Selling the Family Home
Is it time to think about selling the family home?
Facing the task of selling the family home is often a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider. Does the parent want to move? Are they mentally capable of handeling the sale of the property? How do you pack up the years of knick-nacks? It can seem like an all together overwhelming process. The selling process can be an emotional time for the average home seller, now add years of love and memories to a property and the emotions compound.
An experienced SRES® real estate agent, like the Martin Group, makes this transition much easier. Sometimes, it is easier for an agent to have the difficult discussions with the homeowner. It’s our job to explain the importance of making a home “market ready” and packing up valuables, which can be difficult for a long-time homeowner.
How To Prepare a Home For Sale
Facing the task of selling the family home is often a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider. Does the parent want to move? Are they mentally capable of handeling the sale of the property? How do you pack up the years of knick-nacks? It can seem like an all together overwhelming process. The selling process can be an emotional time for the average home seller, now add years of love and memories to a property and the emotions compound.
An experienced SRES® real estate agent, like the Martin Group, makes this transition much easier. Sometimes, it is easier for an agent to have the difficult discussions with the homeowner. It’s our job to explain the importance of making a home “market ready” and packing up valuables, which can be difficult for a long-time homeowner.
Packing away the nick-nacks and eliminating clutter
- Often years of living in a home allows a build-up of treasured items. This can make homes appear cluttered. It’s also important to put away small items that can be easily “pocketed” or accidentally broken. You can sort items into trash/dontate/sell/rehome/essential. Essential items should be carefully packed away for the future move.
Cleaning for show and sell
- Now is a great time to start the moving/packing process. It’s important to clear out drawers and cabinets that have non-essential items. Rememeber, the public will be in your home and often look into drawers, closets, cabinets, etc…
- Remove unnecessary clothes from closets so that they appear larger.
- Appliances should all be cleaned inside and out.
- Work spaces should be organized and free of clutter.
- Be sure to have all medications locked away or remove them from the home during showings.
- Windows, walls and ceilings should be clean and smudge free.
- Be aware of food left in the fridge. Keep a close eye on the expiration date so that you do not introduce any unwanted odors.
- Keep any pet litter boxes cleaned daily.
- Click here for a cleaning check list PDF
Packing away the nick-nacks and eliminating clutter
- Keep plants trimed and healthy looking.
- Do not let grasses brown.
- Keep fresh/blooming flowers in the front of the house to add color
- Consider adding bark to dirt areas for a quick “refreshed” update to any landscaping.
What if your parent is not mentally capable of deciding to sell?
Commonly, an adult parent comes to a point when they are no longer mentally capable to make financial and life decisions for themselves. This can be an especially difficult time for the child caring for the parent. At this point, an elder law attorney is an important resource. They can help the family negotiate the difficult legalities of preparing trusts, power’s of attorney, and other necessary legal documents. Not all attorneys are created equal. Be sure when selecting an elder law attorney you should consider the following questions:
- How long have they been practicing?
- Why did they choose elder law?
- What percentage of their annual caseload involves elder law issues?
- What elder law issues do they handle most often/least often?
- What are your fees?
- Can they provide references?
Click here to print out Questions for Elder Law Attorney here!