Selling a parent’s home to pay for assisted living or memory care
The care decision is made, the move-in date is close, and the house needs to help pay for it. Here is how it usually goes on the Eastside, and what you can hand off.
Justin Cicero
Managing Broker, Real Broker, LLC
When you call, you talk to me.
This is one of the hardest moves a family makes. You are handling a parent’s health, their feelings about leaving home, and a house full of belongings, often while working and living somewhere else.
The good news is that the house does not have to be solved all at once. The move comes first. The house can follow, on a timeline that fits the care plan and the budget.
If the move-in date is days away: call first. We can usually get your parent moved and settled before anything happens with the house.
What happens first, next, and last
Every family is different, but most care transitions follow this order. Typical timing is shown, and yours may be faster or slower.
- First, week one
A call and a plan
We confirm who can sign for the sale (your parent, a power of attorney, or a trustee), the move-in date, and a realistic estimate of what the house would sell for and net. You leave with a written plan.
- Next, weeks two to five
Move first, then prepare the house
Your parent moves into the new community with the familiar things that matter. Then keepsakes go to family, and donations, cleanout, and any light repairs are scheduled. Selling as-is is always an option.
- Last, weeks five to ten
List, sell, and close
The house is priced, marketed, and shown while it is empty and easy to show. You review offers by net proceeds, not just price. Proceeds go to the care account, trust, or wherever they need to go.
Who does the work
You make the decisions. I coordinate the people who do the physical work, with a team behind the scenes keeping it moving.
- Move to the new community
- Senior move managers and movers booked around the move-in date, including setting up the new room.
- Keepsakes and belongings
- A set date for family to claim items, then estate sale, donation, or consignment.
- Cleanout
- Local crews clear what is left, and the family gets a record of what went where.
- Repairs and prep
- Only what is worth doing. We compare the likely net of selling as-is against light prep before spending anything.
- The sale
- Pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation, and closing, with updates at every step.
What it costs, and who pays
The commission is paid to my brokerage at closing, from the sale. You owe me nothing upfront.
Vendors like movers and cleanout crews quote before any work starts and bill you directly. Nothing begins without your OK.
At closing, the seller also pays the usual costs: Washington real estate excise tax, title and escrow fees, and any mortgage or reverse mortgage payoff. You will see an estimated net sheet before you list.
Need to pay for care before the house sells? I have relationships with lenders who offer bridge loan options, and I am happy to coordinate with your lender of choice.
Common questions
Should we sell before or after the move?
Usually after. An empty house is easier to show and to prepare, and your parent does not have to live through showings. If care costs need to be paid before the sale, bridge loan options may help.
Will selling the house affect Medicaid eligibility?
It can. Washington long-term care Medicaid (Apple Health) has rules about the home, transfers, and timing. Talk to an elder law attorney before selling or transferring the home. I can introduce you to one.
Do we need to fix up the house before selling?
Not necessarily. Many homes sell well as-is. I will show you the likely net both ways so you can decide whether any prep is worth it.
What if my parent cannot sign the paperwork?
A valid power of attorney that covers real estate is the usual path. Without one, a court-appointed guardian may be needed. See selling with power of attorney.
How long does the whole process take?
Often six to ten weeks from the first call to closing, depending on the move-in date, how much is in the house, and the market. We set the timeline together at the start.
Get the Senior Home Transition Checklist
The first conversations, the paperwork, the house, the move, and closing, in one plain list. Free, and emailed to you right away.
Get a clear plan for your next step
A 30-minute conversation about your situation, your timeline, and your options. You leave with a clear next step, whether or not we work together.
Justin Cicero
Managing Broker, Real Broker, LLC
When you call, you talk to me.