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

[Anonymous]

If you have a cold sense of humor - “since you asked, the current offer is $4m, but we are still accepting others.”

Op I am very sorry for your loss. The crassness of opportunists is without bound. By contrast hopefully you have learned who your friends are, even if you have also learned some about who they aren’t. I hope you have some space and time to grieve and deal with the things most important to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, sadly it is OP - I'm so sorry, and I'm very sorry for your loss.

My mother died at home, and in the last few weeks it was evident to neighbors what was happening as they saw ambulances come and go, a hospital bed being delivered, etc...

She had a neighbor (immediately next door) who was a real estate agent. I received a condolence card from that neighbor, with a solicitation to list the house with her, and it was postmarked 2 days before my mother actually died.

I will never. ever. forget that. She, of course, did not get the listing but a colleague of hers did and I told that story - so I know it made it back to her. And I don't care about whether that makes me seem petty or vengeful.

I agree that most people are just trying to find something to say, or a way to commiserate on the hardship of the whole thing, but it's really hard to cope w/ the "casual" chitchat after a loss like this. My condolences to you.

Im sorry but there is no way she semt that before she died and lucked out on timing. She mailed it from next door?

[Anonymous]

Three days after my dad’s sudden and unexpected death, his wife’s (of barely 10 years) adult son asked me what I was going to go with Dad’s car. I’ve never spoken to him again.
Sorry for your loss, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You really think many people are trying to buy your mom's house?

DP. My mom had a lovely condo in Kalorama and during her prolonged home hospice lots of people asked me what we'd do with the place.

OP, is your place unique or "special" like a lovely condo in Kalorama? If so, you will be asked more. Worth being a bit brash for chance to get it is the mindset

Also if it is worth $15mm and you dont have a lot of money your friends want to know if you will be rich.

Do they actually want to buy it or are they being chatty? May just want to know what logistics activities their friend is up to without saying platitudes. After thought not certain it is rude as a rule.

would also need to know in fact what you mean to do w it as that may be why saying "no idea! everyone keeps asking me though." is it so upsetting

[Anonymous]

Death is so taboo. So many unwritten rules of what to say or not to say. It can make people very uncomfortable on both ends. OP, consider it small talk. You don’t have to answer. You have control over that.

[Anonymous]

“That’s really not a priority for me right now.”

[Anonymous]

Hugs, OP! Wishing you strength and peace.

[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.

Yes. Say this. And I’m extremely sorry for your loss. I’m an only child whose father passed two years ago so when my mom goes, I will be in your position and I anticipate and empathize.

[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.

That is wild. Most of us could never afford that.