Helping a Parent Sell Their House and Move On

Few decisions feel heavier than helping a parent leave the home they’ve lived in for decades. Maybe the stairs have gotten too hard, a health change means assisted living or memory care, or it’s simply time to move somewhere smaller and closer to family. On top of the emotions, there’s a house to deal with, often one that hasn’t been updated in years and is full of a lifetime of belongings.

We’re As Is Home Buyers, a local company based at 1110 Pine St in Philadelphia. We buy houses across the city and the surrounding counties. This page walks through what to think about when selling a parent’s home and how an as-is sale can make the move easier on everyone.

First, a few practical questions

Before you sell, it helps to sort out:

• Who can sign? If your parent can make their own decisions, they sign the sale documents themselves, and you can support them. If they can’t, someone usually needs legal authority, such as an agent under a valid power of attorney that covers real estate, or a court-appointed guardian. An elder law attorney can confirm what’s needed.
• Will long-term care costs or Medicaid come into play? How the sale proceeds are handled can matter if your parent may need Medical Assistance for long-term care later. Talk to an elder law attorney before you sell.
• Taxes: Under federal rules, many homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for a married couple filing jointly) when they sell a main home they’ve owned and lived in for at least two of the last five years. There are exceptions and special rules, so ask a tax professional. IRS Publication 523 has the details.
• Timing: Does the sale need to close before a move-in date, or after your parent has settled in?

Local support for older adults

Each county has an Area Agency on Aging that can help with care options, in-home services, and planning:

• Philadelphia: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)
• Delaware County: County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA)
• Montgomery County: Office of Aging Services
• Bucks County: Bucks County Area Agency on Aging
• Chester County: Department of Aging Services

They’re a good free resource, whether or not you sell.

Why families choose to sell as-is

Getting a long-held home ready for the market can be a lot: clearing out rooms, updating the kitchen, fixing the roof, painting, then keeping the house spotless for showings. An as-is sale skips most of that.

• No repairs or updates. We buy the house as it is today.
• No full clean-out required. Your family takes the furniture, photos, and keepsakes that matter. We handle what’s left after closing.
• No showings. No strangers walking through while your parent is adjusting.
• A timeline that fits the move. We can often close in as little as a couple of weeks, or on your timeline, so the date can line up with a move-in or give your family breathing room.
• Help with the move. We can assist with relocation and moving.
• Cash before closing. We can sometimes advance part of the cash before closing.
• No commissions. Your offer will show in writing which closing costs we cover.

To be fair, if the house is in good condition and there’s no rush, listing it with an agent might bring more money. We’ll tell you if we think that’s the better path.

How it works

1. Call us at (215) 515-0702, or fill out the form. You can call on your parent’s behalf.
2. We visit the house at a time that’s comfortable, with as many family members present as you’d like.
3. We give you a written offer. Share it with siblings and run it by your parent’s attorney or financial advisor.
4. Close when you’re ready. A title company handles the closing. Ask about signing options that are easier for an older seller.

There’s more detail on our How It Works page. If a parent has already passed, our guide to selling an inherited house in Pennsylvania may help.

Neighborhoods and towns we serve

We buy houses throughout Philadelphia, from the Northeast (Mayfair, Fox Chase, Somerton) to South Philly, Roxborough, and Germantown. We also buy in Delaware County (Havertown, Drexel Hill, Springfield, Ridley), Montgomery County (Abington, Cheltenham, Norristown, Lansdale), Bucks County (Levittown, Bensalem, Warminster), Chester County (West Chester, Downingtown, Phoenixville), and South Jersey’s Gloucester and Camden Counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my mom’s or dad’s house for them?

If your parent can make their own decisions, they’ll sign, and you can handle the details alongside them. If they can’t, you’ll generally need legal authority, such as a power of attorney that covers real estate or a guardianship. An elder law attorney can tell you what applies.

My parent is still living in the house. Can we close after they move?

Yes. We can set a closing date that gives your parent time to move comfortably. Just let us know what timeline works.

Can you help with the move and all the belongings?

Yes. We can assist with relocation and moving. Your family takes whatever it wants to keep, and anything left after closing, we take care of.

Will selling affect my parent’s Medicaid or taxes?

It can. Sale proceeds may affect eligibility for Medical Assistance, and taxes depend on your parent’s situation. Talk to an elder law attorney and a tax professional before you sign.

Is it better to sell now or wait?

It depends on your parent’s care needs, finances, and the house itself. We’re happy to give you an offer so you have a real number to weigh, with no pressure to act on it.

We’re here when you’re ready

If you’re helping a parent make a move, call (215) 515-0702 or email info@asishomebuyersphilly.com. You can also start on our Sell My House Fast page. We’ll listen, answer your questions plainly, and give your family a no-obligation offer to consider.

As Is Home Buyers · 1110 Pine St, Philadelphia · (215) 515-0702 · info@asishomebuyersphilly.com · See or leave a Google review