If you’ve recently acquired an older home in Massachusetts, you may feel overwhelmed by the clutter and maintenance it demands, or you may not be able to properly take care of it due to illness. Here are practical strategies for handling an inherited house. The initial decision lies in choosing to retain or sell the property. The tips below apply to both scenarios of keeping or selling the house.
Decide If You Will Keep Or Sell The Property
If the house is fully paid off, it could make a wonderful first home for a family member. You might want to consider renting it out either regularly or for holiday stays.
If you’re thinking about renting out the house, this article on comparing renting versus selling options will offer valuable insights to help you make a decision. One thing is clear: leaving the house empty for a long time should be avoided to prevent potential issues linked to an unoccupied property.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option thoroughly, taking into account factors like market trends, rental demand in the area, and your long-term goals for the property. By exploring all possibilities, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your financial objectives and future plans.
6 Tips If You Are Keeping Your Inherited Home in Massachusetts
Unless the inherited home in Massachusetts is brand-new or recently renovated (which is not the case for most inherited properties), you may have a significant amount of work ahead. However, the efforts could be worthwhile if you have valid reasons to keep it or decide to sell it.
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- Create a task list:
Begin by crafting a detailed checklist of tasks that need attention, such as painting, updating fixtures, and decluttering. This will help prioritize tasks and identify those that require immediate action.
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- Organize and Declutter:
For an accurate assessment of efforts needed, ensure rooms are completely empty. Pack items into labeled boxes for easier transport or disposal. Declutter one area at a time to manage the project effectively. Evaluate each item, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Seek help from friends or family for support. Organize the house to have designated places for items, using storage solutions for a tidy look.
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- Familiarize Yourself with the Home:
Research the history, renovations, and potential issues of the Massachusetts home you inherited. This knowledge will guide you in caring for the property effectively and making informed decisions.
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- Consider an Inspection:
If you plan to rent out the property, inspect it for safety, maintenance needs, legal compliance, and tenant satisfaction. Addressing these aspects beforehand can prevent problems and ensure a safe, compliant rental property.
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- Budget Planning:
Create a budget for maintenance, improvements, and repairs to manage expenses effectively and stay focused on necessary tasks.
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- Select a Reliable Contractor and Enhance the Home for Resale:
Choose a reputable contractor for major renovations who complies with building codes. Research and evaluate candidates, request references, and recommendations before finalizing any contracts.
If most of the work can be done independently, it might be worth moving forward. When modernizing a historic Massachusetts house, start by giving its exterior the attention it deserves. This could mean pressure washing, painting, or replacing any worn elements like shutters, windows, and doors. Once the exterior is in good shape, focus on the interior. Identify needed improvements to enhance the livability, style, and marketability of the house, such as updating bathrooms, floors, or fixtures.
3 Options for Selling An Inherited Home in Massachusetts
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- Engage a real estate agent for assistance. A proficient realtor can evaluate your home’s condition and offer advice on boosting its appeal to potential buyers. This might involve investing in repairs, staging the property, or aiding in decluttering. Their expertise ensures your home is showcased in the best light possible, enhancing its attractiveness to buyers.
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- Opt for sale by owner. Selling your house independently is a viable option. While it demands more effort, it allows you to avoid agent commissions and associated costs. If you choose this route, start by listing your home online or in local publications and managing subsequent showings yourself.
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- Explore selling to a cash home buyer like Driven Cash Homebuyers. Following our initial discussion, we can present a fair offer within about 24 hours. If you accept, we can often close the sale in just one week. Notably, you won’t need to worry about repairs or clearing – we handle all the particulars for you. Learn more about the pros and cons of selling your house “as is”.
Discover a hassle-free process with no hidden fees. Interested in how we work? Dive deeper here. We value professionalism and integrity. Look here for signs of a truly professional We Buy Houses company. Explore this opportunity risk-free. Contact us today or call 508-942-2606. We’re excited to connect with you!
About Jonathan Orcutt
Jonathan has been involved with real estate since 2006, and has been involved in hundreds of home sales throughout his career. He enjoys finding solutions for homeowners that benefit from a non traditional sale. Jonathan has experience in many areas of real estate. He loves fishing the providence river chasing bass in the early spring and then transitioning to fishing cape cod when things warm up. Don’t be surprised if you run into him on the water! Feel free to connect with him here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-orcutt-b476352ba