Determine if you will keep the home furnished until sold

Consult with your real estate agent as to what, if any, furnishings should remain in the home while it is on the market. In most cases, homes will show better when furnished. That way, the potential buyers will be better able to visualize how they might live in the home. However, if the furnishings are old, worn, or musty, they might actually detract from the value of the home.

In this situation, the realtor might suggest that the home be emptied, and then possibly “staged” with rental furniture to maximize the value during the sales process. Staging the home will involve spending money. Again, communication with beneficiaries will help ensure that there is alignment on issues of this nature.