CHAPTER 9 Improvements Or Simpl ements Or Simply Maintaining
The best thing to do is have a real estate agent with "experience" in the sale of estates come to the house and advise you on what to do and, as importantly, what not to do. (If this is something you would like advice on, please ask me to come take a look. I’d be happy to do so. I’d rather give you some time and thoughts than see you spend time or money you will not get back.) Even if there is work that makes sense to do, it’s not always easy or possible. If the estate has money available to do some work, then it can be a bit easier to decide upon and get done. But there are also times that family members have to pay for the work out of their own pocket or do the work themselves. Different family members may have different financial abilities or skills. This can become a sticky situation if one person can easily contribute money, while another cannot. If this is the case, make sure that everyone’s contributions (financial or otherwise) are compensated once the house is sold. Otherwise, it can lead to lingering resentment or arguments. In the least, you should make sure the house is clean, tidy, and decluttered. Doing that will go a long way. And it shouldn’t cost you much more than time and a few dollars. But anything you consider doing beyond that, make sure you truly assess whether the amount it will improve the value — or the time it takes to sell — is worth the cost. If you should decide to make improvements here are some 55
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