Selling a Home After the Loss of a Spouse
Clear options and a patient pace, with no pressure to decide before you are ready.
You don't have to decide yet
Selling a home after the loss of a spouse is one of the hardest real estate decisions there is, because it isn't only about real estate. The house holds your life together. It may also be more house, more upkeep or more expense than you want to carry alone. Both things can be true.
If you're reading this in the first weeks or months, here's the most useful thing I can tell you: you can gather information without making a decision. Knowing what your home is worth and what your options are doesn't commit you to anything. It only means that when you are ready to decide, you'll be deciding with facts and not guesses.
Some people know right away that they want to move. Others stay for years, or stay for good. I've seen every one of those be the right choice for the person making it.
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How I work with you
I'm Carol Vanlandingham, a REALTOR® with eXp Realty in Erie, Colorado. Many of the people I work with are moving because something in life changed, so I'm used to going slowly and explaining things more than once. You never need to apologize for asking a question twice.
We start with a conversation, at your kitchen table or over the phone, whichever is easier. I listen first. Then I lay out your options in plain words: staying, selling now, selling later, or moving to something that fits better. I'll tell you what I'd want to know in your place, and then the decision is yours. I'm your advisor, not the decision-maker.
If a family member or a trusted friend helps you with big decisions, bring them. I'm glad to include them in every conversation, and I'll make sure everyone hears the same information.
And if what I see says "not yet," I'll say so. I'd rather earn your trust than hurry you.
What we take care of, one step at a time
When you do decide to sell, there's a lot you won't have to carry by yourself.
- Understanding the numbers. I'll show you what homes like yours are selling for and give you an estimate of what you'd walk away with after commissions and typical closing costs.
- Paperwork about ownership. How the home is titled affects who needs to sign. The title company and your attorney answer those questions, and I'll help you know what to ask and when.
- Getting the house ready. We walk through together and make a short list. I'll tell you what matters to buyers and what you can leave alone.
- Belongings, at your pace. Sorting a shared lifetime of things takes time. We build that time into the plan and don't let a listing date push you.
- Showings that respect your home. We set the days and hours that work for you.
- Updates you can count on. You'll hear from me regularly, so you're never wondering what's happening.
The selling steps themselves are the same ones I use for every home, and they're laid out on my How I Sell a Home page. You might start with how we set the price around your goals. I'm not an attorney or a tax advisor, so for legal, tax or estate questions I'll always send you to yours.
Where you go next
Selling is only half of the question. The other half is where you'll live, and it's worth thinking about before the sign goes up. Some people want to stay in the same town, near the same neighbors and the same church or coffee shop. Some want to be closer to family. Some want a home with less to take care of.
I've lived in this area for over 31 years, and I help people buy and sell across Erie, Boulder County and the nearby towns listed on my areas page. If a smaller or simpler home is part of what you're considering, my page on downsizing and right-sizing walks through how I approach that.
When you're ready for a first conversation, and only then, you can send me a note or call me at (303) 522-3130. If you'd like to start with a number and no conversation at all, ask for a free home value report. You can also go back to the home page to read more about how I work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after losing a spouse should I sell the house?
There's no required timeline, and you don't need to decide quickly. If your finances allow it, giving yourself time is usually wise. I can show you what your home is worth and what your options are now, so you have the facts whenever you're ready.
Can a family member be part of the conversations?
Yes, and I encourage it. Bring a son or daughter, a sibling or a trusted friend. I'll include them in meetings and updates if you'd like, and the decisions stay yours.
What if I start the process and change my mind?
Tell me, and we'll talk it through. You aren't committed to a sale until you've accepted an offer from a buyer. I'd much rather you pause than move forward with something that doesn't feel right.
Google reviews
In my clients' words
5.0 from 28 reviews on Google
“Carol is an amazing realtor. From the moment we decided to sell our home, she worked hard to get it done. Carol gave us great service - everything from figuring out pricing to fabulous pictures from her awesome photographer to great networking. In two days we were under contract!”
“We highly recommend calling Carol when looking to sell or buy a house.”
“I would totally use Carol in future real estate ventures. She sold my mountain property in less than 24 hrs. In the middle of winter. She is professional and a very caring agent. Thx again Carol for work well done.”
“Excellence! This is the first word to come to mind when Carol Vanlandingham is representing you and your family. Whether it was buying a new home locally or out of state or selling, Carol has been our professional for several transactions over the past few years.”
“Why? She is very knowledgable about the market and has excellent resources for lenders and repairpeople. And most importantly, when she says she will do something, she does it.”
“Integrity, trust, and a lot of grit. She gets things done and has your best interest in everything she does!”
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Ready to make your move with Homes by Carol?