I’m Selling My Parents’ House and I Don’t Know Where to Start!

Selling your parents’ house can be challenging, and it often comes with mixed emotions. You might be feeling torn between sorting through years of family memories, decluttering the space, and the thought of moving on from the property.

As Sarah Tiplady, co-founder of Auckland Real Estate Agents, shares:

“Having personally gone through the experience of selling my own parents’ house in Epsom, I understand how challenging it can be. It’s not just about the practical task of packing and presenting a house for sale, but also about sorting through memories, organizing belongings, and coming to terms with the change. It can be a lot to handle, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to feel like you’re carrying the weight alone.”

We understand that selling a family home involves more than just cleaning and listing a property. It’s about making the transition as smooth as possible while being mindful of the family’s emotional needs.

When it comes to selling a family home, one of the first things we recommend is sitting down with your family to discuss your options. Having an open conversation about everyone’s expectations can help clarify things early on. Each family member might have different ideas about the speed of the process, the sale price, or what the home’s value should be.

It’s also crucial to seek independent legal advice during this time. Understanding the legal steps—such as probate—can help you navigate the process with clarity. Setting realistic time frames and communicating those expectations across the family can go a long way in reducing stress.

We also recommend reaching out to a real estate agent early in the process. Speaking to an agent can give you a clearer picture of what needs to be done to the house, as well as the costs, timing, and the market conditions. Getting early advice on the best time to hit the market and what improvements are worth doing can help you make decisions about the house that will maximize your return.

When it comes to preparing the property for sale, it’s important to assess what maintenance or improvements need to be made. Sometimes, spending money on major repairs or renovations isn’t necessary to achieve the best result. In fact, simple tasks like decluttering, improving presentation, or working with existing furniture to stage the house can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers.

As Sarah Tiplady explains:

“We’ve helped many clients who were unsure about whether to spend money on large renovations or just focus on enhancing the home’s presentation. Often, it’s about making the house look its best without over-investing in projects that may not have a return. A fresh coat of paint, decluttering, partial staging, or some landscaping can do wonders without breaking the bank.”

By talking to your real estate agent early, you can decide what level of presentation or staging will suit the property. We often recommend partial staging, which helps showcase the home’s potential without overwhelming the original style of the property. We can also advise on any light landscaping to enhance the curb appeal, making the home more attractive to a wider audience.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind when preparing a family home for sale:

1. Sit Down with Your Family: Discuss everyone’s expectations and get a clear idea of your goals for the sale.

2. Seek Independent Legal Advice: Understand any legal processes that need to be managed, including probate.

3. Talk to Your Real Estate Agent Early: Get a sense of timing, market conditions, and the best approach for preparing the home for sale.

4. Evaluate Maintenance and Presentation: You may not need to spend a lot of money on major renovations. Sometimes, decluttering, simple repairs, and basic staging can give you a much better return.

5. Decide on the Right Time to Market: Your agent will help you understand the best time to sell based on market conditions and your unique situation.

While selling a family home is undoubtedly challenging, having the right team to support you through the process can make a huge difference. At Sarah & Julie Auckland Real Estate Agents, we’ve been helping families with estate sales for years, providing guidance, emotional support, and practical advice every step of the way. We’re here to help you make the right decisions, at the right time, and ensure the home is presented in the best possible way.

As Sarah says:

“We understand the emotional complexity of selling a family home, and we’re committed to guiding you with care and providing sound advice to make this process as smooth as possible. You don’t have to go through this alone—we’re here to support you.”

Additionally, Sarah and Julie have worked closely with Public Trust on estate sales and understand the unique needs involved in selling a property in these circumstances. Their experience working on estate sales provides an extra level of expertise to help you navigate the process seamlessly.

We encourage you to read the reviews on Sarah and Julie’s Google Business Profile, where many of their clients have shared their experiences working with them on estate sales and other property transactions. Many clients have praised Sarah and Julie for their support, empathy, and expert advice during challenging times.

If you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed by the process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sarah and Julie are here to help guide you through the entire journey with care, experience, and professionalism.