Late to the party, didn't see the original post.
Based on public information,the house was purchased in 2013 about $198K; now
worth over $240K (appraisal value) owned by husband & wife. Mr. Pei had a
business registered in his name and used his residency address; doubt if he
filed tax return as Sole Proprietorship or set up a separate entity. The
revenues/sales of the business was less than $20K each year for the last
three years at least.
The house might have mortgage, sell the house may just get about $10-20K,
maximum $40K cash after all the costs; after at least one month. I
understand she wants to keep the house, full of memory; the cost to keep the
house would not be expensive in TX, about $1,000K per month with the
mortgage.
Somebody already calculated that she may get about $2,100/month from social
security, if she plans well, she should have no problem to keep the house.
The living cost in TX is low.
The sudden lose of husband, with two small kids, unknown future, might scare
her to ask for donation; some safety feeling. At least she needs to plan
for funeral, relatives travel cost as the most needed. Based on the business
revenues reported plus the purchase of the house, doubt the family has
emergency fund saved. Even there is life insurance policy purchased, it
takes time for the claiming process. She needs somebody to help her set up a
to-do list and take care of things. If there is a lack of cash, especially
if the husband took care of all the finances, no doubt she will be very
nervous at this time.
There is a local non-profit organization Tzu-Chi foundation, located at 534
W. Belt Line Rd, Richardson, TX 75080; Tel: 972-680-8869. She can contact
them asking for help. It has standard procedure for approval of financial
aid and may be find some local helps as well.
Feel free to transfer this post.
RIP
