Selling a parent’s home is never just a real estate transaction, it’s an emotional and often overwhelming journey. Whether your elderly loved one is transitioning to senior care or you’re selling a childhood home filled with decades of memories, navigating this process can feel daunting.

As a trusted Glenview real estate expert, I’ve personally experienced this transition. My family and I sold our own home last year, and I know firsthand how emotional and challenging it can be. That’s why I’m here to share eight essential tips to help you make informed decisions, minimize stress, and ultimately sell your parent’s home for the best possible price.

Move Your Parent or Loved One First

One of the hardest but most crucial steps is moving your parent or loved one before listing the home. From an emotional standpoint, this allows them to settle into their new space without the constant disruption of showings and offers. Logistically, selling an unoccupied home makes it much easier to stage, clean, and attract serious buyers who can envision themselves in the space.

Declutter and Remove Everything

If your parent’s home has been lived in for 30, 40, or even 50+ years, chances are it’s packed with accumulated belongings. Buyers want to walk into a fresh, neutral space—not a home filled with someone else’s memories.
Here’s how to tackle the decluttering process efficiently:
✔ Give family members a set timeframe (e.g., one weekend) to claim sentimental items.
✔ Donate usable furniture, dishes, and clothes to local charities, churches, or shelters.
✔ Consider an estate sale for valuable items, hiring a professional company to manage the process.
✔ Hire a junk removal service to clear out any remaining items.

Deep Clean Every Corner

Once the home is empty, a deep clean is non-negotiable. I’m talking about every cabinet, shelf, baseboard, and ceiling fan. If the house hasn’t been updated in years, there’s likely a layer of dust from decades past.
Quick cleaning tips to boost buyer appeal:
Remove all window coverings (curtains, blinds, valances) to let in natural light.
Hire a professional cleaning service to tackle everything from baseboards to light fixtures.
Eliminate odors—older homes can carry lingering scents from pets, smoke, or years of cooking.

Refresh with Paint & Light Fixtures

One of the cheapest yet most effective upgrades is fresh paint. Years of furniture placement and daily wear leave scuffs, marks, and faded walls. A neutral, modern color palette can make an outdated home feel brand new.
Best paint colors for resale:
✔ Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist – A warm greige that pairs well with wood finishes.
✔ Benjamin Moore Dove White – A soft, creamy white for a classic, clean look.
✔ Sherwin Williams Elder White – A subtle neutral that works in any space.
Lighting updates to modernize the home:
✔ Replace old brass chandeliers with simple, modern fixtures.
✔ Swap out yellow or mismatched light bulbs for uniform LED bulbs with the same color temperature.
✔ Add inexpensive flush mount or drum shades in hallways and dining areas.

Maximize the Garage & Storage Areas

Garages often turn into catch-all storage spaces, but decluttering and refreshing them can instantly add value. In my own parent’s home, I had the painter remove every old shelf, hook, and pegboard, then paint the entire garage white. It looked twice as big, and buyers appreciated the fresh, move-in-ready feel.

Showcase Hardwood Floors (If Available)

If your parents’ home still has wall-to-wall carpet, there may be hidden hardwood floors underneath. If so, removing the carpet is a game-changer. Even if the floors need refinishing, most buyers prefer original hardwood over carpet. This small update can significantly increase home value and buyer interest.

Consider Simple Appliance Upgrades

Outdated appliances can be a major red flag for buyers. Even if they still function, seeing a 35-year-old dishwasher immediately signals “expensive replacement” in a buyer’s mind.
Budget-friendly upgrade strategy:
✔ Check Lowe’s, Home Depot, or local appliance stores for package deals.
✔ Replace old, mismatched appliances with stainless steel options for a modern touch.
✔ Spend around $4,000–$5,000 on new appliances if needed—it’s worth the investment.

Use Professional Photography & Virtual Staging

Your first showings happen online, and high-quality listing photos are a must. A professional photographer will capture the home’s best angles, while virtual staging can help buyers visualize how empty spaces would look with furniture.
Why virtual staging is effective: