kimberley has helped me so much on listing my family home
Let Our Specialists Help You Sell Your Mom & Dad’s House in DuPage County & Beyond
Expert guidance through a complex emotional and financial journey
The Help You Need Navigating a Sensitive Transition
Selling your parents’ home often involves complex emotions and memories. Whether they’re downsizing, moving to assisted living, or you’re handling their estate, we provide not just practical expertise but also emotional support during this significant life transition.
Why Choose Us to Sell Your Parents Home in DuPage County?
We Help Maximize Selling Price
Our senior-focused realtors have the expertise to accurately price your parents’ home based on local market conditions, comparable properties, and unique features. Studies show homes sold by our realtors typically sell for 15-17% more than those sold by owners.
Local Market Knowledge & Expertise
Our realtors bring invaluable insights about DuPage County neighborhood trends, buyer preferences, and seasonal timing that can significantly impact your sale. We understand what upgrades are worth making and which aren’t for your specific market.
Help Handling Complex Paperwork
Real estate transactions involve numerous legal documents and disclosures. We help you navigate these requirements, reducing legal risks and ensuring all paperwork is properly completed, filed, and deadlines are met.
Precise Professional Marketing
We have access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS) and deep professional networks. We create compelling listings with professional photography, virtual tours, and targeted marketing strategies to attract qualified buyers.
Honed Expert Negotiation Skills
We are experienced skilled negotiators who represent your interests objectively. We know to handle complex offers, counteroffers, and contingencies while maintaining professional distance during emotional discussions.
We Save You Time & Reduce Stress
Selling a home requires significant time commitment for showings, open houses, and follow-ups. We manages these aspects, screen potential buyers, coordinate showings, and handle inquiries.
client reviews
Straight Talk from Recent Clients in DuPage County
We’re so blessed to have earned such words of praise from recent clients in DuPage County and throughout Chicagoland. We look forward to adding you to our real estate family.
She is the BEST. Easy to work with, quick to answer any questions, and made the buying and selling process incredibly easy.
Peter Esau
Kimberly accommodated my every needs. Couldn’t ask for more when posting my home for sale. Thanks
Marcus Cobbins
Kimberley did a fantastic job selling our home. She worked hard for us and fought to get us the highest price. She gave us good advice and helped us through the entire process. She was very open, available and honest at every step. We would definitely use her again. We highly recommend Kimberley for all your real estate needs!
George Hogle
I love how Kimberly is so down to earth. She gets to know who she is working for and really stands in their corner. And is helpful and caring. I can’t wait to work with her more.
Shantell Lee
Kim is the most honest, trustworthy person I have ever meet! Her knowledge is impeccable and can’t thank her enough for the care and service she has provided me! Definitely recommend!!
Phillip Waltors
Excellent experience. Great follow-up and Kimberley answers the phone when you call.
Alcasid-Meyers Family
I have used Kim to represent me as a seller and a buyer and I AM SO GRATEFUL I DID EACH TIME! Talk about a powerful negotiator! She was also able to point me in the right direction for a mortgage lender who was able to give me a little bit of a lower rate. I will absolutely only be using Kimberley as my realtor moving forward!
Tammy Knigh
Works very hard for her clients. I’m impressed by how she makes herself available and is on top of every detail.
Positive
Responsiveness, Professionalism
Bob Floss II
FAQ
Selling your parents home can be an emotional time in your life and this often leads to many questions. Here are some answers to our clients most frequently asked questions.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for People Looking to Sell Their Mom and Dad’s Home
Answer: The best time to begin these conversations is before a crisis occurs. Ideally, start discussing future housing plans when your parents are still in good health and can actively participate in the decision-making process. Look for natural openings in conversation or use news stories about housing markets as conversation starters. If your parents are already experiencing health challenges or mobility issues, approach the topic with sensitivity, focusing on how a move could improve their quality of life and safety. Remember that this process often takes multiple conversations over time.
Answer: Acknowledge that selling a family home is both a practical transaction and an emotional journey. Allow time for reminiscing and storytelling about the home. Consider documenting memories through photos, videos, or a memory book. Some families hold a special gathering at the house before listing it. When sorting belongings, work in small sessions to prevent overwhelm, and involve your parents in decisions about meaningful items. Professional organizers specialized in senior transitions can provide valuable support. Throughout the process, validate your parents’ feelings of loss while gently focusing on the benefits of their next chapter.
Several key financial factors need consideration:
- Capital gains tax implications: If your parents have lived in the home as their primary residence for at least two out of the five years before selling, they may qualify for a significant capital gains exclusion ($250,000 for individuals, $500,000 for married couples).
- Impact on benefits: Proceeds from the home sale could affect eligibility for means-tested programs like Medicaid. Consider consulting with an elder law attorney.
- Reverse mortgages: If your parents have a reverse mortgage, specific requirements must be met when selling.
- Estate planning implications: How the proceeds fit into overall estate plans and potential gift tax issues if funds are distributed to family members.
- Senior-specific tax exemptions: Many states offer property tax exemptions for seniors that may have reduced their tax burden; these won’t transfer to a new property.
