I need your advice

deere755 · Nov 21, 2010

A week or so ago my neighbor fell over dead of a heart attack. I was listening to the scanner and heard the call so I went to try and help but there was nothing I could do. I have tried to help his widow out as much as I can and was even a pall bearer. I have not been going down there unless she calls and needs something. My delima is he has a flatbed trailer that I am sure she will be selling at some point a long with several other items. I am not sure if it is to soon to ask her about it or should I wait until she mentions selling it. I feel almost guilty for even thinking about it, but I can see someone coming along and saying hey I would like to buy that trailer and her letting it go. I am not wanting a bargain I just would like 1st shot at it. Is it too soon to mention it?

Ezlivn · Nov 21, 2010

Not at all.....you are neighbors after all and I'm sure you have developed a decent relationship with her over time. I'd pay her a visit and have a cup of coffee with her and offer her my services with anything she may need. I'd bring up these things in conversation with her very discreetly. Just my 2 cents.

whistlepig · Nov 21, 2010

Speaking for myself I wouldn't be able to ask. Even if the neighbor hadn't passed away I wouldn't go to a neighbor's place and ask them if something of that they owned was for sale.

Sumpter · Nov 21, 2010

As I'm sure she knows you are very sensitive to her loss, you should feel comfortable to ask her what she plans on doing with the stuff or items in the future. If she says that she is not sure or that she may sell later ask her to get first refusal. If you are close neighbors she should understand.

Thomas · Nov 21, 2010

Go w/your gut feelings.

DaveOmak · Nov 21, 2010

You might ask if she is planning on liquidating any equipment and she might think about waiting a year or so.
Then mention an Auction Company might get ther the best fair price.
Then bid at the auction to avoid any conflict with family.
Been the family conflict route. Ugly, ugly,ugly.
Just something to ponder. You surely have a better handle on the situation than me.
Dave

nebraskasparks · Nov 21, 2010

deere755 said:
A week or so ago my neighbor fell over dead of a heart attack. I was listening to the scanner and heard the call so I went to try and help but there was nothing I could do. I have tried to help his widow out as much as I can and was even a pall bearer. I have not been going down there unless she calls and needs something. My delima is he has a flatbed trailer that I am sure she will be selling at some point a long with several other items. I am not sure if it is to soon to ask her about it or should I wait until she mentions selling it. I feel almost guilty for even thinking about it, but I can see someone coming along and saying hey I would like to buy that trailer and her letting it go. I am not wanting a bargain I just would like 1st shot at it. Is it too soon to mention it?

I was in the same situation a couple of years ago in regard to a dear friend we lost to cancer who had a 94 F-150 with 4 wheel drive, low mileage in MINT condition.... I refused to bring it up even though it was mentioned by some. We visited her (and still do) and she brought up the fact that she wanted to sell some things. That's when I mentioned that I was looking for a pickup. Grieving varies from family to family and I would let her heart do the talking...which puts the timing in their ball court and doesn't look offensive. If it's meant to be...you'll get the trailer at a fair price.

Craig Clayton · Nov 22, 2010

I think all the members are correct, different strokes for different focks. By the sound of it you were friends with your neighbour. I am sure her mind is not even on the thought of machinery, but it will be on finances. I would approach her and say that you would like to by the machines which will put some cash in her pocket immediately. I would state that you are willing to pay a fair market price. Pay her up front with the condition that if she changes her mind in 90 days the machines all come back. All cash returned and things start over.
Craig Clayton