Not sure what to do - Advice if poss

Cairnpapple

It sounds like a large barrier to selling is sorting stuff. If you have some money available, one option could be to get assistance in the sorting/disposing, for example by using a professional organiser. I used one once after a move where we'd had a lot in storage and the best aspect was that they would TAKE AWAY anything that was going to the dump or charity shop as well as helping us decide what (not) to keep. I swear we'd still have a garage full of boxes if we hadn't got help.

RAS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82039290#Comment_82039290

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82039290#Comment_82039290

In which case,
1. Your sister needs to pull her finger out over helping clear the house, regardless of whether you stay or sell. Or she takes responsibility for organising probate whilst you clear the house?

2. You need to set up a joint "executors'" account even though almost no banks now offer an dedicated executor account. That probably means one of you setting up a new account with an existing bank and then arranging to add the other executor and add (estate account) to the name.

3.You both need to be fully involved in the house valuation. Note she probably wants the highest valuation and you might prefer the lowest.

4. I'd suggest you have a proper formal meeting, perhaps recorded so you can make formal notes afterwards that you both sign, effectively a contracted agreement on the way forward. And what's missing from the list of things done and who is going to pick them up.

5. Have you check if the house is on the Land Registry? If not, where are the deeds?

You want this done amicably but you also need to explain that whether you sell as quickly as the probate allows or stay, it is important that you both understand your legal responsibilities and rights.

So, for example if DS want you to use your capital to buy her out quickly, she also understand that removes her right to any increase in value if you sell a year after distribution. On the other hand you are taking all the downside risk of a sale being below the probate value.

Cubicsrube

You cannot give your sister 'half the money' because neither of you know what 'half the money' is until the house is properly valued AND all the estate's costs have been paid, and you haven't started probate yet!

It sounds like you are surrounded by ghosts, in deep grief, and being unfairly pressured - so this is a not a decision you can sensibly make yet. You would live to regret it and resent her. Get the ball rolling on probate, then when you get the grant, call in a valuer and estate agents and listen to their advice. Decide nothing and pay out nothing until all that has happened, at the earliest. In the meantime you can be chipping away at clearing out the stuff.

sheramber

When we cleared my mum's house my sister and I did it together.

We made four piles - one for me. one for her, one for charity and one for the skip.

We then went through one room at a time until it was cleared.

We felt it was better to do it in one go, over a few days, as the putting it off just meant it would drag on and on.

your sister should be sharing the clearing out, not opting out by offering for you to buy her share of the house.

If you put it off you will find reasons to keep putting it off.

Concentrate on your parents stuff first.

You can always take your stuff with you if you move and sort it out then.

it will be easier then with a new start.

Grandad2b

Sorry for your loss.

Just a couple of notes - my mother died a few weeks ago and although the will is not complicated there's still lots to do which is going to take time. You've been advised to set up an executor account with the bank. Mum banked with Barclays and they won't open an executor account until we have probate (by which time we may very well not need it). Some other banks have their own rules that don't involve probate.

The other point is, if you don't want to live in your parents property you have no reason to take ownership by buying your sister's half. The money you receive from the sale will probably make a decent deposit on your own property if you decide to buy somewhere. Don't tie your money up in a property you don't want.

sheslookinhot

To be blunt, give your sister nothing until the house has been cleared (a shared activity) and sold.