Selling parents rentals before death and keep the step-up basis of inheritance

[Chris Dee]

Hi Guys,

It's my first time posting here. So, please be kind :)  I am a buyer. I know a family with considerable real estate holdings who really want to offload the properties.  However, the parents are still alive (but sadly close to the end of life) so obviously the kids would lose the benefit of basis step-up if they sell prior to death.  Does anyone know a way to sell the property prior to death but not be hit with capital gains?  My thought was some kind of lease and option to sell upon death.  However, wouldn't that make me vulnerable if I make considerable improvement to property ? Anyway, any thought would be great.