Can I sell the house for my parent using power of attorney?
Answered by Chris Deutsch, Founder & Editor
Licensed Minnesota Realtor #20382264 ·
The short answer
Yes — if the document is right. You'll need a durable power of attorney that specifically covers real estate transactions, signed while your parent had the capacity to understand it. The title company will review the document before closing, so getting it in front of them early prevents a bad surprise on a good day. If the existing POA is vague about real estate, an attorney should look at it now, not the week of closing.
On stage The 60-second answer
Captions on · Transcript below
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Chris's video answer is on its way. Until then, the short answer above says the same thing.
The transcript posts with the video.
The longer answer
Two things that matter beyond the paperwork. First: holding POA means acting in your parent's interest, not the family's convenience — sale proceeds are theirs, full stop. Second: capable or not on paper, your parent stays in the conversation. I talk to the person whose home it is, always. The signature authority changes; the respect doesn't.
I'm not a lawyer — confirm the document with yours. Then I'll handle the rest of it.
The next department over
What people in this spot usually ask next.
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- Inheritance & probateWhy is title work slow on an estate sale?Read the answer
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From the editor's desk
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