Linda's Story - October 2026
Downsizing is more than selling a house. It’s managing the details so you can focus on your next chapter.
Linda purchased her home in 1998. Nearly three decades later, now in her late 80s and having lost her husband years earlier, she decided it was time for a change.
She was still active, outgoing and independent—but she was ready for less home maintenance, fewer responsibilities and more opportunities to be social. Independent living offered exactly what she was looking for. She wanted to make a move to Oxford Enhanced Senior Living.
The goal was simple: make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
At Swain Real Estate, we have systems in place when helping our downsizing clients because experience has taught me that the little details can become BIG problems if they aren’t addressed early.
And this sale was a perfect example.
The home was titled in a trust. Because I obtained a copy of the trust early in the process and immediately sent it to the title company for review, when an issue with the trust was discovered, we had time to address it and get everything resolved.
Then came a hurdle no one expected.
The home was located in an HOA community, which required a resale certification before the property could transfer. Just four days before settlement, we were notified that the electrical backboard on the exterior of the home needed to be painted before the HOA would approve the sale.
Imagine receiving that news while you’re in your late 80s, packing up a home you’ve lived in since 1998 and preparing to move into a completely new environment.
That’s exactly the kind of stress I don’t want my clients carrying.
I immediately started making calls. Fortunately, one of my trusted painters was able to rearrange his schedule, get to the property the very next day, complete the painting, and allow us to submit everything back to the HOA.
Trust issue resolved
HOA requirement completed
Resale certification cleared
Under contract in just 3 days
Sold for full asking price
Seller received her desired settlement date
Settlement happened on time
And most importantly, my client was able to concentrate on her move and her new beginning instead of worrying about all the problems happening behind the scenes.
That’s what downsizing assistance should look like.
It’s not simply putting a sign in the yard and selling a house. It’s anticipating potential hurdles, coordinating the moving pieces, having trusted resources ready when something unexpected happens, and taking as much stress as possible off the homeowner and their family.
After nearly 30 years in her home, she successfully closed one chapter and moved into a lifestyle with less maintenance, more opportunities to socialize, and more time to enjoy the things that matter to her. 
Thinking about downsizing but overwhelmed by everything that needs to happen?
You don’t have to have all the answers—or handle every detail yourself. From preparing your home and coordinating trusted professionals to anticipating potential hurdles and getting you successfully to settlement, I’m here to help make your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Your next chapter should be something you look forward to—not something you worry about.
Let’s start with a simple conversation. No pressure, no obligation—just a chance to talk about where you are, where you’d like to go, and what it would take to get there. Contact Me Today 215-757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com
Pat's Story - June 2026
From Downsizing Seminar to a Successful Next Chapter
When I first met Pat in April 2024, she attended one of my Downsizing and Preparing to Sell seminars. Like many homeowners who have lived in their homes for years, she wasn’t quite ready to make a move—but she knew she wanted to start learning about her options.
After the seminar, Pat received a copy of my book, Downsizing and Preparing to Sell, and over the next several months she would periodically reach out with questions as she considered what her future might look like.
In March 2025, Pat and I had a conversation shortly before she was scheduled for knee replacement surgery. During that discussion, she shared that she thought she might eventually move because maintaining her beautiful gardens was becoming more difficult. She wasn’t ready to make a final decision yet, but she wanted to start preparing.
One of the first steps we discussed was having a pre-listing home inspection completed. I connected her with a trusted home inspector, and in July 2025 she had the inspection performed. Later that month, I visited her home to review the inspection report together and discuss which repairs would be worthwhile and which items could be left alone. At that point, Pat believed she would make a decision sometime in early 2026. She had a trip planned to Florida to visit her brother and wanted to see how she handled traveling and being away from home before making any major life changes.
In March 2026, Pat reached out again with exciting news—she had made the decision to move to an Independent Living community and had secured her new residence. It was time to put our plan into action.
At the end of March, I returned to her home and we reviewed the inspection report once more to ensure all necessary repairs had been completed. Together, we created a detailed plan for preparing the home for the market. I provided guidance on decluttering, organizing, and prioritizing projects so the process wouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Over the next several weeks, I stopped by periodically to discuss furniture placement, presentation, and marketing strategy. Pat’s goal was clear: she wanted to maximize her proceeds while attracting the strongest possible buyer. We carefully discussed pricing, positioning, and how to create excitement before the home officially hit the market.
We listed the property at $625,000 and launched a Coming Soon campaign to build anticipation. Showings began on May 11, 2026. Just two days later, by the afternoon of May 13th, we had generated multiple offers.
After carefully reviewing all offers, Pat selected the most qualified buyer—one who waived inspections and escalated their offer to $650,000.
Pat was thrilled.
Not only did she successfully transition into the next chapter of her life on her timeline, but she also sold her home for $25,000 over asking price with favorable terms. The buyer, in turn, purchased a beautifully maintained home that had been lovingly cared for and thoughtfully updated over the years.
