When a loved one passes away, families are often overwhelmed with grief—and suddenly faced with important decisions about the family home. If the property must go through probate or has a reverse mortgage, knowing what to do first can help avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary stress.

In this episode, host Cheryl Scheidell, Reverse Mortgage Specialist with Barrett Financial Group, welcomes Lydia Wietsma, Probate Realtor with NextHome Power Realty, for an informative conversation about probate, inherited homes, and reverse mortgages.

Together, Cheryl and Lydia discuss the first steps families should take after the loss of a loved one, who has the legal authority to make decisions about the property, how probate and reverse mortgages work together, and practical tips to help families protect one of their largest assets.

In This Episode

• The first steps families should take after a loved one passes away.
• Who has legal authority to make decisions about an inherited home.
• Whether mortgage payments, HOA dues, property taxes, utilities, and homeowners insurance should continue during probate.
• How probate and reverse mortgages work together.
• Why it's critical to notify the homeowners insurance company if a property becomes vacant.
• Whether a probate home can be listed for sale before probate is complete.
• What to do when mortgage balances, reverse mortgage balances, HOA fees, or property taxes continue to increase.
• Should you repair or remodel an inherited home before selling?
• Options for families who don't have the funds to clean out or repair a property.
• Why exposing a probate property to multiple buyers may produce a better outcome than accepting the first investor offer.
• Selling an inherited property "as-is."
• What families should know before accepting a cash offer.
• The top mistakes adult children should avoid immediately after losing a parent.
• Important documents families should begin gathering.
• Practical advice to help protect the estate and avoid unnecessary delays.

Upcoming Complimentary Lunch & Learns

Planning ahead can make all the difference.

Join Cheryl for one of her complimentary Lunch & Learn educational events to learn more about reverse mortgages, probate, home equity, and retirement planning.

Upcoming Dates:

Tuesday, July 21
Total Wine – Tempe Marketplace (Rio Salado)

Tuesday, July 28
Total Wine – SanTan Village (Williams Field Road)

Complimentary lunch is provided.

Please RSVP to Cheryl to reserve your seat.

Contact Cheryl Scheidell

Cheryl Scheidell
Senior Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS #886425
Barrett Financial Group, L.L.C. | NMLS #181106

Phone: 480-817-4324

Email: cheryls@barrettfinancial.com

Website: ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com

Radio Show: "Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?"

YouTube: Reverse Mortgage and Beyond

Contact Lydia Wietsma

Lydia Wietsma
Probate Realtor
NextHome Power Realty

Phone: 602-363-1720

Email: lydia@arizonapoweragent.com

Website: probaterealtyhelp.com

Whether you're planning ahead, helping aging parents, settling an estate, or navigating an inherited property, Cheryl and Lydia are here to help guide you through the process with education, experience, and compassionate advice.

Thank you for listening to Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.