Trusted Regina REALTOR® James Wruth Explains Selling A Deceased Family Member's Home

7. Jun 2022 Ashlyn Regina Real Estate, TRUSTED TIPS

James Wruth is one of Regina’s most trusted and top-selling Realtors. A member of Remax Crown Real Estate since 2006, James works with families, individuals, investors, and developers in the purchase and sale of residential properties. Since 2006, James has been a consistent Top Producing Realtor, and he has been awarded numerous prestigious distinctions including Re/Max 100% Club distinction, Platinum Sales Award, and Remax Hall of Fame induction. James Wruth is a Trusted Regina Real Estate expert.

James Wruth Explains The Process When Selling The Home Of A Deceased Family Member

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006, and since that time I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you, your real estate goals, and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I explain the process of selling the home of a family member who has passed.

What Is The Process Involved When Selling The Home Of A Deceased Family Member?

Unfortunately, I am all too aware that the death of a relative is always a hard time for the family left behind. Not only do you have to navigate the emotional turmoil that is present when someone you love passes, but you may also have to deal with the inevitable real-world details – like liquidating assets and maybe even selling that person's home.

1. The Importance Of An Up To Date Will

If you think their properties will automatically pass to their descendants when they die, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise. If a homeowner dies without a will, or with a will that somehow fails to specify who the deceased’s property is meant for, what happens to the home becomes a provincial decision.

Each province has its own formula for distributing the deceased’s assets that takes priority over the dead person’s wishes.

When a person dies intestate, typically the family will act as administrator of the estate. Section 11 of The Administration of Estates Act lists the persons entitled to apply for Letters of Administration:

spouse; children & grandchildren;
parents;
siblings; nephews and nieces;
next of kin of equal degree of consanguinity;
creditors; and the official administrator.

Letters of Administration may not be required to deal with assets that are not part of the estate (Part II Assets) such as property jointly owned with the deceased at the date of death, assets with a named beneficiary or assets outside Saskatchewan. Letters of Administration will be required if the estate assets include real estate in order to conduct any land transactions with Information Service Corporation.

Selling a home after a relative dies is what’s known as an “estate sale.”

The term “estate sale” can often be interpreted in different ways. For instance, if you are not a Realtor, you might be thinking that an estate sale is an auction where furniture and other possessions are liquidated. Most real estate agents, on the other hand, think of an estate sale as selling a property for one of the heirs.

2. Transference of real estate after death.

So what happens when the home is going to be sold?

The first thing that needs to be done is to ensure the executor has been given authority to liquidate the real estate. There should be specific instructions in the will about selling the property.

First, look to see if the executor under the will was given power or authority over the real estate. If they were not given authority over the real estate, then the beneficiaries hold the authority and can sell the real estate without the executor’s consent.

Important note:

If you are going to be selling an estate where there are more debts than assets, this is what’s called being insolvent. If this is your situation it is important NOT to pay any debts you don’t have to— If you pay some low-priority creditors, you could find you are personally liable for the amount you shouldn’t have paid out. For example, don’t pay the landscaper or the telephone bill. These should be paid by the executor once approved.

3. What Happens If there Is a Mortgage Outstanding?

A majority of Canadian homeowners don’t know what happens to their mortgages when they die. Only 28 per cent of respondents to a 2021 survey realize that their mortgage needs to be paid by the beneficiary who receives their properties. It does not disappear, unfortunately, although that’s exactly what 12 per cent of survey respondents think happens to a mortgage when a borrower dies.

Property owners, particularly investors, must also keep in mind the tax bills awaiting their surviving family members. The CRA treats a dead individual’s assets as if they were all sold on the day prior to his death, meaning capital gains taxes on non-primary residents need to be paid – even if the home is left to a beneficiary. Joint ownership of a property with a spouse can provide a clean and legal workaround; otherwise, those left behind will need to foot the bill.

4. Collect all the necessary documents related to the home.

One of the least enjoyable, but most necessary, things that those left behind need to do is collect all required financial documents. Financial documents are essential for the distribution of the estate, including the home. Without all the necessary documents things become much more complicated.

You may have to search for a while to find everything you need. Often all documents won’t be in the same place. Sometimes people will stash them in hidden places. It is worth the time to search everywhere, including crawl spaces, the attic, and the garage, go through all the boxes and files, and even look under the mattress and drawers.

