Hey Moving Diaries!
So, here’s the deal – my dad passed away in 2020 and before that, he bought my grandma’s house in 2008. After his divorce, during a market crisis, he paid off my grandma’s underwater refinance. But here’s the kicker, my dad’s two sisters never lifted a finger to help out with payments or maintenance once the house was in his name.
I’ve been living in that house on and off since my dad passed, but now I’m gearing up to move across the country for a new job. I’ve decided not to rent it out, so I’m going to sell it just as it is.
My cousin, who is my dad’s sister’s son, offered to buy the house from me at what he called “market rate” because of it being a fixer-upper. However, my realtor thinks the true market rate is actually $200,000 more than what my cousin is offering.
I politely declined his offer, telling him that he’ll have to talk to my realtor like any other potential buyer. Then my aunt drops a bomb and threatens to sue me, claiming my dad cheated her out of a home and money.
After consulting with my realtor and a property lawyer, I’ve decided to stick to my plan and sell the house. It hits the market this weekend, and my realtor already has some showings scheduled. A similar house sold in less than two weeks recently at the exact price we’re asking for.
My aunt is absolutely fuming, calling me the “nastiest person ever” because she thinks selling the house could really help her struggling son and his family. She insists they can only afford what her son offered. But hey, I didn’t just sit around watching my grandma and dad pass away – I’m trying to make the best decision for myself.
I firmly reminded my aunt that my dad would have wanted me to live my best life, and as for my grandma’s wishes, well, maybe she would have wanted her grandchildren to live comfortably. I pointed out that it’s not my fault her family is always broke, and I’m just looking to sell to the highest bidder.
So yeah, that’s where I’m at. Moving forward with the sale and hoping for the best offer!
Response from THE MOVING DIARIES:
Hello There,
I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of your dad in 2020 and the difficult circumstances surrounding the home he purchased for your grandma. It sounds like you have shown a lot of strength and determination in handling this situation. Moving across the country for a job is a significant change, and deciding to sell the home rather than renting it out shows foresight and practicality.
It’s understandable that you would want to make sure you are getting a fair market value for the home, especially considering the emotional connections involved. Your decision to consult with a property lawyer and follow the recommendations of your realtor demonstrates a commitment to handling the sale responsibly. It’s important to prioritize your financial well-being and make decisions that align with your goals and plans for the future.
Dealing with family dynamics and expectations can be challenging, especially when financial matters are involved. It’s unfortunate that your aunt is making threats of legal action, but it’s encouraging to see that you are seeking professional advice and sticking to your plan. You are within your rights to sell the house to the highest offer and ensure that you are making the best decision for yourself and your future.
Remember to focus on what is best for you and your own well-being as you navigate this process. Wishing you all the best with the sale of the home and your upcoming move.
Best regards,
THE MOVING DIARIES
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