Ask Barb - Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers

Recently there was an article in the paper about the resale of cemetery property.  The author seemed to find it unique that a grave would be available for resale and that it might be listed in Craig’s list.  In our mobile society families rarely remain in place.  Just like our conventional home, families will place a property up for resale in a variety of ways. 

Here are some suggestions for you to consider if you have cemetery property you will not need in the future.  First make sure you have clear title to the property you will be negotiating on.  Check with family first and see if someone within your family might want to acquire your interment rights. Research your particular state and cemetery rules on exchange and sale.  You may find that some larger cemeteries will generally offer an exchange program within other cemetery locations as long as  there is a certain distance between property locations. If you choose to sell your property in a classified publication do your research on pricing and hidden charges.  For example, there may be a document charge to re-deed the property once it has been sold. Decide who will take that expense on.  Remember, people buying second hand will be looking for a value.

Consider this property as “long term-retirement real estate” .  when you sell a “home” there are emotions and paperwork that go into the final decision.  Just my opinion…share yours

Remember the age old question on “if size matters?”  We don’t  think it relates to decisions like cemetery and funeral planning but in today’s society it does! Over the years we have grown taller and considerably wider as a population.  Take a trip to a historic home in your community and step through a room’s door frame to get a quick reference point on how dramatically our population has changed over the years.  So what’s being done to adapt to this growing issue.

Manufacturers are now creating custom caskets for larger clients.  Much like the clothing industry there are traditional sizes with incremental larger options.  Larger caskets require larger burial vaults for most cemeteries.  Your local cemetery may require the purchase of a second burial space to comfortably accommodate a  larger client. Funeral and cemetery transportation equipment is being upgraded to accommodate the larger needs of our community. Even cremation equipment  has height and weight limitations that need to be taken into consideration.

As a family you will be encouraged to select additional healthy pallbearers to help with the service.  Expenses will be larger due to the custom nature of the products and services involved. Some facility doorways and isles may not be feasible for a service due to required space allocations. Sadly, some service options may not be available to a family at all.

My advise to everyone is to check out their options ahead of their needs.  If you qualify as a larger client now is the time for a realistic plan for your family.  I’m always planning to go on a diet but the spirit never seems to move me and-if you can reach a basketball net without jumping that’s not likely to change either.  Plans are much easier to scale back if your needs change over time.  Be prepared …not surprised.  Size DOES matter!

July 2,2010 John C. Metzler Jr. retired as Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery.  Metzler has served as the superintendent since January 14,1991.  “It has been an honor and a privilege to follow in my father’s footsteps and serve as the superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, and after 19 years here and 42 years of government service, I will be retiring..it’s truly been my honor”.  We send our thanks along with those of a grateful nation.