Topic
Settling an estate and selling the house: probate, estate sales and cleanouts.
What to do after a parent dies, how probate works in Massachusetts, how to run or hire an estate sale, and how to empty a house.
- What to do with a house after a parent dies in MassachusettsA step-by-step plan for the first 30 and 90 days after a parent dies in Massachusetts: death certificates, securing the house, probate, then the sale choice.
- Probate in Massachusetts: informal vs formal, fees and timelinesHow probate works in Massachusetts: informal vs formal, the $375 filing fee, small estates, which court to file in, and selling a house during probate.
- Executor checklist for Massachusetts: duties from appointment to distributionA Massachusetts executor (personal representative) checklist: bond, EIN, 3-month inventory, creditors, tax returns, the $2M estate tax and distribution.
- Inherited house taxes: stepped-up basis, capital gains and Massachusetts rulesHow an inherited house is taxed when you sell it in Massachusetts: stepped-up basis, date-of-death value, capital gains, the 5% state rate, and estate tax.
- How to choose an estate sale company north of BostonHow to find and hire an estate sale company near Melrose, Malden, Lynn and Peabody: typical 30% to 50% commissions, contract terms and questions to ask.
- How to run an estate sale yourself in MassachusettsRun your own estate sale in Massachusetts: a timeline, pricing rules of thumb, what sells, town permit rules for Melrose, Peabody and Lynn, and leftovers.
- Estate sale vs auction vs consignment vs donation: which fits your houseCompare estate sale, auction, consignment, buyout and donation for a Massachusetts house: commissions, speed, IRS donation rules and the $5,000 appraisal line.
- Whole house cleanout in Massachusetts: options, costs and rulesHow to clear out a whole house in Massachusetts: DIY, junk removal or estate cleanout, price ranges, dumpster permits, hazardous waste and what to sort first.
- How to value household contents and when you need an estate appraisalWhen an estate needs a personal property appraisal in Massachusetts, how appraisers charge, resale vs appraised value, and jewelry, firearm and car rules.
- Vacant inherited house in Massachusetts: insurance, utilities and winter careKeep a vacant inherited house in Massachusetts insured: 30 to 60 day vacancy limits, vacant-dwelling policies, heat for pipes, utilities, locks and tax bills.
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