Pat’s story is a perfect example of why planning ahead matters. By starting the conversation nearly two years before she was ready to move, she was able to make informed decisions, complete repairs strategically, prepare her home properly, and ultimately achieve an exceptional result when the time came to sell.
Sometimes the best real estate decisions aren’t made in a rush—they’re made with a plan.
Are You Wondering If It’s Time to Make a Move? Contact me today for a Free Copy of my book, “Downsizing and Preparing to Sell.”
Contact me at TheSwainTeam@gmail.com of 215-757-7257.
Dave & Rhonda's Story - November 2024
Success Story: 197 Colonial Dr, Langhorne, Pa
SOLD for $22,000 Above Asking
3 Offers
Sellers Desired Settlement Date
No Inspections
Appraisal Contingency was waived
Conventional Offer 20% Down
I first met Dave & Rhonda 5 years ago when they contacted me to explore their downsizing options. We sat down and reviewed there different options and began to look at local 55+ communities. Dave & Rhonda liked The Villages of Flowers Mill the most yet they weren’t sure if a move was right for them just yet. We looked at several models in the community but it just didn’t feel right. And I told them that I understand this is a HUGE decision as they have lived in their home for 40 years and that is where they raised their son. I reassured them that first and foremost they need to be comfortable with the move and it feel right. I kept in touch with them over the years. In February 2024 I invited them out to one of my Home Selling Seminars and they stopped in. It was great to catch up with them and learn that they were once again thinking about making a move. Their move would either be to their son’s home or to a Continuing Care Community. Shortly, after that I went out to their home for a Home Salability Assessment and gave them tips on what should be done to sell. They were getting the ball rolling while they were touring different Continuing Care Communities. In July of 2024, they decided on Southampton Estates. We sat down and met and created a marketed strategy and got a plan together to make things as stress free as possible for them.
NEEDLESS TO SAY Dave & Rhonda WAS THRILLED!
If you are considering making a move, reach out to me at 267-397-6291 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com and
I can give you tips and tricks on how to drive your demand through the ROOF and Net You the Most!
Our Marketing Strategy
1. Utilized the Coming Soon Strategy for 3 Days and lined up the Showings
Advertised EVERYWHERE ONLINE with a “Coming Soon Announcement” after Professional Pictures were done.
The home had an AWESOME buzz going. “Coming Soon.” Wow what a response!
The key with my Coming Soon Strategy is to build demand up for the home. So that we receive inquiries
and generate scheduled showings. And we did exactly that & more!
2. Demand is THROUGH THE. ROOF
- Realtors are calling, texting and emailing me. The home went on the market on a Monday Morning.
- Social media was buzzing
- Over 20 showings in 3 Days
3. Home Hits the Market
- 3 Offers
- Sellers Desired Settlement Date
- Bidding War
- No inspections
The bottom line is every home sale is different.
Choose an agent who thinks outside the box to help drive demand up! Higher Demand = More Money in Your Pocket!
Sure every home will sell in this market BUT you could net more with the right agent!
If you are considering making a move, reach out to me at 215-757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com and
I can give you tips and tricks on how to drive your demand through the ROOF and Net You the Most!
Ken's Story - August 2024
I met a gentlemen, Ken, in the beginning January of 2023 who was ready to make a move to a 55+ Community yet he was unsure of what community would be the best fit for him. He made an appointment with me and I sat down with him and listened to his needs and wants. He told me he wanted two bedrooms, two bathrooms, space for storage, a gated community, and a larger community that was active. So we discussed different options and we settled on The Village of Flowers Mill. And the search began!
The Village of Flowers Mill offers three styles of homes: The Quad Models, The Twin and the Single Family Homes. While talking to Ken I identified exact which floor plans would work for him. As homes hit the market we went over to take a look. He quickly realized that I had his best interest at heart and he trusted me. I would tell him point blank on the phone, “Ken this house is not what you want.” I don’t want to sell someone a home they don’t like or want. It takes time to figure out what your next move is. Especially if you have lived in your home for years. You want to make the right move.
Finally, after looking for a year and a half the perfect home hit the market! Ken put his best foot forward and put in an amazing offer the seller could not refuse. The real estate market in The Village of Flowers Mill is very competitive. There is a high demand for the community given the amenities, location and price point. We had been watching the market rise over the later 18 months and it was time! He couldn’t be happier! Ken got a beautifully maintained home from an owner who loved and cared for their home.
If you want to hear what residents are saying about The Village of Flowers Mill click here to watch as I interview past clients and get their thoughts directly about the community.
If you are looking to downsize or rightsize hire an agent who you can trust. Someone who will sit down with you and listen to your needs and wants. Someone who is knowledgeable and who has your best interests at heart. Call me directly at (215) 757-7257.
