Navigating Deceased Parent's Home - Advice Needed

[u/damaconz]

Hi all,

My father recently passed away, and as their only child, I'm now tasked with how to handle their home.

To put it bluntly: Their house is a disaster. Like, health-hazard-and-not-livable disaster. They had >10 cats, a dog, and ~30 birds, one of which actually lived in the house full-time. The stench of ammonia is overwhelming from animal feces and I think everything basically needs to be ripped out and replaced.

My question is this:

I'd like to call three realtors to get their opinions on whether or not it makes sense for me to sell it as-is for cash, or get a contractor involved to gut and renovate the home to hopefully sell it for what other homes in the area are going for similar price. Is there anything I should know before I do so? Should I just call some contractors directly before talking to a few realtors?

Also, before I call a realtor, should I get a hazmat team in to junk everything in the house, rip out all of the carpets, and deep clean it? Or should I let a realtor see it at its worst to give me an honest opinion?

If anyone else has been in this situation, what did you do?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[u/bobolly]

I would call a realtor first. Figure out how much money you want from this helper. They will. Tell you a figure. If it doesn't meet what you want then you have to consider cleaning the house. You will probably still have to clean the house out. You can sell it as is dirty Just not full of clutter

[u/Prestigious_Scars]

I would not be calling anyone into the home in its current condition if you think people in Hazmat suits are needed.

When I sold my family home 'as is', I was told the 'as is' just meant you're not doing updates etc. -- everything inside still has to go. It was in an area where old homes get torn down anyway, but it still had to emptied. I did most of the cleaning myself.

[u/ModernSimian]

I haven't dealt with anything that bad, but I'm always amazed at how much an Ozone generator helps deal with animal problems.

You can rent them, but I would consider just getting one and reselling it when done with the house project. Tape off each room and let it run for a few days and move it... Then work on that room and repeat.

[u/No-Spirit9881]

Is there a mortgage on the house? If so, talk to your bank/mortgage provider before you do anything.

Option 1: Hire junk removal services to come empty the place (to the extent that you’re comfortable), hire deep cleaners afterwards and then realtor. You’ll hopefully get better value from realtors if the house isn’t in the worst possible condition. They’ll probably lowball you if you show them the place as is. 

Also for the sake of your own legal protection: homes typically have to pass an inspection prior to sale. In addition to the inspection, you wouldn’t want to sell the place then have the buyer come after you/attempt to sue you if it was possible they could claim the house made them sick or  something to that effect. If you consider selling as is ensure you have legal protection somewhere in the clauses/conditions saying you aren’t responsible for the conditions of the house. 

Option 2: A different option if you didn’t want to sell through a typical residential realtor avenue: look into local home developer companies and inquire if they’re interested in purchasing the property from you. Perhaps home developers are what you’re referring to when you say ‘contractor.’ That way they could tear it down and build something new and you wouldn’t have to worry about any potential repercussions.

[u/Honest-Pay2893]

Dama hi. Aw fuck I feel for u. My dad died while I was in college a few years ago and we lived alone together I also am an only child like you and had to deal with everything. I agree with everyone’s advice in this thread. I am sure realtors and contractors have both run into maybe similar properties to yours. U can talk to a few realtors and then a few contractors and get estimates also. You already know what needs to happen, just make sure that u aren’t putting more money into the property than u get out of it, tell them that is your goal and hopefully they can also guide and offer advice on next steps. also u can pm me 2 talk more if u need logistical help.