Helping Your Parents Transition to Senior Living

Key Insights from Mortgage & Real Estate Expert Todd Galde on the Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast

Are you an adult child feeling overwhelmed as you help your aging parents transition to senior living in the Bay Area? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast, host Dale Corpus sits down with mortgage and real estate expert Todd Galde, creator of the Buy Before Sell program, to unpack the real-life challenges families face—and the solutions that can make all the difference.

Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the timing of selling a senior’s home is often the biggest barrier to moving into a retirement community

• How the Buy Before Sell program lets seniors move first and sell later, reducing stress and maximizing outcomes

• Practical tips for downsizing, prepping a home for sale, and choosing the right care option

• How to manage the emotional rollercoaster of senior transitions—for both parents and adult children

• The importance of working with the right professionals and building a support network

Meet the Guest: Todd Galde

Todd Galde brings over 23 years of experience in mortgage and real estate, following in his father’s footsteps and specializing in helping seniors and their families. After navigating his own parents’ difficult transition, Todd developed the Buy Before Sell program to solve the financial and emotional hurdles that so many Bay Area families face. His approach is rooted in empathy, expertise, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of seniors.

The Biggest Hurdle: Timing the Sale

One of the most common challenges for families is the “timing trap.” Your parent is ready to move into a beautiful continuing care retirement community (CCRC), but the hefty buy-in or upfront payment is due before their home sells. This can leave families in limbo, missing out on the care and lifestyle they want.

Todd explains that about 30–35% of seniors in the Bay Area have significant home equity but don’t know how to access it quickly enough to secure their spot in a CCRC. Traditional bridge loans and home equity lines often require income qualification—something many retirees can’t provide. The Buy Before Sell program changes the game by letting families tap into home equity based on the asset’s value, not income, so seniors can move first and sell later.

Downsizing and Prepping the Home—Without the Panic

Rushed moves often lead to hasty downsizing decisions and homes hitting the market before they’re truly ready. Todd’s advice? Work with a realtor who acts as a project manager, with a network of trusted contractors and resources. This gives families the breathing room to thoughtfully sort, donate, and prepare the home for sale—often resulting in a higher sale price and less stress.

He shares stories of families who, once freed from the pressure of a rushed sale, were able to stage and update their homes, attracting more buyers and selling for well over asking price. The key is having time and support, not scrambling to meet a CCRC’s deadline.

Managing Emotional Stress

Transitions are about more than logistics—they’re deeply emotional. Todd describes the relief and even tears of joy when families realize there’s a solution that lets their loved ones move closer to grandkids or into a safer, more supportive environment.

Adult children often carry the weight of decision-making, and having a clear plan can lift a huge burden. Todd recommends:

• Starting conversations early

• Vetting care options thoroughly

• Enlisting the help of senior care advisors and real estate professionals who understand the unique needs of older adults

Practical Tips for Families

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin conversations and planning as soon as the idea of moving comes up.

• Vet your options: Make a list of what your parent wants in a community, and tour several before making a decision.

• Build your team: Work with professionals who have experience in senior transitions—realtors, care advisors, and financial experts.

• Take your time downsizing: Use the flexibility of moving first to sort, donate, and prepare the home for sale without pressure.

• Understand the costs: Know the fees and interest associated with bridge loans, and weigh them against the benefits of a smoother transition and potentially higher sale price.

Ready to Make the Move Easier?

If your loved one is considering senior living and you’re not sure what to do with their home—or you just want to explore your options—schedule a FREE consultation at www.simplifyseniortransitions.com.

📲 You can also reach out to Dale directly on Instagram @soldbydale for quick questions or support.

Don’t forget to listen to the full episode for more stories and insights, and check out the transcript for detailed information.

P.S.

Got news or an amazing story to share? Hit us up at dale.corpus@exprealty.com and you might be featured in our next episode!

Watch The Podcast Here