A financial advisor with elder care experience can help navigate these complex considerations.
Several legal aspects need attention:
- Ownership clarification: Verify who legally owns the home and how it’s titled
- Power of Attorney: If your parents have diminished capacity, ensure proper legal authority exists to execute the sale
- Capacity issues: If cognitive impairment is present, consult an elder law attorney about necessary legal protections
- Estate planning integration: How the sale affects existing wills, trusts, or estate plans
- Disclosure requirements: Understanding what conditions of the home must legally be disclosed to buyers
- Tax implications: Including potential capital gains considerations and required documentation
- Proceeds management: Setting up appropriate accounts for the funds from the sale
An elder law attorney can provide guidance specific to your situation and jurisdiction.
This is often the most time-consuming part of the process. Start early and work systematically:
- Begin with non-sentimental areas like garages or utility rooms
- Sort items into categories: keep, give to family/friends, donate, sell, discard
- For items with sentimental value, consider taking photos before parting with them
- Use measuring tools or apps to ensure furniture will fit in your parents’ new living space
- Consider hiring a senior move manager (National Association of Senior Move Managers) who specializes in helping older adults downsize
- For valuable items, get professional appraisals
- Look into estate sale professionals, auction houses, or consignment shops for higher-value items
- Allow ample time—this process typically takes months rather than weeks
The best next step depends on your parents’ health, finances, and preferences:
- Independent living communities: Offer maintenance-free living with amenities and social opportunities
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): Provide a spectrum of care from independent living to skilled nursing as needs change
- Assisted living facilities: Provide help with daily activities but not full medical care
- Moving in with adult children: Consider creating a separate living space for privacy
- Downsizing to a smaller, more manageable home: Single-level properties with universal design features are ideal
- Rental options: Provide flexibility without the responsibilities of homeownership
Visit multiple communities and ask detailed questions about costs, available services, and future care options. Many senior living communities have waitlists, so research options well in advance of the planned move.
This is common, especially when one parent is more attached to the home than the other. Approach the situation with empathy and patience:
- Listen to each parent’s concerns without judgment
- Involve objective third parties like their doctor, financial advisor, or a trusted family friend
- Consider a trial period with temporary accommodations before making a permanent move
- Explore compromise solutions like aging-in-place modifications if immediate safety concerns can be addressed
- Consult a family therapist specializing in elder issues if disagreements persist
- Focus discussions on specific concerns rather than general reluctance to change
Remember that forcing a move can lead to depression and adjustment problems, so continued gentle conversations are usually more effective than ultimatums.
Look for these warning signs that the current home may no longer be appropriate:
- Difficulty maintaining the property (interior or exterior)
- Safety concerns like falls or accessibility issues with stairs
- Problems managing daily activities (cooking, cleaning, personal care)
- Social isolation or decreased ability to drive/access transportation
- Medical incidents or close calls
- Financial strain from home maintenance costs
- Significant unused space that’s becoming burdensome to maintain
A Geriatric Care Manager can provide a professional assessment of your parents’ ability to remain in their home safely, while an Occupational Therapist can evaluate if modifications might address current challenges.
Look for these qualifications and approaches:
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, which indicates specific training in helping clients aged 50+
- Experience with similar situations and understanding of senior housing transitions
- Patience and willingness to move at a comfortable pace for your parents
- Strong communication skills and willingness to explain things clearly
- Knowledge of local senior housing options and resources
- Network of service providers (movers, cleanout services, estate sale professionals)
- Marketing approach that respects your parents’ privacy
- Sensitivity to both the emotional and financial aspects of the sale
Interview several candidates and ask for references from similar clients. The right realtor will demonstrate both professional expertise and personal compassion for your family’s situation.
This is where our local market expertise is invaluable. We generally, focus on cost-effective improvements that offer the best return on investment:
- Major systems (roof, HVAC, electrical) should be in working order
- Address obvious safety concerns and deferred maintenance
- Consider freshening paint with neutral colors
- Improve curb appeal with basic landscaping
- Deep clean and declutter throughout
Avoid major renovations like complete kitchen or bathroom remodels, which rarely recoup their costs in this situation. We can provide a data-driven analysis of which improvements are worthwhile in your specific market and price range. We have wide networks of contractors who can complete work quickly and affordably. We may recommend selling “as-is” to investors if the home needs substantial work. We can accomodate this option for you as well.
Common Concerns & Misconceptions When Selling Your Parents Home in DuPage County
Is a realtor worth the commission?
While the commission (typically 5-6% split between selling and buying agents) may seem significant, studies consistently show that seller representation results in higher sale prices that often more than offset this cost—plus you gain expertise, legal protection, and significant time savings.
Can’t I just sell it myself to save money?
For-Sale-By-Owner properties typically sell for less than those represented by agents (often 10-15% less according to National Association of Realtors data). Without MLS access and professional networks, you’ll likely have fewer potential buyers and less competitive offers.
Isn’t it just about listing online?
Effective selling involves much more than creating a listing. Pricing strategy, negotiation expertise, contract knowledge, marketing reach, and managing the closing process all require professional skills—especially when emotional attachments to a family home are involved.