The documents you will want to gather may include:

Will – As explained - If there is a will, it will significantly simplify the distribution of the estate.
Receipts from bills – You will need to freeze your relative’s credit and contact all creditors, including the three major credit reporting agencies.
Investment documents – Your relative may have had stocks and/or bonds.
Insurance documents – There may be a policy from an employer, or one purchased privately.
Homeowner’s policy – Keep homeowner’s insurance up to date and increase coverage if necessary.
Bank account documentation – You want accurate information on all of your relative’s bank accounts.
Personal documents – If your relative had any personal documents, like journals, poetry, etc., you might like to have them at a later date for sentimental reasons.

Once you have gathered all the documents you know, you will need, shred everything else that has personal information on it. It is a common thing for identity thieves to use the social security numbers of the deceased. By eliminating all documents with the number on them, you make identity theft more difficult.

4. Change The Locks and Mail Delivery

When selling a home as an estate sale, it is essential you have complete control of the property. This includes changing the mail, so you receive it in a timely fashion, along with enhancing the home’s security. Keep in mind there are going to be folks who know about the death that took place and the fact the home may be vacant.

You will be surprised how many keys have been given out on a property over the years. Whether it is friends, relatives, the babysitter or various contractors who have done work. It is better to be safe than sorry.

5. Hire a Regina Realtor To Help You Get the Home Ready For Market

After you have processed all the personal possessions of your relative, you will be ready for the actual sale. At this point, you will go through much the same steps as any other home seller – although some minor differences may apply.

I have found that often when selling a home that was owned by an older relative, or a house that has been occupied for decades, there is extra work involved in prepping for sale. This can be one of the most challenging parts of selling a deceased parent's home. The house may be quite dated, including old wallpaper, decorations, carpet, paint, etc. It may also have damage that has gone unaddressed for a long time.

An experienced and reputable real estate agent will provide the best advice on what needs to be changed or repaired before you put the home on the market. If you want to get the best possible price, you may need to make some changes. The most common I see include:

Getting rid of old furniture/ window coverings
Removing wallpaper
Changing dated flooring and/or refinishing hardwood floors
Applying a fresh coat of paint
Eliminating all signs of pet ownership, like stains and other damage
Installing new fixtures and updating lighting

In addition to any changes you make to the home, you are going to want to clean it thoroughly. There is nothing more critical to the sale of a home than a proper cleaning. I may also suggest professionally staging the property if there is not enough appropriate furniture/belongings left after the cleanup.

Once the home is prepared for buyers, then we can go ahead and list it. As long as you have made the home desirable based on the current Regina and Rea Real estate market, you should be able to sell it for a fair price.

A misunderstanding of what happens to a person’s property once they’ve died can cause extreme distress, both financial and emotional, for her surviving family members. So the best advice I can give is to have your will and paperwork in order as soon as you become a homeowner. In addition, you review your will on a regular basis to ensure it reflects your wishes.

Have Questions about selling a home of a deceased family member? Contact James today!

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, James will be an expert at your side.

Sell Your Home For The Best Possible Price, With The Least Amount Of Time and Stress!

James Wruth Is A Trusted Regina Estate Agent

Trusted Regina team brags about James Wruth a Trusted Regina REALTOR®

13. Mar 2022 Trusted Regina Regina Real Estate, Trusted Regina new Trusted partner , TRUSTED TIPS

The Trusted Regina team is thrilled to brag about our newest Trusted Regina REALTOR®. We are thrilled to welcome James Wruth to the Trusted Regina Community of business operated with integrity. James Wruth is a Trusted Regina Real Estate expert

James Wruth of RE/MAX An Expert At Your Side

A Regina real estate professional known for his extensive market knowledge and his unmatched devotion to his clients, James’s success is based almost exclusively on client referrals. He earns the respect and loyalty of his clients by working tirelessly on their behalf and by always offering them honest and candid advice.

"James is an outstanding Realtor who takes the time to provide unbiased advice around any properties we were looking at in order for us to make an informed decision. His attention to detail professionalism patient manner allowed both my wife and I to confidently assess options and we could rely on him to provide pros and cons while keeping in mind our needs for our perfect home. James always went the extra mile. You have created raving fans out of us both " - Colin Romano- Regional Manager Investment and Retirement planning - RBC Royal Bank

James Wruth believes that relationships are more important than transactions and he has built his Regina real estate business around that philosophy.

