Week one: protect it
- With the trustee's or executor's OK, change the locks, garage code and gate code. Caregivers, neighbors and contractors may still have keys.
- Call the homeowners insurance company. Many policies limit coverage when a home sits empty. Ask what keeps it covered.
- Keep power, water and gas on. It protects the house and keeps it ready to show.
- Forward the mail. Tax bills, loan statements and insurance notices keep coming.
- Leave the contents alone. Until the attorney confirms who has the legal right to act for the estate.
Month one: four calls
- 1A probate attorneyTrust, small estate or full probate, and who can sign. Probate guide
- 2A CPAThe step up in basis and Prop 19. Taxes guide
- 3The mortgage servicerIf there is a loan, find out the balance and keep the payments current while the estate is sorted out.
- 4Someone with today's valueThe as is number the family will plan around. Value guide
Paperwork to gather
The will or trust, the recorded deed, the latest property tax bill, any mortgage statement, the insurance policy, and the HOA contact if there is one.
When is it time to clear the house?
After the estate gives the go ahead. Take your time with what matters to the family. For the rest, an estate sale or cleanout company can clear the house in a few days. I can share names of local people Folsom families have used.