Recognizing that your parents may need to sell their home can be a very emotional time for everyone involved. Helping them get it ready to sell can be even harder, especially if they are struggling with the physical or emotional demands of the real estate process. Hiring a REALTOR® like myself, who offers a Full Service Listing Process can take a lot of stress off of everyone involved. Here are a few tips that you can do to help the process be as smooth, and stress free as possible!
Talk, Talk, Talk!
Having as many open, honest conversations about the reasons to sell and why they may be beneficial. Take the time to listen to their concerns and reservations about the process, or simply about letting go of their home.
Ask Them What They Need From You!!
Having as many open, honest conversations about the reasons to sell and why they may be beneficial. Take the time to listen to their concerns and reservations about the process, or simply about letting go of their home.
Lend A Hand .. Literally!
Remember those bins of trophies from the soccer tournament you won when you were 10, time to take those home with you! A cluttered house can be overwhelming for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for seniors. Offer to help your parents go through their belongings and donate or sell items they no longer need or use.
** BIG TIP – Do yourself and your parents a favour by hiring a REALTOR® early on in this process! Some Realtors, like me, will help pay for the decluttering process, as well as Staging Consultations. This way you aren’t giving away a piece of furniture that will help sell the home!
Help Them Find The Right REALTOR®!
This step should be done as early on as possible in the conversation of selling your parents home. Many agents offer services that go above and beyond putting the For Sale sign up! Finding the right real estate agent to help your aging parents sell their home can be a daunting task. Your parents may not have sold a home in the past 20 years (or sometimes, ever) and may be surprised at how much the process has changed.
You’ll want to look for a REALTOR® who has experience working with seniors and understands their unique needs; someone who offers the services that are important to you and your parents; and somebody who connects with and respects ALL the people involved in the sale.
Client Testimonial On Selling Their Father's Home: "Tarynn Lennox Real Estate Services are first class and refreshingly professional. Their energetic enthusiasm from our initial meeting (for a free appraisal), throughout the selling process and until the final closing, never waned. They love what they do and go the extra mile for their clients. They rolled up their sleeves to move furniture, assisted their excellent stager, tidied up, turned water & lights on/off and arranged for a pre-listing home inspection. They ensured our father's house was looked after and prepared for every visit & showing. This was very reassuring as we live hours away. They set realistic expectations and effectively communicated (phone, email, texts & visits) throughout the entire process. They were so easy and comfortable to work with during our selling journey."
Help Them Navigate The Paperwork!
Selling a house involves a lot of paperwork and legalities which can be overwhelming for anyone, let alone seniors. While it’s the REALTOR’s job to make sure your parents understand the sales process and the legal documents they are signing, don’t be afraid to jump in and ask the agent to repeat or clarify anything. If your parents seem to be too intimidated to ask questions, ask on their behalf.
Support Them Emotionally.
Selling any home can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if they have lived in the home for many years or have many memories attached to it. Be there as much as you can to support, listen and comfort.
There’s so much you can do to help minimize your parent’s stress as they sell their home. Remember to be patient, understanding, and supportive throughout the process, and they will be grateful for your help.