When we sat down with James our team was immediately impressed with his authenticity and professionalism. He has over 15 years in the Regina real estate industry and is clearly an expert who loves what he does. He shared that he has worked diligently to build the business over the years, apart from when he took a year off in 2016-2017. This was because James made the decision to put his career on hold and spend as much time as he could with his father before he passed away in September of 2017. James is a family man through and through and he is a proud father to 3 daughters.

Community Support.

James Wruth is committed to supporting the community and actively supports many Regina non-profits and charities, including Children’s Miracle Network, Hospitals of Regina Foundation, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, The Royal Canadian Legion and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.

He believes in personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you, your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. If you are looking for a real estate agent who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice then James is a perfect choice.

"The responsibility of selling your home in Regina and area does not come lightly to me. I understand the effort and challenges that surround the decision to sell your current property, and I will provide the real estate expertise, resources and strategies to guide you through it seamlessly. I'm here to provide you with the guidance you need to feel confident and absolute certainty that you are in the right hands." James Wruth

Sell Your Home For The Best Possible Price, With The Least Amount Of Time and Stress!

James Wruth Is A Trusted Regina Estate Agent

Trusted Regina COMMERCIAL Real Estate tip- Part 3

2. Mar 2015 trusted Regina Real Estate, TRUSTED TIPS

How to Purchase Commercial Real Estate: PART 3

Purchasing Commercial Real Estate: Identify the Right Property

There are a number of factors to consider when looking for suitable commercial real estate to purchase. The old adage "location, location, location" is true for commercial properties just as much as it is for residential. But there are other issues at play, as well. Here are some things to consider:

Location: This is still the No. 1 issue. You want to be close to your customers, your workers, and your vendors or suppliers. "You want to be convenient to customers to the extent that you have a business where the customer comes to you," Martin says. "But depending on the type of business, access to rail and highway and shipping lanes may be important, too."

Physical condition: After identifying the general location, consider how the property was used, the wear-and-tear, whether there are any environmental issues or potential liability issues, such as asbestos or lead paint.

Allowable uses: If your business is an accounting firm, you likely need commercial office space. If you are a manufacturer, you need an industrial space. Either way, you need to make sure the zoning allows you to do what you need to do on the property.

Limitations on exterior or interior: Whether due to zoning laws or building codes or covenants, there may be limits to changes or alterations you can make to the property. A good example is a building that is in an historic area and subject to restrictions on changes that can be made to the façade.

Adequacy of access and parking: You need to make sure your customers can park and take into consideration whether access is compliant with laws such as the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Opportunity for expansion or leasing: Entrepreneurs often have a rosy outlook about growth and so the potential to expand is a consideration as is the flipside – if you don't grow as much as planned, can you lease out extra space?

Part 4 coming soon!!

Trusted Regina Real Estate Agent shares House hunting tips

5. Aug 2014 trusted Regina Real Estate, TRUSTED TIPS

Trusted Regina Real Estate professional

House hunting tips:

You have established your budget. You have been pre-approved for a mortgage. You have contacted a Real Estate Professional to assist you with the purchase of a home. Now the fun, and evaluation begins. You will probably be looking at a few homes before you decide on the perfect one for your family. Before you decide to purchase that home you have absolutely fallen in love with, be sure to be objective in your decision. On appearance alone, the fireplace, the new flooring, paint job and new carpeting create a warm and inviting feeling. Yet, is the home really that perfect? Take a deep breath. Take some time to think about the bigger picture of the home in terms of your needs. Carefully consider whether this home offers the features that will last beyond the first impression.

Here are some essential factors to consider:

Location is a significant factor in your choice of home. An established community, with a good reputation, a low crime rate and well-maintained homes, maintains home values. A garbage dump, industrious buildings disposing bad odours and major freeways surrounding your neighborhood are unattractive and disruptive to a peaceful lifestyle.

Also consider availability and cost of access to public transportation, major roads and highways.

Also consider the condition of public areas such as streets, sidewalks, parks and recreational facilities.

Public services should also be established including street cleaning, snow removal, garbage collection, and emergency services.

