The house needs repairs
You don’t need to fix anything before talking with us. We’ll tell you whether repairs are worth doing — or not.
For families in Kern County
Not sure what to do with your parent’s house?
Whether your parent is downsizing, moving into senior living, or simply can’t keep up with the property anymore, we’ll help you understand your options — including selling as-is or listing traditionally.
Quick answer
If a parent is moving out of a Kern County home, the family usually has two realistic paths: sell the house as-is (no repairs, no clean-out, flexible closing) or prepare it and list it on the open market for a potentially higher price. Harbison Buys Homes reviews the property and shows both options side by side so the family can choose. Only the owner or someone with legal authority — a power of attorney, trustee, or conservator — can sign a sale.
Families usually call because they’re handling two things at once: helping a parent through a major move, and suddenly being responsible for an entire house.
Video coming soon
You’re probably dealing with more than a house.
Decades of belongings
You don’t need to empty the house before calling. Belongings can be sorted, sold, donated, or left behind.
You live somewhere else
Much of the process can be handled by phone, text, email, and e-signature. We can be your eyes on the property.
Timing is uncertain
A fast closing is possible, but it doesn’t have to happen right away. The move comes first; the house can follow.
Two paths. Your family chooses.
Neither is automatically better. The right one depends on the house, the budget for the move, and how much time and energy the family has.
Sell as-is
- Minimal preparation
- No repairs required
- Belongings can stay
- One walkthrough, no showings
- Closing date you choose
- Price reflects condition and convenience
Best when convenience, speed, or condition matters most.
Traditional listing
- Property prepared for market
- Repairs may raise the price
- House cleared before photos
- Showings and open houses
- Standard escrow timeline
- Aims for full market value
Best when the house shows well and there’s time to prepare it.
When Harbison Buys Homes buys a property directly, Nathanael Harbison is the buyer — not the family’s agent — and discloses his California real estate license (DRE #02059393) in writing. Families are always welcome to have another relative, an attorney, or an independent agent review any offer before signing.
What the process looks like.
First conversation
A call or text about the house, the move, and who is involved. No paperwork.
Property review
A walkthrough — with you, a relative, or remotely by video. We note condition, belongings, and repairs.
Options side by side
An as-is number next to an estimated listing outcome, with costs and timelines for each.
Family decides
Take the time you need. Talk it over with siblings, an attorney, or a fiduciary.
Closing on your schedule
Escrow and title handle the transfer. Signatures can often be done remotely.
Questions families ask Nathanael.
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Common questions.
What happens to the house when a parent moves into senior living?
Nothing has to happen right away. Families usually choose between keeping it for a while, renting it, selling it as-is, or preparing it and listing it. The right answer depends on the home’s condition, what the move costs, and how quickly the family needs the proceeds. We lay out the as-is and listing numbers side by side.
Should we fix the house before selling it?
Only if the repair is likely to return more than it costs and the family has the time and budget to manage it. Cosmetic work like paint and flooring sometimes pays; big items like a roof or foundation often don’t. We’ll tell you which repairs, if any, make sense.
What if the house is still full of furniture and belongings?
You can talk to us before anything is moved. On an as-is sale, belongings you don’t want can stay. On a listing, we can point you to estate-sale and clean-out companies in Kern County.
Can I sell my parent’s Bakersfield house if I live in another state?
Usually, yes. Walkthroughs can be done by video, documents are signed electronically, and escrow can arrange a mobile notary where one is required. Many families manage the entire sale from out of town.
Who has to sign to sell a parent’s house?
The owner on title, or someone with legal authority to act for them — for example an agent under a durable power of attorney that covers real estate, a trustee of a living trust, or a court-appointed conservator. If you’re not sure who has authority, an elder-law or estate attorney can tell you. We can talk with any of them.
Do we have to decide right away?
No. Requesting options costs nothing and creates no obligation. Many families take weeks or months, especially while a move is still being planned.
How do we know an as-is offer is fair?
Compare it with the estimated listing result, minus repairs, commissions, carrying costs, and time. We show that math openly, and you’re welcome to have anyone you trust review it.
How do you determine an offer?
We look at the property’s location, condition, estimated repair costs, and what similar homes nearby have sold for. We will walk you through how we got to the number.
Do I have to make any repairs or clean the house?
No. If we buy directly, we buy as-is. Take what you want and leave the rest.
General information, not legal or tax advice. For questions about authority to sell, trusts, or conservatorships, talk with an elder-law or estate attorney.
Related
Ready When You Are
Not sure what to do with the property?
Start with the address. We’ll take it from there — or call (661) 472-7499.