I had to do some careful speech this morning talking to the realtor who is handling my brother's house. I wanted to drop the price, but also get a sense of what she thought was the problem. I suggested several possibilities, and she admitted the fact of my brother's suicide in the house is known by everyone in such a small town. We also discussed the layout, and why it wouldn't be financially feasible to stage it. And she was honest, once I said it, about the narrow hallways and layout being a problem. The two guest bedrooms and bath lead to a dead end in that hall. The other leads to the kitchen, living room and rest of the house. There is something slightly claustrophobic about the one hallway. So she was honest, when I brought it up, and we agreed on a lower price, and I admitted I now wanted the house to be done with before I have to renew the insurance in July, plus my worry about the house being unoccupied for so long.
I felt I handled the discussion skillfully and respectfully. I understand I have a rather strange house with the stigma attached. It's a problem that cannot be overcome. I'll have to have some luck to sell it at a reasonable price. It's not going to sell for what it is technically worth, because of its history. I'm feeling that it has been empty long enough, and needs a new beginning. I hope someone takes a chance on the property. I will do what I can, but am not in control. And underneath, there is this sense of being pushed into dealing with this against my will. I have some resentment, and though it's illogical, since my brother was obviously in no state of mind to consider what his death would mean to me, the resentment arises nevertheless. Such is my state of mind at this moment.
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