Solving the "What do I do with mom's stuff?" problem for sellers

[Mindy Jensen]

I wrote an article a while ago for the BiggerPockets Blog, about a woman who has come upon an interesting neighborhood. It was built in the 60s and about 1/4 of the homes are still occupied by the original owners. As they pass away or move into care facilities, their children are faced with the same problem - what do we do with this outdated house and 50 years of stuff that nobody wants?

Our heroine has started buying these houses as-is. She tells the children who are selling the properties that they can remove any furnishings they want - and leave anything they don't want to deal with. (She offers the furnishings to an auction company she has a relationship with, then has the thrift store people come by and take anything they'd like, then dumpsters the rest.)

Taking this huge burden off them is so helpful - and all those original owners have children who all grew up together and they talk. She's purchased more than one of these houses from word of mouth.

Check out this article about downsizing - and consider offering this option.