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This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Darlene Duffett of Corcoran McEnearney, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Darlene at 703-969-9015 or visit her website, darleneduffettrealestate.com. You may also submit your questions to Corcoran McEnearney via email for response in future columns.

When your parents move out of their long-time home—whether they’re downsizing, moving into assisted living, or transitioning to live with family—it often falls on adult children to handle the sale of the property.

I’ve worked with 3 different sellers this past year that found themselves in this exact situation. It’s not just about paperwork and staging; it’s about managing memories, emotions, and the responsibilities of a life transition. If you’re facing this journey, here’s what you need to know, what to expect, and how to make the process manageable with confidence and care.

Understand the Legal and Financial Landscape

Before you begin packing boxes or calling contractors, it’s essential to understand the legal and financial aspects of selling the home. Start by confirming the current ownership status—whether your parents still hold the title, if it’s in a trust, or if there are multiple heirs involved. If your parents are unable to manage the process themselves, you’ll need to have legal authority through a Power of Attorney to make decisions on their behalf. In cases where the property has been inherited or is part of an estate, consulting a tax advisor or estate attorney is crucial. Getting these legal and financial questions clarified early will save time and stress down the line.

Begin the Decluttering and Sorting Process

Clearing out the home can feel like the most emotional part. Whether your parents have lived in the house for five years or fifty, it’s likely full of treasured memories and belongings accumulated over a lifetime. The key here is to work methodically and compassionately, starting one room at a time. Create clear categories: items to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Involve your parents if possible, especially when it comes to sentimental objects, and allow time to honor the emotions that may come up. You may also consider hiring a professional organizer or a senior move manager—especially helpful if you’re managing the process from out of town. In one of our cases, we had a company come in to hold an estate sale and another to haul away the leftovers.

Assess the Home’s Condition

Now it’s time to look at the home through a buyer’s eyes. Older homes may have outdated finishes or deferred maintenance, and it’s important to identify which updates will provide a return on investment. I recommend walking through the property with an experienced real estate agent (like me!) who can advise on smart, cost-effective improvements. This might include painting dated walls, replacing worn carpeting, or enhancing curb appeal with simple landscaping. In some cases, a pre-listing home inspection may be a wise move, particularly for older properties, as it allows you to proactively address any major issues and avoid surprises once the home is under contract. The goal is to present the home in its best light while being mindful of your time and budget. Or, it may be just to sell it in “as is” condition. There are many construction companies that will purchase the home even with the contents intact. For some, this is the easiest way to a quick closing.

Create a Thoughtful Pricing and Listing Strategy

Once ready, it’s time to create a pricing and marketing plan tailored to the DC-area market. We usually do this based on recent comparable sales and current demand. If the home is empty or features older finishes, staging (either physical or virtual) can help buyers see its potential. Professional photography, detailed floor plans, and strategic marketing are essential. Your agent should coordinate everything—from marketing to showings to negotiation—to ensure the sale goes smoothly, allowing your family to focus on what matters most during this transition.

From Contract to Closing – What Happens Next?

Once your parents’ home goes under contract, it might feel like the hard part is over, but there’s still an important phase ahead. The time between contract acceptance and closing typically lasts 10 to 45 days, and a lot happens during this period.

The first step could be the home inspection, usually scheduled within the first week. Buyers may request repairs, a credit, or a price adjustment based on what’s uncovered.

Next, the buyer’s lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home’s value supports the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in low, it could require price adjustments, additional negotiations, or documentation to justify value.

Behind the scenes, title work, HOA document reviews (if applicable), and final loan approval are all in motion. You’ll want to keep the home in good condition until settlement day and make any agreed-upon repairs well in advance. Your agent will coordinate access for re-inspections, walk-throughs, and provide updates every step of the way.

Finally, as you approach the closing date, you’ll gather necessary documents, sign paperwork, and hand off the keys. Once the transaction is complete, funds are disbursed, and the home is officially sold, you’ll be able to take a breath—and maybe toast to a job well done.

Here is a quick checklist that might be helpful:

Legal & Financial

• Confirm ownership and title status
• Secure Power of Attorney (if needed)
• Consult with a tax or estate planning professional

Prep & Declutter

• Sort personal belongings (keep/donate/sell)
• Hire a junk removal or estate clean out service (if needed)
• Deep clean the entire home

Repairs & Improvements

• Repair visible damage (walls, fixtures, floors)
• Refresh paint, lighting, or flooring if cost-effective
• Spruce up curb appeal (trim, mulch, clean porch)

Listing Prep

• Hire a real estate agent familiar with estate or downsizing sales
• Stage the home (either fully or virtually)
• Schedule professional photos & create a marketing plan
• List and show the property

Darlene Duffett is a licensed real estate agent in Virginia with Corcoran McEnearney in Old Town, Alexandria. She is licensed in Virginia and Washington, D.C. She has built a reputation of partnering with her friends and clients throughout the home buying or selling process. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Darlene at 703-969-9015, [email protected], or visit her website DarleneDuffettRealEstate.com.

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.