The photo does show flower buds which should be opening soon. The leggy and sprawly growth pattern is a result of the plant's growing toward the direction of strongest light. It can be trimmed back but will regrow in much the same way eventually. Rhododendrons are tolerant of shade but actually bloom better with at least some direct sun. In cooler northern climates like MI, many varieties can tolerate full sun that would be too hot in more southern areas. Besides which, the top photo shows a good deal of shade. This is what the rhododendron is leaning away from. Even a large rhododendron like this one would be possible to dig out and move. If you want to donate it, try a local garden club, local chapter of the American Rhododendron Society if there is one or even a "you dig, you move" ad on Craigs List. Why not wait to see what the blooms are like, though. You may decide that the trouble involved in pruning, etc. is worth it. Living with the plantings around a newly purchased home for at least a year is almost always a better idea than making major changes immediately.

Great advise :) it bloomed last week--or that is, half of the branches bloomed! I guess garden overhaul will wait til next spring.