Sorry I wasn't clear. We may wind up "making" money on the sale of asset only because of a step down in basis. Or we may lose more. Who knows. I'm just wondering what the impact of the sale of Dad's house dragging out endlessly will be. The executrix has been making noises about renting the place, but it sounds as thought that would be an issue on so many fronts. Wondering how much I should object.

IP

It may be time for a heart to heart talk with the executrix. There are areas where property is difficult to sell. Unless it is in a very hard hit area, it should sell.

You may have posted your relationship with the executrix, but I don't remember. It is likely she is a close relative. The emotion of selling the property for less than your father paid for it maybe keeping the property from being realistically priced. Property from estates can have a worn look and not show well. Property that has been on the market too long gets a bad reputation.

What is selling in the area? zillow.com may give you that information.

Has the property been cleaned and staged?

Is the pricing realistic for market and condition?

Do you need a different real estate agent?