When someone passes away, the spouse or family members often face overwhelming responsibilities, including managing the household. Real-life experiences from widows and widowers highlight the importance of leaving behind comprehensive information about the home to ease the transition. Below are strategies for organizing and sharing essential home-related information, drawing on insights from those who have gone through the process.
1. Mortgage or Rental Details
- Mortgage Information:
Widows often emphasize the importance of clear, accessible mortgage records, including:- The mortgage lender’s name and contact information.
- The loan account number.
- Payment schedule and amount due.
- Any relevant documents, such as the mortgage agreement and statements.
If there’s a life insurance policy that covers mortgage payments, ensure this is documented. In several real-life stories, spouses reported relief when they discovered mortgage protection policies, which allowed them to stay in the home without financial stress.
- Rental Details:
If renting, provide the landlord’s contact information and a copy of the lease agreement. Widows have shared stories where quick access to this information prevented misunderstandings or abrupt rental terminations. Include details on:- The monthly rent amount.
- Payment methods and dates.
- Security deposits or renewals.
2. Utility and Service Accounts
Widows recount the stress of figuring out utility and service provider details after their spouse’s death. A common strategy is to leave behind a list of:
- Utility providers (electricity, water, gas, etc.) along with account numbers and payment schedules.
- Service providers (internet, phone, trash collection).
- Home maintenance services, such as cleaning, lawn care, and snow removal, including the names and contacts of professionals regularly hired.
This list should include how to pay bills (e.g., online logins or instructions for automatic payments) and what is still due. Widows report that having this information readily available made it easier to keep the household running smoothly.
3. Homeownership and Maintenance Records
- Home Title and Insurance:
Having a copy of the deed or home title readily available can save spouses from legal complications, especially if the title is not solely in their name. Additionally, include:- Home insurance policy details: The provider’s contact information, policy numbers, coverage details, and how to file claims. In one widow’s account, having immediate access to homeowners’ insurance allowed her to quickly deal with unexpected repairs.
- Warranties and Manuals:
Document all warranties for appliances (HVAC, washer/dryer, refrigerator, etc.) and instruction manuals. Many spouses shared that knowing which repairs were covered under warranty saved them time and money during an emotionally trying period. - Maintenance Logs:
Widows have mentioned that having a home maintenance log detailing past work (roof repairs, plumbing, electrical updates) helped them communicate with new service providers and avoid unnecessary repairs. Keep a record of:- Dates of service.
- Contact information of contractors or service companies.
- Cost of repairs.
4. Home Security and Access
Real-life experiences highlight the importance of leaving behind security system information:
- Alarm codes, passwords, and the contact information of the security provider.
- Instructions on how to manage any smart home devices (cameras, locks, thermostats).
- Keys and access codes for all parts of the home, including spare keys and garage door codes.
Widows shared stories of feeling vulnerable and not knowing how to disable or manage home security, leading to unnecessary panic.
5. Financial Accounts for Home Expenses
- Bank Accounts for Bill Payments:
Ensure there’s access to the primary bank account used for home expenses. Provide information on:- Where automatic payments are set up (e.g., utilities, mortgage).
- Any joint accounts that may be used for household expenses.
Widows in real-life stories recommend ensuring the surviving spouse has independent access to these accounts. Several reported that not having shared access to critical accounts led to delays in paying bills and additional stress.
- Emergency Fund:
Consider setting aside a small emergency fund for unexpected home expenses. Spouses often mention how grateful they were to discover a fund set aside for urgent repairs or large bills, preventing them from dipping into savings during the transition.
6. Contact List for Trusted Professionals
Widows have shared the importance of a contact list for trusted professionals, including:
- Plumbers, electricians, handymen, and other service providers.
- Legal professionals (estate lawyer, real estate attorney).
- Financial advisors or accountants who may help manage mortgage or property taxes.
One widow’s story highlighted how having a reliable real estate agent’s contact was invaluable when she decided to downsize. A list of reliable repair contacts also prevents overpaying for urgent repairs or being taken advantage of during a stressful time.
By compiling this comprehensive information and making it easily accessible, you can relieve your loved ones from added stress and uncertainty during an already difficult period. Real-life experiences from widows show that being proactive about sharing household and financial details significantly eases the burden for those left behind.
The Importance of Inviting Keyholders in Addition to Your Partner or Spouse:
The final insight pertaining to this Box is to make sure to invite more than one person to be a key holder to your account. We suggest that you invite a sibling or a professional service provider or close friend. If your partner or spouse is trying to grieve while simultaneously working to reconcile affairs, that’s when things tend to get missed. Sometimes the cost of that oversight can be expensive or even more catastrophic.