Helping My Parents Sell Their Home of 51 Years — And Why Estate Planning Matters

When my parents bought their Highland Park home in 1974, the MLS didn’t even exist yet. They raised our family in that home, lived through decades of memories, and lovingly cared for the space for over 50 years.

About three years ago, we started talking about the future. They weren’t quite ready to move yet, but we had the important conversations early — and that made all the difference.

They’d been on a waitlist for a local senior community for over 10 years and were still waiting when a new independent living community was announced. They put their names on the list right away and, when the time came, they had a place ready for them.

Because they had planned ahead, we were able to take our time and prepare their home thoughtfully. We made strategic updates, removed dated wallpaper, painted walls, replaced track lighting with recessed lighting — and gathered details for marketing that would highlight the home's best features.

Preparing the Home for Market

Since we planned to list in early spring, we took professional photos of the gardens during summer to capture the full beauty of the landscaping. We also had the home professionally cleaned, created a comprehensive list of home updates and had professional floor plans created to provide potential buyers with a clear layout.

On listing weekend, my parents planned to be away. We went live Friday morning, had two full days of showings, and two very busy open houses. By Sunday evening, we had multiple offers in hand and accepted one over asking price, with terms that best fit their needs.

It was emotional, but it was also smooth, thanks to our preparation.

More Than Just Selling a Home: Protecting Generational Wealth

As a Realtor, I don’t just help clients buy and sell property. I help them build, protect, and transfer generational wealth through real estate.

That includes guiding clients through home preparation, strategic pricing, contractor recommendations, and skilled negotiation, but it also means connecting them with the right professionals for the long-term decisions.

For my parents, that meant working with an estate planning attorney to create a trust. This ensured their wishes were clearly outlined for both their assets and their care. Now, multiple trusted family members are empowered to make healthcare and financial decisions, should the time come. Their legacy is secure, and their move was a major part of that planning.

Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference

I often hear people say “it’s too early to plan,” but trust me, it’s never too early. My parents' early decision to get on a waitlist and secure their future living arrangements made their transition easier and far less stressful.

Whether you're looking out for aging parents or starting to think about your own next chapter, early action gives you options and peace of mind.

Next Steps
📞 Schedule a Call | (763) 710-3484
Let’s talk through your options — whether you’re starting to plan or ready to make a move, I have resources for you! I’ll walk you through the real estate side and connect you with trusted professionals who can help with the rest.

📅 Join Us for a Free Estate Planning Seminar
Wednesday, May 28th | 12:00–12:45pm (Virtual via Zoom)
Featuring attorney Carrie Renner, this session will cover the basics of estate planning and why it’s essential — especially when real estate is involved. Register here!

Final Thought:
I consider it a deep privilege to help families navigate these transitions. Selling a long-time home is more than a transaction — it’s a turning point. And I’m here to help you make the most of it, every step of the way.

Kimberly Reeves
Realtor® and Real Estate Planner