My Mom Has Been Dead Three Days and People are Already Asking About Her House

[Anonymous]

I'm the only child of a single mother that died three days ago and I've about a half dozen people have asked what I'm going to do with the house. These are people that I'm friendly with, but we wouldn't have detailed conversations if it wasn't for my mother's passing.

I typically respond that I haven't decided yet, but it's really rubbing me the wrong way.

Is this normal conversation after someone dies?

[Anonymous]

Normal, yes. They’re trying to make conversation but don’t know what to say. Try not to let it get to you. Sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

I would just say we don’t know to everyone unless it’s a next door neighbor. Keep those people on the radar in case you want to sell it once you can think again.

[Anonymous]

Tell them that it is recommended that people not make any major decisions such as buying/selling a house, for at least the first year after a death.

[Anonymous]

“I haven’t even begun to think about things like that yet. I’m still just overwhelmed by the idea that she’s gone.” Said coldly or tearfully, depending on your audience.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Vultures come out when people die. Hang up. Tell them you are burning it to the ground. Selling to the local anti-christ society. Troll them.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell them that it is recommended that people not make any major decisions such as buying/selling a house, for at least the first year after a death.

Most people need to settle an estate before that.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry, that’s really awful.

[Anonymous]

My condolences, OP. Are they perhaps trying to make small talk while they spend time with you? I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

People asked me that after my divorce too, which I also found painful.

[Anonymous]

In some traditions, people are told not to bring up topics when visiting a grieving person unless the grieving person brings them up. I always thought that was smart.

I’m sorry people are being either awkward or rude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell them that it is recommended that people not make any major decisions such as buying/selling a house, for at least the first year after a death.

Well this is going to invite more discussion from anyone who has gone through this as there is a tax advantage to selling in the first year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell them that it is recommended that people not make any major decisions such as buying/selling a house, for at least the first year after a death.

Well this is going to invite more discussion from anyone who has gone through this as there is a tax advantage to selling in the first year.

Do tell . . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell them that it is recommended that people not make any major decisions such as buying/selling a house, for at least the first year after a death.

Well, yes, but OP isn’t selling her house. She’s dealing with her mother’s estate. I doubt it’s recommended to continue to pay your late mothers mortgage for 12 months and chalk it up to “well, I don’t want to think about this yet”