Anger Selling Inherited Property by Heather Hilder on February 3, 2021 “Selling Inherited Property” Anger Selling Inherited Property Emotional Challenges When Selling a Bereavement Property Anger might seem a strange emotion to encounter when you are deciding whether selling an inherited property is the right choice. When the reason behind doing so is due to the loss of a family member or close friend, you may have to deal with ANGER. Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Ross pioneered the concept that there are five stages of grief which every bereaved person goes through. The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The model is so accurate that it is now used in many areas outside of psychological disciplines. The emotional shock that accompanies the death of a loved one means that an initial state of denial can make it difficult to start thinking about practicalities. Even more so when they involve legal and financial matters. However, once a decision has been made to sell a property inherited through bereavement, the real danger is that the ‘anger’ stage of Kübler-Ross’ process can come to the surface. Angry Exchanges If more than one person has inherited the property in question, this can become a problem in many ways. Dealings with siblings or other relatives that concern finances can often be strained. In the highly charged emotional atmosphere of bereavement this is something which might result in angry exchanges. Different ideas of what should happen to an inherited property might cause friction. As a result, the choice of estate agent or other professional representatives who need to become involved can become ‘issues’. Selling Solutions As with most difficult conversations in life, the solution is really to face matters head on. Arrange a situation where a calm conversation can take place. Allowing for others to show an angry response and recognising your own anger under difficult circumstances are exactly the ways in which knowing about the five stages of grief might be affecting everyone involved. Conflicts can sometimes be avoided by having an impartial ‘third party’ on hand to clearly set out the various options. These conflicts might arise in times of heightened emotional stress. I’m a human being first. Secondly I’m an estate agent. I understand at first hand how difficult the process of selling a bereavement property can be. My experience in explaining the ins and outs of the process helps to make sure personalities don’t become a problem. If you make the right choice you can delegate most of the details to someone who knows just how upsetting selling a home under difficult circumstances can be. This makes it easier for you to have the time and space to deal with the important aspects of grieving. Above all, you need to come to terms with your loss. When you feel ready I’m here to talk about how I might be able to help you, please feel free to get in touch.
