Selling a house you’ve lived in can be loaded with emotions. After all, you’ve spent part of your life in the property and every room holds memories. This is especially true when you’re selling the family home. Many kids - even if they are grown up and haven’t lived in the house for years, find it difficult when Mom and Dad are selling the home they grew up in. Whether you’re a family member or their agent, here’s a tip to help deal with those emotions:

When we sold my parents’ home, we had a going away party for the house. The night before the closing, the whole family got together for dinner. We all sat on the floor (the furniture was already gone), ate pizza and told stories of what had happened to us in the house. Frank and I showed everyone the step where we had our first kiss!

A going away party for the home not only allows you to acknowledge and respect the feelings everyone is having, but it also allows you one more chance to make special memories in the house!