's home into a rental property if they inherit it outright. I purchased the property for my parents but have no need for it myself. Unless the mortgage is paid by the time, I will likely sell it to get rid of the loan. I spent 4 to 5 weeks over six months clearing out the house to put it on the market. If I had inherited the house outright, I would have turned it into a rental property. After the house sold, I split the money with my sister.
Living in the House After Their Passing
Some people may choose to live in the house after their parents pass away. For instance, I had a life a few hundred miles away from my parents' house. After my parents were both gone, I sold the house. My siblings, on the other hand, decided to gut the house, update the electrical and plumbing, replace a third of the foundation, put on a new roof, and replace and update all the insulation. They even updated the kitchen and bathroom and currently live in this house.
A Clear Wishes of the Deceased
There are instances where parents make clear wishes about what should happen to their house after they pass away. For example, when my father passed away, he made it clear he wanted my aunt, who had been his caregiver, to have his house. We had no problems with this arrangement, as my aunt had been renting a house since her own home was destroyed by a tornado the year prior to his death. After his passing, we contacted the bank, and she was able to assume the remainder of the mortgage.
Family Dynamics and Location Considerations
The location of the house can play a significant role in its disposition. My father's house was a four-bedroom home in good condition and needed to be sold because it was too big for my single brother and in the wrong location for my husband and me. It was too far from our work. After decluttering, it sold quickly for the full asking price within a week. We extended the closing time to get rid of the furniture as it was a sad day.
Emotional Transition After the Passing of Parents
The transition of life after a parent's passing can be challenging. My parents have both been gone for many years. My father passed away first, and after a couple of years, my brother and I tried to convince our mother to move closer to us. She lived in the same neighborhood. However, it took five years for her to be willing to move. Eventually, she ended up moving close to us, but she only lived two more years. Despite the hesitation, those last two years of her life were amazing. We were able to see our mother more often, and she got to enjoy spending a lot of time with her grandchildren.
After their parents' passing, my brother and I never wanted to keep the family home. While we had many wonderful childhood memories, we were now living in a neighborhood that we loved. Ultimately, the house was too big and in the wrong location. Dealing with a parent's property after their passing can be a bittersweet process, but it's essential to honor their wishes and make the best decisions for everyone involved.