Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Selling Your Parent's Home

Chloe Dertinger  |  September 5, 2023

Selling

Selling Your Parent's Home

In times of change and transition, we understand the emotional connection that often comes with selling a beloved family home filled with years of precious memories.  Pair that with all the decisions that need to be made around clearing physical contents and what sorts of repairs or upgrades to make (or not), and the whole situation can feel downright daunting!

Ironically, these challenging situations are the ones I feel most proud of in serving my clients.  It’s a time where I truly feel I can make all the difference in presenting solutions, navigating direction and offering a more strategic perspective and game plan when things seem cloudy. 

Increasingly, the populous boomer generation is exiting their established homes, where many have lived upwards of 25 or more years.  The children of these aging adults often shoulder the responsibility of selling the home if the parent(s) can no longer live there independently or have passed away. 

Having not been the primary occupant of the home, questions commonly arise that descendants simply don’t have the answers to.  To limit the stress and complications surrounding unexpected obstacles, here are a few items I recommend preemptively researching to avoid being caught off guard midway during the sales process: 

 

Verification of Ownership

Step one is always running a title history confirming the chain of ownership for the parcel number.  We do this to ensure no unexpected persons or entities are listed as co-owners on the deed and to verify what liens, if any, are tied to the property.  Let’s not have any estranged family members or outstanding debts surprise or delay you in closing escrow and receiving your settlement.    

 

Easements & Property Lines

That title report we ran may also give us helpful information about what additional parties have a right to use, access or cross portions of the property.  Before we sell, it is important to understand any rights or restrictions other neighbors or utilities may have tied to the property.  Additionally, fence lines may or may not reflect the actual boundaries of a parcel.  Clarifying perimeters up front can save time and complications down the road. 

 

Permit History from Home Improvements

One of the top questions buyers seem to love asking is “Was this work permitted?” Let’s figure out how we are going to answer that question before it is even asked. Depending on local ordinances, home improvement projects may or may not have required a permit.  And despite these requirements, an owner may or may not have elected to pull a permit, or forgot to close out a previously pulled permit.  Regardless of permit status, knowing what renovations, additions or conversions an owner made to the property and identifying the details of that project and permit history in advance of sale is always a good idea.  

 

Capital Gains and Tax Implications

In the case of multiple named owners where the home is in a trust, the time of passing of one party triggers a reassessment of the property value.  Professionals can then be utilized to determine the new “stepped up cost basis”  which factors into determining capital gains tax calculations.  Consult with your tax attorney or other accounting professional for guidance in determining a strategy to maximize your financial return within the scope of current laws.  

 

Every successful sale includes an intentionally designed plan and strategy that is exclusive to the property.  Using a combination of local market data, insights from skilled vendor partners and previous client experiences, we’ll help distinguish the advantages and trade-offs involved with making or foregoing repairs or updates, selling on-or-off market, and when the best time may be to start the process.  Connect with a trusted professional, like me, to discover all the options and resources available to you.     

Bottom line, there is no one “right way” to sell a home. Your family's circumstances are unique, so it's important we start with a thorough conversation to better understand your specific needs, expectations and goals.  You need both information and support, because selling a parent’s home is just as much about achieving a gainful financial transaction as it is respecting the memories and emotions intertwined with the home.  

Remember, you are not in this alone.  Contact us today to take the first step towards greater peace of mind and clarity in making informed decisions in caring for the sale of a loved one’s home.  

Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

Selling

7 Questions Home Sellers Should Ask Before Hiring an Agent

Katie Moe  |  August 26, 2025

Too many sellers skip the interview process. Many do not know what makes a great agent great (and a weak agent weak). Your biggest asset deserves better. Use these que… Read more

Community

Spend Labor Day Weekend in the East Bay

Chloe Dertinger  |  August 22, 2025

From cultural festivals and food fairs to scenic hikes and lake adventures, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating Labor Day Weekend 2025 across the East Bay.

Connect with the Market

Selling Your Home Off-Market: Pros, Cons, and a Real Success Story

Jaime Hall  |  August 12, 2025

A comprehensive guide to selling your home off-market in San Ramon and the East Bay, covering benefits, challenges, and a fast off-market sale case study in a shifting… Read more

Community

Prep Your Home for Back-to-School Season!

Chloe Dertinger  |  August 7, 2025

Transition into the school year with these practical tips to get your home ready for the back-to-school season!

Community

Tri-Valley Events - August 2025

Chloe Dertinger  |  August 2, 2025

Discover August’s events in the Tri-Valley! From farmer’s markets and family nights to concerts, car shows, and food festivals, there's something for everyone in Pleas… Read more

Buying

3 Reasons To Buy a Home This Summer

Chloe Dertinger  |  July 25, 2025

If you've been waiting for the right time to buy a home, this summer might just be it. With more homes on the market, increased flexibility from sellers, and a shift i… Read more

Community

The Best Ice Cream Shops in the Tri-Valley

Chloe Dertinger  |  July 21, 2025

From classic soft serve to handcrafted gelato and creative local flavors, the Tri-Valley is packed with ice cream shops worth a visit. We’re sharing some of our favori… Read more

Connect with the Market

East Bay Area Real Estate Market Update

Chloe Dertinger  |  July 15, 2025

The first half of 2025 brought a mix of steady prices, increasing inventory, and changing market dynamics across the East Bay. Here's a look at how key cities performe… Read more

Community

Free Outdoor Live Music in the East Bay Area (Summer 2025)

Katie Moe  |  July 7, 2025

From Pleasanton’s beloved Concerts in the Park to jazz-filled evenings in Livermore and laid-back shows in Dublin, the Tri-Valley comes alive with free outdoor concert… Read more

Let’s Connect

You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.