Sometime in the future, you might take charge of the estate of a deceased loved one. As the executor, you must keep estate assets in good shape until the heirs can claim them. Such assets may include the home owned by your relative.
Maintaining a house you do not own may seem intimidating. Fortunately, organizing your duties could help make maintaining the home easier to handle. Here are some tasks you will likely carry out while overseeing the home.
Establish security
Take measures to safeguard the house from intruders. This can include putting fresh locks on doors and windows. Additionally, install security devices such as motion sensor lights and an alarm. This is especially important if the home lacks an occupant since vacant homes can draw the attention of burglars.
Consistent cleaning and upkeep
An unoccupied residence means there is nobody to check for possible damage and deterioration, so remember to regularly inspect the home for leaks and clogs. It is also important to either clean or arrange for someone to clean dust and dirt from floors. Refrigerators should be free of perishable items.
Cutting the grass and weeds is also important. According to Reader’s Digest, well-maintained lawns indicate to thieves that a home has an occupant, making break-ins less likely.
Pay home expenses
Do not forget to pay all bills incurred by the home, including property taxes. Additional home expenses often include electricity, gas and water bills. However, turning off or unplugging appliances may reduce utility costs and keep you from unnecessarily depleting estate money to pay for utilities.
Preparing a list of common home duties and any specific concerns you must address can help you understand how to best preserve the house of your deceased relative until estate administration is complete.