Losing a loved one is hard enough. But what often catches families by surprise is what happens next – especially when a home is left behind. Whether the property is meant to be kept in the family, sold, or left vacant while decisions are made, inheriting a home brings with it a wave of responsibilities that no one tells you about until you’re in the middle of it.
Unfortunately, grieving families are often left to manage the very real demands of real estate ownership with little guidance. From protecting the property from theft or damage, to navigating insurance pitfalls, to covering unexpected maintenance costs – it can quickly become overwhelming. If this is your situation, you’re not alone. And if you’re planning ahead for your own family, here’s what you need to know now to help prevent these burdens later.
The First 48 Hours: Securing the Property
One of the most pressing concerns when a loved one passes is securing their home – particularly if it will be vacant for any period of time. Sadly, empty homes are easy targets. It’s not uncommon for burglaries to happen during funeral services. That’s why, before anything else, the locks should be changed. You can’t be certain who might have a spare key or garage code, even if you trust everyone your loved one knew.
You should also:
- Alert trusted neighbors and let them know who is authorized to be on the property.
- Update security system settings and emergency contacts.
- Remove valuables such as jewelry, electronics, firearms, medications, and tools – anything easy to grab or tempting to thieves.
- If possible, have someone stay at the property during public memorials.
This initial layer of security buys you time – and peace of mind – while you address the next critical responsibilities.
The House Doesn’t Rest Just Because No One Lives There
A vacant house can deteriorate much faster than one that’s lived in. Without someone there to notice issues as they arise, small problems can quickly snowball into major repairs.
You’ll need to keep utilities running. In the winter, heat prevents frozen pipes. In humid areas, air circulation wards off mold. Systems like HVAC, plumbing, and appliances still need attention, even if no one is using them. Regular check-ins are essential.
Exterior upkeep is just as important. Overgrown lawns, piled-up mail, or unshoveled snow are not just eyesores – they advertise that the house is empty. Local ordinances may impose fines, and the home’s curb appeal can suffer, impacting its value.
Don’t forget pest control. A quiet, unmonitored house can quickly become a haven for rodents or insects – especially if any food was left behind.
And this is where things often go from bad to worse: families assume the homeowner’s insurance will cover any potential damage. But that’s not always the case.
The Insurance Gap That Could Cost You Everything
Standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t usually cover damage that occurs after a property has been vacant for more than 30 days. Once the house is unoccupied, it’s typically considered a higher risk. If no one notifies the insurance company of this change, coverage may be denied entirely in the event of a claim.
This is why it’s critical to call the insurer right away. Ask about vacant home policies or endorsements to ensure continuous coverage. It might cost more, and coverage may be more limited – but it will protect you from devastating out-of-pocket expenses if something happens, like a fire or storm damage.
Even if you’re planning to sell quickly, don’t skip this step. Sales often take longer than expected, and a lapse in appropriate coverage – especially one you didn’t even know existed – can be financially catastrophic.
How Life & Legacy Planning Can Protect Your Family From These Burdens
Most of the stress families face when managing an inherited home stems from a lack of planning. A properly designed Life & Legacy Plan changes all of that.
When we work together, we’ll go beyond just creating legal documents. We’ll create a clear, comprehensive asset inventory, so your loved ones know exactly what you own, where to find key documents like insurance policies and the deed, and how to access them when needed.
We’ll also ensure that funds are available to cover immediate expenses – so your family isn’t stuck fronting costs for maintenance, insurance, and repairs while waiting for probate to finish. For many, the idea of covering a major roof repair out of pocket while managing their own household expenses is simply not feasible.
Most importantly, your loved ones won’t be left trying to navigate this on their own. When you name me as your trusted advisor through your Life & Legacy Plan, they’ll know exactly who to call. Instead of scrambling to figure out what to do next, they’ll be guided every step of the way – with clarity, confidence, and care.
Your Next Step: Planning That Eases the Burden on the Ones You Love
If you own a home, and you want to make sure your loved ones aren’t left unprepared when the time comes, now is the time to plan.
When you schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session, we’ll walk through what would happen to your home and your other assets if something happened to you. You’ll get more financially organized than ever before and understand how to ensure your family has the support they’ll need – legally, practically, and emotionally.
Together, we’ll design a plan that reflects your values and your vision, so your family isn’t left saying, “Nobody prepared me for this.”
At Cheever Law, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call today.