Every family's timeline is different. Here's how it often goes.

1. Start the conversation. Talk with Mom or Dad, and the people who'll help, about what's changing and what matters most to them.
2. Learn the options. Read up on the types of care in Washington (see the next guide) and write down your questions.
3. Get the paperwork together. Find the deed, insurance, tax statements, and any legal documents for the house.
4. Set the move date. Once a place is chosen, confirm the move-in date and what to bring.
5. Plan the new room. Measure it. Pick the furniture, photos and favorite things that make it feel like home.
6. Move day. Keep it simple. Have a small bag of everyday things ready, and plan a visit soon after.
7. Decide on the house. Keep it, rent it or sell it. Talk it through with family, and take the money and legal questions to your CPA or attorney before anything's decided.
8. Sort and clear. Go room by room once the move is done, at a pace your family can handle.

Tip: Write the key dates on one shared page so nobody's guessing.

This is what each type is. It's not a recommendation. The state's pages explain them best.

• In-home care: help that comes to the house, like personal care or chores.
• Adult family homes: neighborhood homes licensed by the state, usually for two to six residents (up to eight with state approval), with room, meals and personal care.
• Assisted living facilities: licensed community settings with more residents, offering housing, meals and personal care.
• Nursing homes: 24-hour supervised nursing care, plus personal care and therapy.
• Independent living communities: not licensed by the state for care; residents are generally independent.

Questions about paying for care belong with a CPA or financial advisor.

This part is emotional. That's normal. Go slow.

• Start with the new room. Pick what goes with Mom or Dad first.
• Let family choose keepsakes next. Take turns so it feels fair.
• Photograph things you're unsure about. A photo can keep the memory without keeping the item.
• Set aside papers like financial records, titles, tax returns and anything legal. Ask your attorney or CPA which ones to hold on to.
• Sort the rest into keep, give to family, donate, recycle and toss.
• For donations and recycling drop-offs, King County's "What do I do with...?" lookup helps. You can also call 211.
• Do one room at a time. Short sessions beat marathon weekends.

You don't have to fix everything. Some families sell as-is.

• Walk the house and list anything broken or unsafe.
• Clean and clear. Empty rooms show bigger. Clean rooms show better.
• Small fixes are often the ones worth doing: paint touch-ups, light bulbs, sticky doors, leaky faucets.
• Tidy the yard and the front entry. First impressions start at the curb.
• Before you spend money, compare both ways: selling as-is or doing a few fixes. I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you.
• Ask your insurance agent how the policy works while the house is empty.

1. Home value. We look at recent sales nearby and the home's condition, and give you a price range. It's an estimate, not a promise.
2. Prep. Decide together what's worth doing before listing, and what to leave alone.
3. Timing with the move. Some families sell before the move, some during, some after. We'll lay out the options so you can pick what works.
4. Listing. Photos, a clear description and a launch plan.
5. Showings and offers. We review every offer with you and explain the terms in plain words.
6. Inspection and closing. We keep everyone updated through inspection, paperwork and closing day.
7. After closing. Sale proceeds and taxes are questions for your CPA. Who can sign is a question for your attorney.

Selling is one option. If it's one of yours, I'm happy to help.

• Include Mom or Dad in every decision you can. It's their home.
• Pick one point person to keep everyone updated.
• Share one simple plan: dates, who's doing what and what's decided.
• Expect different opinions. Siblings often see things differently. That's okay.
• Bring in an attorney or CPA early for legal and tax questions, so nobody's guessing.

Do we have to sell the house before the move?

No. Some families sell first, some sell after, some keep the house. It depends on your family's situation. Talk to your CPA about the money side.

How do we pay for care?

That's a question for a CPA or financial advisor. Ask early. Once you have a plan, we can time a sale around it.

Who can sign to sell the house?

It depends on who has legal authority. An attorney can tell you what applies.

Will selling affect taxes or benefits?

It can. Talk to your attorney or CPA before any decision on the house. The IRS page on home sales is here: IRS Topic 701, Sale of your home

What about insurance while the house is empty?

Ask your insurance agent. Policies can work differently when a home is empty.

Can we sell the house as-is?

Yes. We can show you the numbers both ways.

What does it cost to talk to you?

Nothing. The home value and the first conversation are free.