Estate Sales, Executors, & Real Estate

Selling a parent’s home is never just a real estate transaction. It’s emotional. It’s layered. And if you’re like most adult children stepping into the role of executor or decision-maker, it can feel like you’ve suddenly been handed the weight of both your family’s legacy and its logistics.

Whether you’re facing this process after the loss of a parent, or you're helping a loved one downsize or transition to assisted living, the decisions ahead carry both practical and emotional weight. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to figure it all out at once—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Start With Clarity: Know Your Role

If you’ve been named executor, you’ve been entrusted with a significant responsibility. It’s a sign of trust, but it also comes with legal steps—starting with the probate process, which gives you the authority to sell assets, access bank accounts, and ultimately carry out your parent’s wishes. Getting clear on your role early on helps you avoid common roadblocks, delays, and family disputes down the line.

If you’re not the executor but are still involved, understanding who has decision-making power—and who doesn’t—can save you heartache and friction later.

Before You List: Secure, Sort, and Strategize

Once the legal process is in motion, the next step is practical: secure the property. That means changing locks, forwarding mail, and ensuring the home doesn’t appear vacant. From there, take inventory—both emotional and physical. Which items hold sentimental value? What’s worth donating, keeping, or selling? This stage is often where emotions run high, so give yourself grace. You’re not just clearing a house—you’re sorting through memories.

This is also the time to bring in a trusted real estate professional—ideally one who understands the nuances of estate sales. A good agent will help you evaluate the home’s condition, provide an honest market analysis, and guide you on whether to sell as-is or invest in light improvements that could significantly boost the final sale price.

Emotion vs. Strategy: Finding the Balance

One of the hardest parts of selling a family home is detaching emotionally while making smart decisions. It’s easy to fall into the trap of under-prepping or overpricing based on what the home meant rather than what it’s worth today.

Buyers don’t see your memories—they see square footage, layout, and potential. Your job is to bridge the gap between the two. That might mean a fresh coat of paint, refinishing floors, updated fixtures, or simply clearing out rooms to make the space feel inviting, not heavy. The goal is simple: help buyers imagine their future in the home, even as you honor your family’s past.

Don't Overlook the Tax Side

Here’s where a common fear often creeps in: Will we be taxed heavily on the sale? Fortunately, heirs typically receive what’s called a “stepped-up basis,” which adjusts the home’s value to its worth at the time of your parent’s passing. In plain terms? If you sell relatively soon, there may be little or no capital gains tax owed. That said, loop in a tax professional to confirm the details—you’ll sleep better at night knowing where you stand.

Grace, Not Perfection

If this process feels overwhelming, that’s because it is. And that’s okay. You’re juggling grief, legalities, finances, and often sibling dynamics—all at once. Set realistic expectations. Communicate early and often. And when possible, lean on professionals who can remove the guesswork and provide neutral guidance.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to have all the answers right away. Start with the next step. Then the one after that. The right support—whether it’s an estate attorney, a therapist, or a Realtor who’s walked this path with other families—makes all the difference.

Selling a parent’s home may feel like an ending, but it’s also a beginning. It’s a chance to write the next chapter with clarity, care, and confidence.