Moving to a senior living community is often put off longer than necessary. Seniors may want a community’s amenities but are usually reluctant to part with their homes and other material possessions. If your loved one has chosen to move, this means selling their house. You can help with these tips:
Work With a Real Estate Agent
These days, you don’t see many “for sale by owner” signs. Selling a house takes many steps and a lot of paperwork; going it alone can be highly stressful. Support your senior loved one by helping them find a real estate agent. Look for someone with a real estate license who is very familiar with the area where the senior’s home is located. This means the agent will know all about surrounding schools, parks, and other amenities to mention to potential buyers.
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Ready the Home
Next, talk with the agent about how to prepare the senior’s home for sale. This may include minor repairs like fixing electric sockets that don’t work or more severe tasks like redoing the roof or installing new windows. Ensure the senior has a budget for any improvements or fixes. You can always try to sell the house as it is and then make adjustments as necessary if it does not sell.
“Simple cosmetic changes can improve a home.”
Simple cosmetic changes such as a fresh coat of exterior paint or having a cleaning company come in and do a full-house sweep can improve a home. The final part of readying the space is staging. Arranging the furniture, putting away personal items like family photos, and adjusting everything to make it a blank slate is helpful to allow potential buyers to envision their things and family in the home instead of just looking at someone else’s stuff.
Get the Word Out
The senior’s real estate agent will then begin marketing the home. A listing will appear on several websites to make it as visible as possible. The agent may also post about the home on social media or host an open house. This is a perfect chance for people looking to buy and check out the home without the pressure of a one-on-one appointment. Some homes sell on the day of an open house, while others take weeks or months.
Make the Move
If it is financially feasible for your loved one to move into senior living while their house is on the market, this may be a wise choice. Leaving the home with little notice due to a showing can be stressful for seniors as they have to be constantly clean and tidy. If it’s impossible to move the individual into their new unit while the house is on the market, consider offering the person a place to go during showings and signing them up for weekly house cleanings to promote a sale-worthy home that is low-stress for them.