You will also want efficient access to medical services including hospitals, doctors and dentists.

Be sure that schools and related school services are also within easy access.

Recreational, shopping and entertainment needs should also be considered.

Trusted Regina Real Estate Agent tip on Packing tips

3. Jul 2014 trusted Regina Real Estate, TRUSTED TIPS

Trusted Regina Real Estate Agent

tip on 14 Packing Hacks To Make Your Next Move As Painless As Possible:

Everyone you know is probably moving right now.

That’s because April, May, and June are the highest traffic months of the year for moving thanks to mild weather and college kids finishing school and finding post-grad housing.

If you’re one of the countless people getting new digs this season, these 14 tips will make packing and unpacking less horrible.

Get free moving boxes. If you're not the type of person to save big boxes, ask friends and coworkers if they have any spare ones you can use. A lot of people break down boxes and keep them, and they would be more than happy for you to borrow them.

Furniture stores may also have a wide variety of box sizes for you to use. Ask if they recycle their boxes and if you can take them or buy them at a steep discount.

Take a picture of how your electronics are connected before unplugging. This way, you won’t need to try and remember what goes where, and it will be easy to see how everything connects once you've moved in.

Pack an overnight bag. It's common after a long day of moving to be too tired to unpack right away. Everyone should pack an overnight bag with toiletries, PJs, a change of clothes, and any electronics and cords you'll want immediately.

Nail holes can be filled with soap.

Fill nail holes with a bar of soap. This is a simple hack that easily covers up any small nail holes. Rub the soap (Dove soap works well) in small circular motions until the hole is completely filled in. Then take a wash cloth and lightly rub off any soap residue from around the hole.

This tip doesn’t work as well with painted walls, but it works shockingly well for plain white ones. You can see a full tutorial here.

Put the tools you'll need right away into a clear plastic box. This includes moving essentials like a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper, toolbox, etc. Using a clear bin will allow you to see everything that’s inside the box for easy access.

Wrap breakables in clothing. There's no need to go out and spend money on bubble wrap or paper. Instead, put socks inside glassware and wrap shirts and sweaters around plates and other delicate objects. This way you save money and pack items you would've had to pack anyways in one fell swoop.

Use sandwich bags for cords and screws. For those taking apart bigger objects like tables or beds, keep all the screws and nails in a labeled plastic sandwich bag that says "bed" or "dining room table" for quick assembly. The same goes for TV cords and cables.

Keep clothes on hangers for fast unpacking. There's no need to pack hangers and clothes separately — stick them in a wardrobe box or into your suitcase with the hangers still attached. You'll appreciate this especially when you can take out all the hangers and have your closet come together super fast.

Boxes should be packed by room.

Pack boxes by room. Knowing what box belongs in which room negates the need to go searching for items in other boxes. Just be sure to label the boxes correctly.

Leave your clothing in drawers. A drawer is a box with no top — leave your shirts, pants, and underwear in the drawers and take them out of the dresser or table. Wrap the top with cling wrap to keep everything in place until you reach your new home and then just sick the drawers back where they belong.

Remember the physics of boxes. Pack small items in large boxes and large items in small boxes. The logic behind this is that heavy items are far more likely to come crashing through the middle of a large box. Also, pack heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top of the box.

Books are the major exception. If you fill a big box with a bunch of small books, the weight is going to add up and the box is going to be too heavy to carry. Use medium boxes instead.

Have any area rugs professionally cleaned before your move. They will return from the cleaners rolled, wrapped, and ready to be packed (plus, clean!).

Take a picture of your home before moving in.

Put a string underneath tape. Leave a little tail of string hanging out at the end of the tape as you pack your boxes. It’s an extra step, but this will allow you to simply yank the string and rip up the tape when you’re unpacking, saving you time and effort looking for scissors or box cutters.

Take pictures of your old home and new home all unpacked. If you’re renting, you should do this before and after moving in. That way if picky landlords or new tenants try to gouge your for a hole or a scratch, you’ll have a record of what the home looked like before and after.

Contact a Trusted Regina Real Estate Agent

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Trusted Regina REALTOR® James Wruth Explains Selling A Deceased Family Member's Home

James Wruth Explains The Process When Selling The Home Of A Deceased Family Member