What to Do When a Loved One Passes: A Real Estate & Estate Checklist for Bluffton & Hilton Head Island Families

By Allison Cobb, The Cobb Group | Brokered by eXp Luxury Realty

We’re not in the business of death. But as Realtors, we are in the business of helping people—and sometimes, that means walking with our clients through some of life’s most difficult transitions.

Over the years, we’ve supported many families as they navigated the process of selling a family home after the loss of a spouse or parent. These aren’t the easiest sales. They’re not always the happiest stories. But they are some of the most meaningful—and we consider it an honor to be a steady hand when people need it most.

That’s why we created this guide.

Whether you’re preparing for the future or dealing with the present, having a plan makes all the difference. It lightens the emotional load, helps avoid last-minute decisions, and streamlines what can otherwise be a stressful process. The checklist we’ve included below—and a downloadable version you can save—was designed to help families start the right conversations early, especially adult children with aging parents.

This isn’t about rushing decisions or capitalizing on grief. It’s about offering clarity, organization, and real support at a time when you need it most.

What to Do First: Immediate Steps After a Loved One Passes

In the first few days, it’s important to care for both emotional needs and practical matters. Key first steps include:

  • Locate the will or trust (if it exists)

  • Notify close family and trusted contacts

  • Secure the home, valuables, and personal documents

  • Arrange care for pets, mail, and property maintenance

  • Contact a funeral home or cremation provider

  • Confirm or finalize any pre-planned arrangements

Important Documents to Gather

Gathering these documents can save time, reduce stress, and make the next steps more efficient:

  • Will or trust

  • Social Security card and driver’s license

  • Birth and marriage certificates

  • Property deed and mortgage information

  • Homeowners insurance policy

  • Bank and investment account details

  • HOA or POA documents

  • Utility account records

  • Recent tax returns

  • Safe deposit box info

  • Digital passwords and login credentials

  • Vehicle titles

  • Veteran discharge paperwork (DD214), if applicable

If a Home Is Involved: Real Estate Considerations

In Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, many homes are located in gated communities with unique protocols, access restrictions, and POA/HOA requirements. Whether the plan is to keep or sell the property, early organization helps.

1. Secure the Property

Ensure the home is locked and secure. Stop or forward mail, manage utilities, and arrange regular check-ins if the home will be vacant.

2. Confirm Legal Authority

Only a legally appointed executor or trustee can make decisions about the property. Consult an estate attorney if you’re unsure.

3. Review the Property

  • Collect HOA/POA documents and gate access information

  • Gather renovation history and service provider contacts

  • Identify needed repairs or maintenance

  • Note special home features or upgrades

4. Bring in a Local Realtor Early

Involving a trusted Realtor early doesn’t add pressure—it removes it. We can:

  • Offer a market valuation

  • Coordinate vendors for cleanouts or repairs

  • Represent the property for out-of-town families

  • Guide pricing strategies (as-is or with improvements)

  • Manage showings and access per HOA guidelines

Why Allison Cobb & The Cobb Group Offers This Help

We don’t expect families to be experts in probate law, tax strategy, or real estate logistics. That’s where we come in.

We’ve built strong ties with local estate attorneys, CPAs, vendors, and HOA managers. We know how each community operates and what steps are required to sell (or prepare) a home with efficiency and respect.

Having a Realtor you trust—someone who already knows the home and the market—gives you peace of mind today and gives your loved ones confidence later.

Final Thoughts

If you're reading this during a hard time, we’re sending you grace and strength. If you’re reading it in preparation—thank you for being proactive. Either way, we’re here.

This kind of transition isn’t easy. But with the right support and a bit of organization, it can be manageable. It can even be healing. We’re honored to play a small role in that journey.

For many of our clients, one of the greatest gifts they can give their loved ones is peace of mind. Having a Realtor you trust—someone who knows your home, understands your community, and will work just as hard for your children as they would for you—makes a world of difference.

Most adult children who call or fly into town after a parent passes don’t know where to begin. They often don’t know the local market, the key players, or even who to trust. We step in, not just to list a home, but to shoulder the logistics, offer honest guidance, and make the process smoother—even from a distance.

In fact, many of the families we’ve helped never had to return to the property. We’ve handled everything: clean-outs, repairs, showings, and closing. This saves time, stress, and money—and gives families peace of mind knowing the home is in the hands of someone their loved one trusted.

That’s what we’re here for. That’s the kind of real estate service we believe in.

Download Our Free Estate Checklist

We’ve created a helpful handout titled:
"After the Loss: A Home & Estate Checklist for Bluffton and Hilton Head Families."

It’s a practical, no-pressure resource designed to help get organized before a crisis hits.

We encourage you to:

  • Print it and keep it with your will or estate plan

  • Share it with your loved ones so they have trusted contacts when they need them most

???? Download Here

Helpful Local Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens to a house when someone dies in South Carolina?

If the deceased had a will, the home typically passes to the designated heir. If not, probate court determines inheritance. An executor is appointed to manage the estate, which may include selling the property.

Can you sell a house before probate in South Carolina?

Usually not. Probate must be opened and a personal representative appointed before a home can be sold—unless it’s held in a trust or jointly owned with survivorship rights.

Do I need to travel to Bluffton or Hilton Head to sell my parent’s home?

No. At The Cobb Group, we regularly help families sell homes long-distance. We handle cleanouts, showings, vendors, and closings so you can manage the process without ever needing to travel.

What documents are needed to sell an estate property?

Typically: a death certificate, will/trust, letters of administration, deed, mortgage info, insurance documents, and HOA/POA contacts. We’ll walk you through what’s required.

How long does it take to sell an inherited home in SC?

It depends on probate status and market conditions. Probate may take a few months, but once ready, properly priced homes often sell quickly in our market.

How can I prepare my aging parent’s home in advance?

Start by organizing important documents and reaching out to a local Realtor. Understanding the home’s current value and condition helps streamline future decisions and gives everyone peace of mind.

Why choose a local Realtor for an estate sale?

Local Realtors like The Cobb Group understand the gated community rules, local service providers, and buyer preferences in Bluffton and Hilton Head. We simplify the process, protect your interests, and take care of everything on your behalf.

Connect with The Cobb Group

???? Moss Creek Village, Hilton Head Island
???? www.thecobbgroup.com

???? Allison Cobb: 843-338-7256
???? David Hussey: 843-540-7128
???? Natalie Burnside: 843-295-1178
???? George Cobb: 843-338-6424

Luxury Defined. Authenticity Realized.

Written by Allison Cobb

The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.

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