When it comes to selling a home, not all situations are straightforward. Some people are ready to move on and sell quickly, while others face unique challenges that make the process a lot more complicated. I’ve worked with many homeowners in different circumstances over the years, from people going through a tough time after losing a loved one, to those dealing with hoarding or terminal illnesses. I’ve learned a lot about the delicate balance of empathy, flexibility, and support that’s needed to help someone navigate through these situations. Today, I want to share a few of those stories and how we’ve been able to help people when they need it the most.
Two Sisters, One Condo, and a Difficult Goodbye
A few years ago, I got a call from two sisters who were in the process of selling their late mother’s condo. It was a tough situation – their mother passed away, and they were handling her estate. The condo had a loan on it, and, of course, there were monthly maintenance fees to deal with. But the real challenge wasn’t the financials, it was going through their mom’s belongings.
One of the sisters was ready to move forward with the sale, but the other wasn’t. She just wasn’t emotionally ready to go through her mom’s things and wasn’t sure how to handle the situation. I totally understood. When you lose someone, the last thing you want is to have to deal with the overwhelming task of sorting through their life’s belongings. It’s a lot more than just physical stuff. It’s emotional.
After a few conversations, we were able to sit down with both sisters and talk through the timeline. We asked, “How much time do you need to go through your mom’s things? And not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too?” Giving them that space to process and move at their own pace helped the hesitant sister feel more at ease. She realized that the process didn’t have to be rushed, and there was room for flexibility. We ended up agreeing on a timeline that worked for both of them, and the condo was sold without needing expensive repairs, just as it was. They walked away with a fair price and the time they needed to move forward.
When the Offer Comes, and Then It Doesn’t
Sometimes, after I make an offer on a home, the seller needs time to think. It makes sense, right? Selling a home – especially one you’ve lived in for a long time – can be a huge decision. I’ve had sellers tell me, “We need some time,” and then I might not hear from them for weeks or even months.
But I always follow up. Sometimes, when they call back, they say, “Hey, remember that offer you gave us? Can we talk about it again?” It’s like the decision is finally starting to settle in their minds. They’ve talked to family, maybe an attorney or an accountant, and now things are clearer.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that no matter how many opinions a person gets, at the end of the day, they are the ones living in their shoes. Once they realize that the offer I’ve presented actually solves their problem – whether it’s financial relief or the freedom to move on quickly—they’re ready to move forward.
Helping Through a Terminal Illness
A few years ago, I worked with a seller who had a terminal illness. He called us because he was facing an incredibly difficult situation – he had to figure out how to deal with his house, his belongings, and his future. The idea of leaving behind so much was weighing heavily on him, and he didn’t want his family to have to deal with it after he was gone.
We were able to help him by buying his home in its current condition, including his belongings. He didn’t have to clear out everything or make repairs. And we were flexible with the move-out date, as he wasn’t sure when he’d need to move into an assisted living facility. He could choose the date, and we’d work with it.
The peace of mind he gained knowing that everything was taken care of without him having to worry about his belongings or the house was truly rewarding. He felt relieved, and we felt honored to be part of that solution.
If you have a challenging situation with a property that could use our help, let’s set up a no-obligation call to review your options.