My partner and I handle a lot of estate sales in our market area. Needless to say this chore usually is very emotional for the surviving family members. So, one of our primary goals aside from selling the "old homestead" is to keep the family intact during the sale process. All too often in an estate situation the old rivalry between siblings rekindles itself. Over the years we've learned how to keep the siblings focused on the goal of selling the "old homestead" and not re-fighting their old battles.
This past weekend was no exception for our new estate listing. One sibling is living in the "old homestead" and the other is living away but is managing the estate settlement process. Needless to say the mood between the siblings was tenuous at best. Boxes weren't getting packed, maintenance items were unattended to, bills were an issue, etc., etc., the usual issues.
I arranged for the siblings to meet with my partner and I at the house to tackle getting it ready to go on the market. Everyone showed up on time, with boxes, mops and buckets and best of all an attitude to finally get the job done. My partner completed some unfinished painting projects, I got cleaning supplies and I srubbled woodwork, floors and walls, one sibling lugged boxes to the garage and the other sibling tackled the dining-room chores.
The siblings started out the day with some scrappy words for each other but by the end of the day it was great to see they had become brother and sister again with kind words for each other. By doing these chores together we developed a real sence of purpose and comradeship. The house and the siblings are beginning to sparkle again as their late parents would have wanted.
John R. Crosby, Realtor
Real Property, Inc.
19 Linden St., Marblehead, MA 01945
781-479-4177 phone & fax
John@MoveWithCrosby.com
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