Helping a Parent Sell Their Home After a Move to Assisted Living

Moving a parent into assisted living or memory care is a big, emotional change. Very often, the family home needs to be sold to help pay for care, or simply because no one will be living there. Unlike an inherited home, this sale usually doesn't involve probate. It does have its own questions, and getting them answered early saves a lot of stress.

Who can sign the sale?

• Your parent can. If they're able to understand and make decisions, they can sign the listing and closing documents themselves. We can bring paperwork to them or use e-signature.
• An agent under a power of attorney can. If your parent signed a durable power of attorney that covers real estate, the person they named can usually sign for them. The title company will review the document early, and in Texas it typically needs to be recorded in the county where the home is located.
• If neither works, for example because your parent can no longer make decisions and there's no power of attorney, you may need a court-appointed guardian. Talk to an elder law or probate attorney as soon as possible, since this takes time.

Think about the money before you list

Sale proceeds can affect how care is paid for, and in some cases eligibility for programs like Medicaid. An elder law attorney or financial advisor can help you plan how the money is handled before the home is sold.

Sorting a lifetime of belongings

This is often the hardest part. A few things that help:

• Let your parent choose what comes with them to the new place first, if they can
• Give each family member time to pick sentimental items
• Use an estate sale company for furniture and valuables, and donation pickups or a cleanout crew for the rest
• Consider a senior move manager to handle packing and setting up the new space

Getting the house ready

Many homes that a parent lived in for decades need some updating. You don't have to do everything. We'll show you which small fixes are likely to pay off and which aren't worth it, so you can sell as-is or with light prep.

If the home will be empty, keep the utilities on, check that the insurance still covers a vacant house, and arrange regular check-ins.

We'll go at your family's pace

Southern Luxe Group helps families in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park and Bryan–College Station sell a parent's home with care and patience. Get a no-pressure plan for the property or call Trina at (512) 629-9050.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Please consult an elder law attorney about powers of attorney, guardianship and paying for care.