It can be challenging to assist your parents in preparing to sell their home, especially if they are elderly and may be having difficulty coping with the mental and physical demands of the process. You can help make the experience as easy and stress-free for them as you can, though, by being a little patient, organized, and supportive.
As your parents prepare to list their home for sale, consider the following advice.
1. Start by asking them why they want to sell their house, and then LISTEN as you do so.
To better support your parents' decision, you should be aware of the factors that may be influencing their decision to sell their house. Is a move being driven by new health issues, accessibility requirements, or a changing financial situation? Are they looking to downsize, move closer to family, or are they just looking for a change of scenery?
Be prepared for these conversations to become uncomfortable and awkward, and be prepared for your parents to withhold certain information from you. However, being aware of their true motivations will enable you to modify your strategy.
2. Ask them how they envision the sale going and what they need from you.
The sale will likely be difficult, even if your parents aren't doing so for the long-time family home. Making the decision to downsize or move to your "final home" is both exciting and terrifying, and it is made even more challenging if the move is being driven by deteriorating health or worries about growing older and losing independence. What is the ideal timing for the sale (and why), how do your parents envision it, what do they need, want, and expect from you, do they want other friends or family to be involved in the sale (and if so, what will be their roles? ), how do they want to live in the house while it's up for sale or do they want to move out first?
3. Help them organize, prepare, and stage the house.
Anyone can feel overwhelmed by a cluttered home, but seniors may find it particularly difficult. Help your parents sort through their belongings to donate or sell anything they no longer use or need. Then, assist them in staging the home by moving furniture, clearing clutter from surfaces, and incorporating a few easy touches like fresh flowers and fragrant candles to make the room more inviting.
Better yet, hire a REALTOR early on to hasten the house preparation process and lessen stress. Excellent real estate agents have the contacts and industry resources to help prepare homes for sale quickly. Some real estate agencies in Toronto, like ours, offer in-house design and staging services as part of the commission. It's easier if someone else informs Mom that her beloved dining table is too large for the space rather than you, so you don't have to handle it all yourself.
4. Lend a hand with small maintenance and repair jobs.
Your parents' home probably needs a few small maintenance and repair jobs before they decide to sell it. These might involve repainting walls, replacing broken tiles, or repairing leaky faucets. Offer to assist with these tasks or, if necessary, hire professionals.
5. Assist them in selecting a qualified real estate agent.
Finding the ideal realtor to assist your elderly parents in selling their house can be a difficult task. Your parents might be surprised at how much the procedure has changed if they haven't sold a house in the last 20 years (or sometimes, ever). You can choose a great REALTOR for your parents by doing some online research, reading reviews, and asking your friends for recommendations. You can also offer to contact the agents and help with the interviewing process.
You should seek out a REALTOR who has experience working with seniors and is aware of their particular needs. You should also look for someone who provides the services that are important to both you and your parents and who has a good rapport with all the parties involved in the sale.
6. Assist them in navigating the paperwork, technology, and laws.
For anyone, let alone senior citizens, selling a home involves a lot of paperwork and legalities that can be overwhelming. Although it is the REALTOR's responsibility to ensure that your parents are aware of the sale process and the paperwork they are signing, don't be hesitant to ask the agent to repeat or clarify anything. Ask on your parents' behalf if they seem to be too afraid to do so. Additionally, keep in mind that many agents use electronic signatures, which some older people may find intimidating or outright impossible. Don't forget to inquire about any technology that might be necessary during the sale process as well as what other options are offered.
7. Give them emotional support.
Selling a home can be a difficult emotional process, especially if your parents have lived there for a long time and have many fond memories of it. As they go through this trying transition, be there to listen and provide support.
There are numerous things you can do to lessen your parents' stress as they sell their house. They'll appreciate your assistance if you're patient, sympathetic, and understanding throughout the process.
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