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Lisa Dunn, SRES®, CSA®, CSREC · RE/MAX Results, Edina
How do I help my parent move without taking over?
Start by asking what your parent wants, then agree as a family on one plan and one point of contact. I'm Lisa Dunn, SRES®, CSA®, CSREC, with RE/MAX Results, and since 2003 I've helped Twin Cities families have this conversation, with the parent staying the decision-maker. The Adult-Child Starter Kit below is free, with no form.
How do I start the conversation?
Ask, don't tell. Start with what your parent wants their next few years to look like, and listen before you suggest anything. One conversation rarely settles it, and that's fine.
How do siblings share the work?
Pick one point of contact, then split the rest by strengths and distance: one sibling handles paperwork, another visits, another researches options.
What should we ask at the family meeting?
- What does Mom or Dad want?
- What are the must-haves in a next home?
- What's the timeline, and what would speed it up?
- Who has power of attorney, and where are the documents?
- Who is the point of contact?
What if they won't move?
Then the house may need to change instead. The Stay, Modify or Move scorecard is a gentle way to look at it together. Your parent stays the decision-maker.
Get the free Adult-Child Starter Kit
Download the Adult-Child Starter Kit (PDF). It gathers the questions to talk through together, tips for comparing places from a distance, and timing the house. No form, no email needed.
Your homework
Schedule a family call and use the questions above. See also selling a parent's home and selling from out of state.
Free 30-minute call
What's your next right step?
Whether a move is a year or two out or a few weeks away, I'll help you sort out what comes first. No cost and no pressure.