Should I sell ? Where would I go? Should I repaint/carpet?

First, I want to acknowledge how much you are navigating right now. Caring for family members while trying to make financial and housing decisions can feel incredibly overwhelming. You're asking the right questions, and situations like this deserve thoughtful planning rather than rushed decisions.

From what you described, the most important thing right now is understanding all of your options before spending money on repairs or deciding to sell.

Here are a few things I would usually recommend looking at first.
1. Understand the true value of your equity
Since you mentioned having significant equity in the home, the first step is determining what the home could realistically sell for in today’s market. Once that number is known, a professional can estimate what you would actually walk away with after paying off the loan and closing costs.
2. Do not assume you need major updates before selling
Many homeowners think they must repaint the entire house or replace carpet before listing, but that is often not necessary. Buyers frequently make cosmetic changes themselves after purchasing. Sometimes basic cleaning, decluttering, and small touch-ups are enough.
3. Compare the cost of staying vs. moving
If HOA dues or maintenance are becoming difficult, it may be helpful to look at whether selling would actually improve your monthly financial situation. In some cases it does—but in others, as you mentioned, current interest rates and housing prices can make moving more expensive.
4. Explore financial and housing strategies
Depending on the situation, there may be additional options worth discussing with both a financial advisor and a real estate professional, such as:
using home equity to reduce monthly expenses
renting part of the home if possible
exploring programs that help older homeowners access equity while remaining in the home
5. Build a coordinated plan
Because there are health considerations and family needs involved, decisions like this are usually best made with a small team—an experienced real estate professional, financial planner, and elder law attorney working together.
The most important takeaway is this: don’t rush into spending money on large repairs or renovations until you fully understand whether selling actually improves your situation.
In many cases, homes can still sell successfully without major updates.
As a REALTOR®, I often encourage homeowners in complex situations to start with a simple evaluation of their home’s value and possible options, so they can make a decision based on clear numbers rather than uncertainty.

Charleston continues to be one of the stronger real estate markets in South Carolina because people keep moving here for jobs, lifestyle, and the coast. If you’re considering selling, ask yourself:
Are you planning to move locally or relocate?
Do you have enough equity in your home?
Would selling help you reach your next financial or lifestyle goal?
If the timing makes sense for your life, the market still offers strong opportunities—especially for well-prepared homes.

Cynthia,

This is a lot that you're dealing with; it's truly not a small thing.

With the realtors you've spoken to, what is the potential price you could get for your home? And would that sale price go a little further in a different state, knowing that you all must stay together?

Usually, paint and new carpeting are the number one things you can do to freshen up and prepare a home for a sale. I listed a home here in NV that went $5K over asking price, which was about the cost of the paint job, so the money was made back for sure.

Lastly, ask around for a good local lender to explain about home renovation loans that are available strictly for repairs on a home, to be paid back once sold. Might be something out there to take that pressure off...

Wishing you the best of luck.