As most real estate agents will tell you, emotion can lead you astray when making major financial or real estate decisions. The most successful and lucrative decisions are usually made from a place of calm stoicism. But the general concept of stoic decision-making is easier said than done, especially when the decision concerns the death of a loved one. Choosing whether or not to sell your home after your spouse passes away is an experience rife with emotion. Still, there are ways to navigate this scenario to ensure you make the best choice for yourself, your family, your happiness, and your financial future.
The short answer
The short answer is no. You most likely should not sell your home immediately after your spouse passes away. This is a highly emotional time, and it is critical to acknowledge the weight of the grieving process. Grief affects every person differently, and each person suffering loss will have a unique situation, but generally speaking, grief makes it tough to think clearly and make informed decisions. Unless you are under significant financial strain (in which case, speak to your financial advisor about making the smartest immediate move), you should take some time before putting your home on the market.
Therapists suggest waiting anywhere from six months to a year before making life-altering decisions. This amount of time can allow you to move through stages of grief in a healthy, natural way. The first few months of grief are unpredictable, and emotions can be too high to make a clear-headed decision. People often rush into something new in hopes of escaping the intense emotions they feel after losing a spouse. But those feelings follow you, so be prepared to feel what you feel and give yourself the grace to experience the full range of emotions for at least six months before jumping into major financial changes.
Speak with a trusted real estate agent
After giving yourself time to grieve, and before you make up your mind one way or the other, have an honest conversation with your real estate agent. They will be able to gather information about your particular property and put together facts about the price you might command for the home, the value of the property as a potential rental, and predictions for future home prices in your preferred area. This information can help you figure out the best next move and, perhaps more importantly, the right questions to ask yourself before making a decision.
For example, if you are currently living in Santa Cruz and are considering selling your home, you will want to determine if you would like to stay in Los Altos or move elsewhere. The Santa Cruz real estate market is competitive. You could potentially garner a lucrative deal, but how will you invest your money after the sale? Is the market likely to increase dramatically over the next few years? If so, you may want to hang on to the house for a little while in order to sell at the height of the market. What are your motivations for moving, and what are the financial factors to consider? As your agent compiles the comparative market analysis report and any other appropriate data, take this time to speak with your family and any trusted advisors about your motivations for moving.
Examine the property’s value as a vacation rental
Depending on the answers to your questions regarding moving motivation, you may want to speak to your agent about your home’s potential as a rental property. There are more factors to consider than simply market value, so you will want to have a conversation with your financial advisor and your family before stepping into the role of landlord. Keeping your home and renting it out as a vacation rental might be a smart financial move. For example, if vacation rentals in Santa Cruz, CA, are commanding high prices, and you are able to buy a new place to live, you could dramatically increase your income. Your knowledgeable real estate agent can help guide you on the details, but your rental income may even cover your new mortgage. And as you begin to heal after your loss, managing a rental may be a welcome diversion.
Consider the tax consequences
Working with a savvy real estate agent is key when selling a home after losing a spouse because the tax laws can be complicated. There are both consequences and benefits to selling, and the time frame of the sale is crucial. If you have decided that selling your home is the best choice, consider selling within two years of losing your spouse. Of course, as you read in an earlier paragraph, therapists recommend waiting at least six months to a year. Still, in order to potentially avoid capital gains tax, talk to your real estate agent for the specific timeframe.
Scott Poncetta, a real estate agent for Santa Cruz and the Silicon Valley area, has made a career of helping clients with monumental real estate moments. From finding first homes for growing families to helping clients downsize to enjoy their golden years, Scott and his team at Poncetta Real Estate Group put compassion first. Scott’s uncanny ability to strategize sale prices has landed many lucrative deals for his clients. His strong sense of empathy puts clients at ease even in emotional real estate transactions. If you are interested in selling your Silicon Valley home or have any questions about navigating this market, contact Scott today.
