Expert: Sue Bernstein - 3/29/2007

Question
My mom passed away and I am trying to sell her home.  It has not had a lot of upgrades and they had lived there for 45 years.  Can you tell me the responsibilities of the seller when selling an older (55 years) home in the San Fernando valley area?  I have heard the sliding glass door will need a film or something because it is not shatter proof glass, low flow toilet etc.  Is there some place I can get all the information about what I as the seller am responsible for?

Thank you for your help.

Kathleen  Furness  

Answer
Dear Kathleen,

There are certain retrofit requirements(smoke detectors, sliding doors, shower heads, low flow toilets and automatic gas shut off valves).  There are retrofit companies that can handle all of this when you are in escrow.
I assume you will be hiring a realtor to assist you in the sale.  If this is correct then your agent will advise you on everything you are responsible for.  There are many disclosures that you are responsible for and if you are not an experienced I seller you really need the expertise of an agent.
I happen to be a partner in a division of my company that specializes in Probates, Conservatorship and Trust sales so I am extremely experienced in these types of sales.  Does the property have to go through probate or are you the successor trustee?  If so, there may be ways that you can pass this burden on to the buyer.
Since I am based in the San Fernando Valley I would love to talk to you and see if I can be of assistance.
Good luck and I hope this has helped.

Sue Bernstein
818 728-2226
www.TheCaliforniaConnection.com