Cities · San Jose

What To Do When Someone Dies

What to handle first after a death in San Jose — paperwork order, home logistics, and when equity makes guessing costly.

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Overview

Adult children often drive into San Jose to face a house full of mail, keys, and unanswered questions. A useful first week is mostly ordinary: certificates, security, a simple inventory of accounts and property papers, and a pause before keep-versus-sell arguments take over. If the home has significant equity, bring an appraiser or CPA in before anyone relies on a casual estimate.

What to keep in mind

  • Handle certificates, mail, and home security before financial moves
  • Make a simple inventory of accounts and property documents
  • Get appraisal or CPA guidance before a hard keep-or-sell decision

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This guide is part of San Jose on Bay Area After Death.

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