As a realtor, helping families through the sale of an estate property is always a bittersweet experience. It’s more than just a transaction, you know? It’s part of their healing process, so I never take it lightly.

This year, I’ve worked with family, friends, and strangers who became friends to manage estate sales. Each one has taught me something new, and I’m grateful to be able to help others during such a challenging time.

When you’re handling an estate sale, you’re not just dealing with a property. Rather, you’re in the midst of people’s lives during an incredibly emotional period.

Grief affects each of us differently, and it’s usually a rollercoaster for all involved. My last sale involved 12 people: spouses, kids, grandkids, and loved ones, all coping with their grief. It was my honor to be in the thick of things with them — but it was heartbreaking, too.

In real estate, we aim to treat everyone equally, but when it comes to estate sales (and yes, divorces, but that’s for another post), emotions run high. If a client calls at 10 or 11 PM, I pick up the phone. It’s about being there for them, day or night, during one of the most stressful seasons of their lives.

No one knows how they’re going to react to grief until it hits them — but it sure helps to have a friend who’s willing to face the unknown with you.

At the end of the day, my goal is always to achieve the best outcome for the property, while also making the process a little easier for everyone involved. If you know someone who’s enduring the sale of an estate property here in Lake Norman, please feel free to send them my way with questions. I’m here to help.