If you’re considering selling your home before moving into assisted living in Orlando, you’re not alone — and you’re not without options. Many Orlando families are navigating this very challenge, often under emotional stress, financial pressure, or urgent medical needs.
As a local real estate investor and licensed agent, I specialize in helping seniors and their families transition out of the family home and into assisted living facilities — with dignity, support, and speed. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about selling your home to fund care, reduce liability, and simplify one of life’s biggest transitions.
Why Selling Before Assisted Living Makes Sense in Orlando
Whether you’re helping an aging parent or making the decision yourself, there are three major reasons families choose to sell a home before transitioning into assisted living:
1. Assisted Living Costs Add Up Quickly
In Florida, monthly assisted living costs average $4,000 to $5,500, depending on the level of care. While some programs help with costs, most residents pay out-of-pocket. The family home is often the largest available asset.
2. Vacant Homes Cost Money and Risk
Keeping the home after moving out means ongoing bills for:
- Property taxes
- Insurance
- Lawn and pool care
- Utilities
- HOA dues
Vacant properties also face higher risks: break-ins, weather damage, and code violations.
3. Medicaid and Estate Planning Require Timely Action
If you’re applying for Medicaid in Florida, homeownership may affect eligibility. Selling the home early and properly allocating funds can help avoid Medicaid look-back penalties.
Step-by-Step: How to Sell a Home Before Moving Into Assisted Living
Here’s what the process typically looks like — whether you’re the homeowner or the adult child making arrangements.
Step 1: Talk with Legal and Financial Advisors
Before you list or sell:
- Consult a senior care attorney to understand Medicaid, trusts, and POA rules
- Talk to a financial planner to ensure sale proceeds are used wisely for long-term care
- Review the deed and title to verify who has the legal authority to sell
Important Tip: If you’re acting under Power of Attorney (POA), ensure it specifically allows the sale of real estate. A general POA may not be sufficient in Florida.
Step 2: Decide How to Sell — Based on Timing and Condition
Ask these questions:
- Does the home need repairs, updates, or cleaning?
- Are you working with a tight timeline?
- Do you want top market value, or maximum speed and simplicity?
Here are your 3 most common paths:
Option A: Traditional Sale with a Realtor
- Best for homes in good condition
- Average timeline: 45–90+ days
- Requires showings, cleaning, staging, and repairs
- May net a higher price, but also comes with commissions (5–6%)
Option B: FSBO (For Sale By Owner)
- Avoids realtor fees
- May take longer and require marketing skills
- Not ideal for urgent timelines or distressed properties
Option C: Sell to a Local Cash Buyer or Investor
- Sell as-is (no repairs or cleaning)
- Close in 7–14 days
- Skip showings, open houses, and contingencies
- No fees, commissions, or closing costs
We frequently help Orlando families choose the best-fit approach — whether listing the property or buying it directly ourselves.
Step 3: Prep the Home (Lightly or Not at All)
If you’re doing a traditional sale, consider:
- Decluttering and depersonalizing
- Cleaning carpets or flooring
- Minor fixes (like paint touch-ups or replacing fixtures)
- Professional photos for the listing
If you’re going with a cash offer, no repairs or staging are required.
We’ve purchased homes in:
- Original 1960s condition
- Hoarder-level clutter
- Mid-renovation stages
- With code violations or unpaid taxes
Don’t worry about getting it “market ready” unless you want to.
Step 4: Handle the Move and Transition
Moving from a longtime home can be overwhelming — both emotionally and logistically. Here’s how to make it easier:
Downsizing Help
- Hire a senior move manager (NASMM-certified)
- Use estate sale services to handle belongings
- Digitize important documents and photos
Transition Timeline
If you sell to a flexible buyer, ask about:
- Post-sale occupancy (extra time to move)
- Assistance with storage, moving services, or estate cleanup
- Coordination with assisted living move-in date
We offer all of the above when needed.
Step 5: Understand the Financial Implications of the Sale
Selling your home before entering assisted living often raises financial and legal questions. Here’s what to know:
Capital Gains Taxes
- If the homeowner lived in the house 2 of the last 5 years, they may qualify for $250,000–$500,000 in capital gains exemptions
- Otherwise, you may owe taxes on profit — talk to a tax advisor
Medicaid Look-Back Period
Florida’s Medicaid program has a 5-year look-back on asset transfers. If you plan to apply for benefits, consult an elder law attorney before selling or transferring ownership.
Selling with Confidence: Why Families Work With Us
As a local Orlando-based real estate investor and agent, I specialize in helping families through transitions — especially those related to aging or health issues.
Here’s what I offer:
- Flexible closing timelines to match your care schedule
- Help with moving, cleanouts, and POA/probate documentation
- No-pressure consultations to explore every option
- Direct cash offers or full-service listings — your choice
You can skip repairs, showings, and long waiting periods.
FAQs About Selling Your Home Before Assisted Living in Orlando
Can I sell the home if I’m not the homeowner, but have POA?
Yes — as long as the POA grants real estate authority. Make sure to bring it to closing.
Do I have to clean or fix anything before selling?
No. We buy homes in any condition, including those with clutter, deferred maintenance, or needed repairs.
How long does it take to sell to a cash buyer?
Typically 7 to 14 days from the offer to closing. You choose the move-out date.
Can the proceeds be used to prepay assisted living?
Yes. You can apply funds to care directly, or work with a financial planner to set up accounts for long-term care expenses.
Final Thoughts: Selling Your Home Before Moving into Assisted Living in Orlando
You or your loved one deserve a smooth, respectful transition into the next chapter of life.
If you’re considering selling your home before moving into assisted living in Orlando, I can help you:
- Sell quickly, without stress
- Navigate legal or title questions (like POA or probate)
- Avoid unnecessary fees, delays, or repairs
Whether you need to close in a few weeks or just want a plan in place, I offer flexible, local solutions to meet you where you are.
Call or visit frankjrbuyshouses.com to schedule a private consultation today.
You’ll talk to me directly — no call centers, no pressure — just a clear, compassionate plan that works for your family.