[Read A Bit Blog] Strategies for Downsizing Your Home
In our “bigger is better” culture, there’s an expectation that each home should be larger and grander than the last. But life changes… divorce, kids leaving for college, or even the simple act of growing older. These changes can prompt us to find a smaller home that better suits our shifting needs and lifestyle.
Whatever your reasons are for downsizing your home, the process can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve outlined five steps to guide you on your journey.
And in the end, we hope you’ll find that less is more … more comfort, more security, and more time and energy to spend on the activities and the people that you love.
5 STEPS TO DOWNSIZING SUCCESS
1. Determine Your Goals and Limitations
The first step to downsizing your home is to figure out your goals and limitations for your new living environment. Some things you may want to consider include: Do you want to live closer to family? Are you hoping to cut down on home maintenance? Do you need access to medical care? In the case of divorce, are there child-custody issues you need to take into account? After you’ve answered these questions, make a “wish list” of features and prioritize them from most to least important. Feel free to contact us if you’d like any assistance with this process.
We’d be happy to sit down with you for a free consultation and assess the value of your current home so you can set a realistic budget for your new one.
2. Find the Perfect New Home
After you’ve established your “wish list,” we can begin the search for your new home. As local market experts, we can help you determine the type of home that will best fit your wants and needs. From family neighborhoods to retirement communities, we serve clients in all stages of life. If you or a loved one are in need of extended support, we’d be happy to share our knowledge of the local assisted living facilities in the area. Are you planning to relocate out of town? We’ll refer you to a trusted agent in your target area who can help with your search.
3. Sell Your Current Home
If you’re ready to sell your current home, we’ll begin the process of preparing to list it as we search for your new one. If you are facing major life transitions, we offer a full-service real estate experience that aims to remove as much of the stress and hassle of selling your home as possible. Additionally, we understand that many of our clients choose downsizing for financial reasons, so we employ preparation tactics and marketing strategies to maximize the potential sales revenue of your home.
A smaller home means less space for your furniture and other possessions, so you will need to decide what to keep and what to sell or donate.
4. Sort and Pack Your Belongings
Even before you find your new home, you can begin preparing for your move. You will want to focus on eliminating duplicates and anything you don’t regularly use. If you have sentimental pieces, family heirlooms, or just useful items you no longer need, think about who in your life would benefit from having them.
5. Get Help When You Need It
Moving is stressful in any situation. But if you’re downsizing due to health issues or a major life change, it can be an especially tough transition. Reach out friends and family members who can assist with packing and decluttering. If that’s not an option, or if you need additional help, consider hiring a full-service moving company.
ARE YOU LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE?
If your current home no longer meets your needs, maybe it’s time to consider a change. We would love to help you explore your options. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Related Topic: 7 Steps to A Seamless Move
New Century Real Estate is an energetic team that helps you fully understand the process of purchasing and/or selling a home. Be sure to ask us about savings available for local Hometown Heroes who buy or sell a home with a New Century Real Estate Agent.
