Maybe it’s time to think about selling the family home. Here’s how to get started
By Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty
and Senior Mortgage Broker, Loan Factory
Maintenance is becoming a bit much. Utility bills are escalating. The old place just feels a bit rambling.
Here are some practical, up-to-date tips for selling the family homestead in today’s market, with a mix of strategy and sensitivity since it often carries emotional weight:
- Start with a reality check
Sell smarter: Keep more of your equity and get real about pricing. Don’t get gouged by big-box offices that charge 3% to list your home. Thanks to the recent NAR lawsuit changes, you’ve got options, and you don’t need to give away your hard-earned equity. I only charge a 1% listing commission fee, saving you thousands while still delivering full professional service. With more than 25 years of experience, I provide an accurate market analysis so you’ll know exactly what homes are selling for today, not inflated numbers from Uncle Joe’s sale 10 years ago. - Declutter with purpose
Buyers want to imagine their future, not your decades of holiday knickknacks. Keep a few tasteful pieces that show the warmth of the home, but pack away the rest. (Bonus: You’re halfway packed for moving day!) - Update strategically
You don’t need a full kitchen remodel. Small fixes – fresh paint, modern light fixtures, new cabinet hardware, and tidy landscaping – often bring a big return. - Stage the memories, not the mess
Highlight the best features: The porch where everyone gathered, the sunny garden, the cozy fireplace. You’re not erasing history, just presenting it in a way buyers can see themselves adding to it. - Get the paperwork in order
Deeds, surveys, permits, warranties – gather everything now so you don’t hit a speed bump mid-sale. - Price to attract, not to chase
Overpricing leads to sitting on the market and price cuts. Underpricing can spark bidding wars. Your agent can help you hit the sweet spot. - Be flexible with showings
The more eyes on your property, the faster it moves. Keep it clean, open blinds, and maybe bake some cookies if you really want to pull at heartstrings. - Consider the tax angle
Talk to a financial advisor about capital gains, inheritance issues, and how the sale might affect your retirement plans. - Lean on professionals
Beyond your agent, think about home inspectors, real estate attorneys, and possibly an estate planner – especially if multiple family members are involved in the decision. - Manage the emotions
Selling a homestead isn’t just a financial transaction. It’s letting go of a chapter. Allow space for the memories, but keep your eyes on the opportunities ahead.
Choosing a senior housing option is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of personal preferences, health needs, and financial factors. As a 25-year veteran of both the mortgage and real estate industries, I understand the complexities involved in making these transitions. My goal is to help individuals and families make informed decisions that promote quality of life, independence, and peace of mind throughout the aging journey.
If you’re considering selling a home as part of this process, I offer professional real estate services at a listing commission of just 1% – a structure that can save sellers tens of thousands of dollars. I’m here to help every step of the way.
Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty and Senior Mortgage Broker (NMLS: 14991) with Loan Factory (NMLS: 320841), is a licensed mortgage broker/real estate broker based in Rockland. For more than two decades, Korey has been helping seniors determine the best fit. For a complimentary consultation, contact him at korey@koreywelch.com, 781-367-3351.
If you have questions about building an ADU, navigating local zoning, or how it might affect your property value, I’m always happy to help. As a 25-year veteran of the real estate and mortgage business, I bring deep experience and a personal touch to every conversation.
