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Tips for Selling a Home for Your Loved One

Future Member Resources

Many of us have a loved one thinking about or making the move to a senior living community. Whether they’re moving so they can enjoy abundant opportunities to socialize and stay active or because they want the security of a continuum of care, most need to sell their existing home—and you may be tasked with helping them or doing it for them. Don’t fret; the good news is that it’s easier than you think when you know what to do and when to do it. Here are simple tips for selling a home for your loved one.

Four Hot Tips for Selling a Home for Your Loved One

#1 Plan Ahead

Once you know your loved one is going to be moving, start preparing. This frees up money to finance their new lifestyle. Their homes are most likely the single greatest asset your loved ones have, and the proceeds from selling may be needed to pay for their new homes and future care.

Starting the sale process early is essential. It gives your loved one time to adjust emotionally to selling a home they have likely lived in for many years. This allows them to thoughtfully choose what to bring to their new home, making the space feel familiar and personal. Additionally, they can take time to decide which items to gift, donate, or discard.

The key is not to rush. Allowing your loved one to move at their own pace helps them process this significant life transition. It also reduces the stress and anxiety that can come with packing and moving. Taking things slow ensures a smoother, more comfortable experience.

#2 Choose a Real Estate Agent that Specialized in Serving Seniors

A Seniors Real Estate Specialist (or SRES) is a realtor who has been trained specifically for the needs of clients aged fifty and over. This designation is awarded by the National Association of Realtors. SRES are required to complete a set of training courses on the specific real estate challenges and needs of seniors. They are knowledgeable and skilled at the many practical aspects of post-retirement home sales. SRESs also understand the timing of milestones associated with selling a home and moving into a retirement community. They can help guide you through the process and provide valuable tips for selling the home quickly.

The ideal candidate is someone familiar with your local market. They also have insights into your target buyer and understand what you need to gain from the property sale. You can expect them to:

  • Run price comparisons in your market
  • Price the home to sell
  • Give you advice on how to prepare the home for market
  • Have a network and marketing plan to attract buyer attention
  • Help you avoid hidden costs

#3 Consider Hiring a Senior Move Manager

A senior move manager is someone who can coordinate every aspect of your loved one’s move. They make the transition surprisingly smooth. The community your loved one is moving into may even offer this service. Of course, a move manager can do as much or as little as you like. For instance, they can organize, sort, and pack belongings. They can coordinate and remove items you no longer want. They can also see that they are donated, sold, auctioned, consigned, or any combination of these.

It does not stop there. A move manager knows the work does not end with packing. They can also help with the move itself, unpacking, and even setting up. Explore all the services available and pick and choose those that work best for you.

#4 Prepare the House for Market

Even the most well-kept and lovely home needs to be viewed through a buyer’s eyes. This perspective is essential before putting it on the market. An honest evaluation usually means you need to do some deep cleaning and small repairs and updates. For instance, add a fresh coat of paint on a scuffed wall, replace a corroded faucet, or replace cracked tiles. It will help buyers view your home as move-in ready. If the home is a bit dated, modest updates can make a big difference. Simple changes like new cabinet hardware, updated countertops, and stainless-steel appliances can offer a generous return on your investment.

 Any seasoned realtor or move manager will tell you this difficult truth. Showing a cluttered, lived-in home does you a disservice when trying to sell. However, anyone who has lived in their home for many years has most likely acquired a lot of belongings. The goal is to declutter and depersonalize. When a potential buyer is looking at a home, they are assessing whether it will suit their needs. They also decide if it fits them aesthetically. You want to help them envision themselves living in the home. To do that, remove as many of your loved one’s personal items as you are comfortable with. Removing just a few items opens up the space, allowing potential buyers to visualize themselves better while living there.

Lastly, if you have a room that does not have an identity, give it one. For instance, transform that spare room filled with boxes by turning it into a bedroom or a home office.

 The bottom line on Selling a Home for Your Loved One

In a nutshell, plan ahead, get the help you need, and be willing to make small improvements. If you do this, selling a home for your loved one can be a rewarding experience. It is also very important to keep your eye on the prize. Once the home is sold, your loved one will have the freedom to move into the senior living community of their choice.

At Jacaranda Trace, in Venice, Florida, we want our members’ move to our senior living community to be as smooth as possible—so they can start enjoying their new lifestyle. To learn more about Jacaranda Trace or to schedule a private tour, contact us or give us a call at 941-408-2050.