We got a call from Grace and Kevin to say that their elderly mother had just passed away and the family home of fifty-three years must be sold.  Grace lives in Vancouver and Kevin lives in Etobicoke, both have demanding jobs and very young families and both were overwhelmed with the arduous task ahead.

The legal issues around estate sales and probate conditions are handled by a family lawyer, but preparing  the house for market  needs the help and guidance a Realtor. This property was  jammed - we could barely walk down the hallways.

Where to start?  Grace and Kevin agreed to meet us for 3 days to declutter.  Both  were asked to reserve what they  wanted to keep.  These pieces got a red sticker.  The next step was to tag anything that needed to be thrown out - these got a yellow sticker.  Anything that could be donated got a blue sticker.  We called in our army of movers, junk dealers and charitable organizations and in one afternoon, we started to see walls and floors that had been covered for many years.   It is not a stretch to say the interior space double size.

Our next step was to call in a home inspector to determine the condition of the home - structural, roof, electrical,  all were in good repair - but we had an oil furnace to consider.  We decided to remove the oil tank and replace the furnace - not a big deal to the Seller, but a problem for a potential Buyer.  With the mechanics of the property in order, we were ready to freshen up the interior.  Dusty drapes were removed, windows were washed, dull walls were painted, old carpet was removed and we were ready.

It was time to sit down with our clients, in a bright and open dining room - they were relaxed and able to focus on their inheritance - the beautiful home and property that their parents had left  to  them.

These types of properties are a challenge.  That's where we can help - we have the expertise, the contacts and the energy to orchestrate what is always an emotional time for our Sellers.