More Than a Move: Helping Families Through the Sale of a Loved One’s Home

This year, I’ve had the privilege of working with several families who are walking through a big, emotional life transition: helping a mom, dad, or even a great aunt or uncle move out of a home they’ve loved for decades.

These aren’t just houses. They’re the places where holidays were hosted, kids were raised, gardens were tended, and routines were built over a lifetime. So when it comes time to sell, it’s never just about real estate. It’s about honoring a family’s story while making the process as smooth and respectful as possible.

If your family is facing this season, here are some of the key steps I help guide families through.

Establishing Clear Decision-Makers

Before anything else, we make sure it’s clear who has the legal authority to make decisions. That might be someone with Power of Attorney, a trustee, or an executor of the estate.

Having one primary point of contact helps avoid confusion, keeps communication clean, and makes it much easier to move forward with confidence, especially when multiple family members are involved and emotions are understandably high.

Gathering Important Documents

Early in the process, we collect the key paperwork so there are no surprises later. This often includes:

• The deed

• Mortgage or lien information

• Homeowners insurance

• Utility details

• Trust or estate documents, if applicable

Having everything organized upfront saves time and reduces stress once we’re under contract.

Sorting Through Belongings (One Room at a Time)

This is usually the most emotional part of the journey, and it can feel overwhelming at first. I always encourage families to take it slow and focus on one room at a time.

Together, we talk through:

• What to keep

• What to share with family

• What to donate

• What may be appropriate for an estate sale

• What can simply be let go

I also connect families with trusted local resources for donation pickups, junk removal, and professional estate sale companies when needed. You don’t have to do this part alone.

Preparing the Property for Sale

Not every home needs a full renovation, and in many cases, selling as-is is the right choice. Other times, small updates can make a meaningful difference, such as:

• Fresh paint

• Carpet cleaning

• Simple landscaping or curb appeal touch-ups

My role is to help you decide what’s worth doing, what isn’t, and where your time and money are best spent. The goal is always to maximize value without adding unnecessary stress.

Marketing and Managing the Sale

Once the home is ready, I create a full marketing plan designed to reach the right buyers, including:

• Professional photography

• Strong online exposure

• Strategic open houses

• Strategic marketing

I handle showings, feedback, negotiations, inspections, and all the details in between, so families can stay focused on what matters most: caring for their loved one and supporting each other.

Support All the Way Through Closing

My job doesn’t stop once we’re under contract. I regularly coordinate with:

• Attorneys

• Financial planners

• Senior move managers

• Referring agents, when applicable

And I make sure the entire family stays informed along the way, so no one feels out of the loop or unsure about what’s happening next.

It’s More Than a Sale. It’s a Transition.

Selling a parent’s home is rarely just a transaction. It’s a milestone, a goodbye, and the start of a new chapter all at once.

My role is to carry as much of the logistical weight as possible, so families can focus on the emotional side of this transition with a little more peace of mind.

If you know someone who’s facing this situation, I would be honored to be a resource for them, whether they’re ready to take the next step or just need someone to talk through options with.

Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can offer a family in this season is simply the right guide.