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You may have never dreamed this day would come, but sadly, both of your parents are gone and the time is now to deal with that emotional detail of selling your parent’s home. To some family members, this is a financial turning point. To others, it’s a time of grief and reflection, as they sort through mementos both painful and joyful. Some may feel that regardless of what comes your way, you’d much rather have them back at home, to visit around the dining room table one last time.

“Your Mother’s House” sounds like the name of a song—something like My Father’s Eyes. Selling a parent’s home can be one of the most emotionally and logistically complex tasks a person will face.

There’s more involved than just sweeping out the attic and sticking a “For Sale” sign in the yard. Often, the property has deferred maintenance, unresolved legal issues, and decades of emotional weight attached to it.

Significant expenses can arise before a property is even listed. Wills and family trusts need to be reviewed, and if any assets weren’t properly included in the trust, they may end up in probate—a process that can take a year or longer, depending on whether the estate requires full or partial probate.

Family conflict is common. Disagreements over entitlement to property, especially among siblings, can fracture already strained relationships. One family member may believe they deserve the home or land outright, while others rely on the legal structure of the estate. It’s essential that a single person be designated as the executor of the will and trustee of the family trust. Multiple decision-makers can cause conflict and delays.

In cases where a remaining parent is still lucid and able to understand and interpret legal documents, take the time to have those agreements reviewed and signed while they are still available to you. Have those conversations early. Waiting can lead to confusion and costly delays.

If you are a sibling helping a brother or sister who has been tasked with responsibilities such as power of attorney or trustee, the most important thing you can do is give them space. Let them breathe. Allow them to make decisions at their own comfort level. Micromanaging only adds strain.

One crucial area where support is especially needed involves tax planning. Long before the property is sold, identify a trustworthy tax professional who can help assess the potential consequences of a future sale. Understanding cost basis, capital gains, and inheritance laws early in the process can avoid surprise tax burdens down the road. Waiting until after the transaction to ask questions is a mistake. Be proactive.

Choosing a broker can cause conflict. Pricing disagreements and reverse mortgages add more complications.

Old neighbors may suddenly make claims about land or property, leading to disputes.

Before listing a home, a pre-inspection is highly recommended. This gives the family an honest look at the condition of the property and a chance to address issues before buyers find them. All documents related to the home should be gathered and organized—permits, service records, surveys, even handwritten notes—especially if they involve agreements with neighboring property owners.

It’s crucial to hire a real estate professional who is objective, detail-oriented, and well-versed in estate transactions. Avoid selecting someone out of loyalty or social convenience. The best agents view these situations as both a challenge and a responsibility. They should offer guidance, coordination, and the professionalism required to move a complicated transaction to closing.

Commission should be fair and responsibilities clearly defined.

A competent agent will also arrange for professional measurements and, if necessary, floor plans. If repairs or service work are needed—plumbing, electrical, roofing, septic, environmental, or landscape—the agent should supply referrals and be present when work is performed. Passive agents are a liability; engaged agents are indispensable.

Even with the right professional in place, internal family tensions can resurface. Distant relatives or emotionally invested grandchildren may voice disapproval of the sale or dispute the terms. It’s vital to remain focused, organized, and in control through the final walk-through and closing. If the listing agent becomes unavailable, unresponsive, or inattentive during key steps—especially near closing—it is entirely appropriate to demand full performance.

With planning and support, families can navigate the process with care and dignity.