The End of an Era: Selling Your Childhood Home

By JACLYN LYONS | Special to the Palisadian-Post

You’ve just received the call: your parents are selling your childhood home.

Some people believe selling a house can be one of the most stressful events in your life. Even with the best agent, the process can be tumultuous and filled with difficult decisions.

But, when your parents let you know they are selling your childhood home—the house filled with your memories, the place you celebrate holidays, the house they’ve owned for over 30 years—it’s the end of an era.

Selling your childhood home is never just about the real estate transaction. I recently got that call, my dad was selling our beautiful Connecticut Colonial and moving to Martha’s Vineyard full time.

I was immediately flooded with emotions and anxiety over how we would ever sort through 30-plus years of memories. You can rely on your real estate agent to provide you services like professional organizers and packers, however, you will be the one with the sentimental task of sifting through memories.

My childhood home was brimming with knick knacks, antiques, mementos and countless “Oh, I remember this!” moments. There will be things that your parents will want to hang on to or that you will lovingly take to your home, but inevitably, there will be a lot of possessions that you won’t know what to do with.

It is very easy for arguments to arise between family members during this precarious time. Allowing enough time to go through your home will be crucial to avoid unnecessary stress.

Your real estate agent may think your home will do better on the market without your personal belongings. If you go to market as is, make sure you negotiate an escrow that will give you enough time to go through and move your possessions. You can also negotiate a lease back if you need more time. From personal experience, do not wait until a couple weeks before closing.

One option to consider is an estate sale, where each object finds a new home and purpose. There is something cathartic about knowing something you loved will be loved by someone else.

In my situation, the new family wanted some of our furniture. Imagine that! Pieces of our past becoming part of another family’s story.

In Connecticut, where my childhood home was, we don’t have developers wanting to buy our properties. Here in Pacific Palisades, your family home may catch the eye of developers. You are then faced with the big decision: Who do you sell to?

If you decide on another family, you may have to roll up your sleeves a bit. Ensuring the home meets contemporary standards often means making necessary repairs and upgrades. Modern families might be looking for certain comforts or efficiencies your home currently lacks, so be prepared to invest some time and perhaps a little money into sprucing things up.

Investors might come knocking with tempting offers and the allure of a straightforward sale. How will you feel about your cherished home facing the wrecking ball?

Some families will want to get the highest price tag, some will want a headache-free transaction and some will want to ensure their home will be a place for a new family to build their own memories.

Finding the right balance between financial gain and emotional peace is crucial, and finding a real estate agent that will support your decisions, and do what’s best for you and your family, will lift a lot of pressure off of your shoulders.

Selling your childhood home is more about transitions than transactions. The process can often feel like a roller coaster of emotions, swinging from nostalgia to anticipation.

As you venture down this path, remember to honor its history and know that every decision, every tear, every smile and every bittersweet moment is a testament to the love and life that filled those walls.

It’s the end of an era, but the beginning of a whole new journey.

Jaclyn Lyons is a sales partner at Amalfi Estates, whose team has sold over $2 billion in properties and was selected by Wall Street Journal as one of the top 10 teams in the country out of one million agents. If you are thinking of buying a home or selling your own, contact Lyons at 860-539-9835 or jaclyn@amalfiestates.com.