How to Sell My Parents’ Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selling a parent’s home can feel emotional and complex, especially if your parents are seniors, incapacitated, or have passed away. Understanding the legal, financial, and practical steps is essential to ensure a smooth sale.

1. Determine Legal Authority to Sell

Before you can sell, you must confirm you have the legal right to act on the property:

If your parents are alive:
- They must sign all listing and closing documents.
- If they cannot sign, you may need a power of attorney.
If your parents are deceased:
- The executor or personal representative named in the will handles the sale.
- Probate may be required to legally transfer ownership before selling.

Consult an estate attorney if you’re unsure.

2. Assess the Home’s Value

Understanding the market value is critical:

Hire a licensed real estate agent familiar with the local market.
Consider a professional appraisal for accuracy.
Check recent comparable sales in the neighborhood.

This helps set a competitive listing price and avoids undervaluing the property.

3. Prepare the Home for Sale

First impressions matter:

Declutter and depersonalize: Remove personal items, family photos, and excess furniture.
Make necessary repairs: Fix minor issues like leaky faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint.
Deep clean: Clean carpets, windows, and all living spaces.
Stage the home: Professionally staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices.

A clean, well-maintained home attracts more buyers.

4. Decide How to Sell

You have several options:

Traditional Sale with a Real Estate Agent: Most common; agents handle marketing, showings, and negotiations.
For Sale by Owner (FSBO): Can save on agent fees but requires more effort and legal knowledge.
Cash Buyers or iBuyers: Fast sales, but typically lower offers.

Choose the method that balances speed, convenience, and financial return.

5. Understand Taxes and Financial Implications

Selling a parent’s home may have tax consequences:

Capital gains tax: If the home has significantly increased in value since your parents bought it.
Inheritance step-up basis: If inherited, the home’s tax basis may adjust to its value at the time of death.
Outstanding mortgage or liens: Pay these off at closing.

Consult a tax advisor or CPA for clarity.

6. Market the Home

Effective marketing increases the chances of a quick, profitable sale:

High-quality photos and virtual tours
MLS listing through your agent
Open houses and private showings
Social media promotion

Highlight key selling points like location, upgrades, or large lot size.

7. Handle Offers and Negotiations

Once offers come in:

Review all offers carefully, considering price, contingencies, and closing timeline.
Counteroffer if necessary to maximize value.
Your agent or attorney can guide negotiations to protect your parents’ interests.

8. Close the Sale

The final step involves:

Signing closing documents (you or the executor may need to sign if acting on behalf of your parents)
Paying off mortgages, liens, or debts from the sale proceeds
Transferring title to the buyer

After closing, the home is officially sold, and funds can be distributed according to legal or estate requirements.

9. Consider Emotional Factors

Selling a parent’s home can be emotional. Take time to:

Involve your parents in decisions if possible
Keep family informed about timing and process
Allow for nostalgia and memories, especially if the home has been in the family for years

Balancing emotional and financial considerations is key to a smooth sale.

Final Thoughts

Selling your parents’ home requires a combination of legal knowledge, real estate savvy, and sensitivity. By understanding your authority, preparing the home properly, and working with experienced professionals, you can ensure a sale that maximizes value and minimizes stress for everyone involved.

Tina Jingru Sui 隋静儒

Associate Broker | Team Leader of TJS Team, Keller Williams

Serving Metro Atlanta — Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, and beyond