Karen & Matt's Story - August 2024
I met Karen & Matt at a Home Selling Seminar in February of 2023. They were starting to toy with the idea of moving to North Carolina and buying new construction. I was out to visit them and do a Home Salability Assessment. This is where I give clients tips and tricks on how to net the most for their home. They did a little painting and some carpet cleaning. Karen & Matt wanted to prepare to sell so that they could net the most
We announced it was Coming Soon to the Market on a Monday and showings started the following Monday. WOW What a response!
SOLD for $5,000 Above Asking
3 Offers
Sellers Desired Settlement Date
No Inspections
Appraisal Contingency was waived
Conventional Offer 20% Down
NEEDLESS TO SAY JOHN WAS THRILLED!
If you are considering making a move, reach out to me at 215-757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com and
I can give you tips and tricks on how to drive your demand through the ROOF and Net You the Most!
Our Marketing Strategy
1. Utilized the Coming Soon Strategy for 3 Days and lined up the Showings
– Advertised EVERYWHERE ONLINE with a “Coming Soon Announcement” after Professional Pictures were done.
The key with my Coming Soon Strategy is to build demand up for the home. So that we receive inquiries
and generate scheduled showings. And we did exactly that & more!
2. Demand is THROUGH THE. ROOF
– Realtors are calling, texting and emailing me. The home went on the market on a Monday Morning.
– Social media was buzzing
– Over 15 showings in 3 Days
3. Home Hits the Market
– 3 Offers
– Sellers Desired Settlement Date
– Bidding War
-No inspections
The bottom line is every home sale is different.
Choose an agent who thinks outside the box to help drive demand up! Higher Demand = More Money in Your Pocket!
Sure every home will sell in this market BUT you could net more with the right agent!
If you are considering making a move, reach out to me at 215-757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com and
I can give you tips and tricks on how to drive your demand through the ROOF and Net You the Most!
Sandy & Steve's Story - July 2023
I first met Sandy and Steve at a home selling seminar I hosted at the Northampton Library in 2017. They were in a large home in Richboro, PA and were starting to think about downsizing. I visited the home in 2018 and did a Home Salability Assessment for them and gave them tips and tricks on how to prepare for the market when they were ready.
There daughter moved to Delaware and they began to think it was getting close to being time to move. In 2021, they called me out again and they had been working on decluttering and BOY WHAT A DIFFERENCE! It still wasn’t time yet though. They weren’t ready to leave their home of 35 years. And I get that!
Sandy and Steve called me again in 2023 and said this is it! We are going to move and want to be living in Delaware by the end of September. Because their daughter was going to have their 2nd grandchild and they wanted to be there.
So at the end o
f April 2023 we sat down and reviewed financing to create the best strategy for them and their needs. First, we walked through the home and created a final staging plan to prepare that home for the market. Second, we looked at the prices of the houses they wanted to buy and how put them in the best position possible so that they could secure PERFECT next home for them. After reviewing their finances we decided that they needed to sell first to be able to buy. And they would be up against cash buyers so they needed cash. BUT moving twice is expensive and not to mention tiring. So we devised a selling strategy to find the most flexible buyer and net the most and that is what we did!
SOLD for $60,000 Above Asking
$11 Offers
Sellers Able to stay in home till they find a home
No Inspections
Accepted Well Above Asking Price
Appraisal Contingency was waived
Hire an agent who understands where you are at in life. Who is there to help guide you and relieve stress. Everyone is on their own journey and will be ready when the time is right. I am happy to help advise you so that you can net while minimizing your stress. Contact me for a free consultation 215-757-7257.
Sarah's Story - July 2022
Charlie & Nancy's Story - December 2021
Excited to share with you this great story. I met Charlie & Nancy back in June. We had a few phone conversations discussing different 55+ options in their area. In September, Charlie reached out to me and asked me to come out to their home and give them an idea of what to do to get their home ready for the market. They had been preparing to downsize for about a year. And they knew they wanted to work with a professional they could trust with a no pressure approach.
If you are thinking about downsizing and would like a free home salability assessment where I come out to your home and give you tips and tricks to get your home ready for the market. Contact me at (215) 757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com
Needless to say they settled on their new home and have their townhouse sold now and will be going to settlement next month. They accepted a contract on their home that was over asking, with no inspection contingencies.
Mary's Story - October 2021
Making that decision to finally downsize and move can take some time. First, a lot of people need to know where they are going to go. You need to know that where you are moving to is what you really want. And as a Senior Real Estate Specialist, I understand my clients needs. If you have lived in your home for years, it is not an overnight decision to pick up and move. Quite often, I work with clients for years in advance guiding them through downsizing and preparing their home for the market. I am happy to help.
I first met with Mary in February 2020. She was referred to me by a past client who downsized a few years prior. She had lived in her house in Newtown for decades. Her father had built her home when she was a child and she purchased the house from her mother. Mary can remember the home being built. Now this 2300 sq foot home with a walk up attic, full walk out basement and 2 car garage was becoming too much for her to take care of.
We first began by figuring out where she wanted to go. Mary wanted to be closer to Doylestown to be near her doctor’s so we explored apartments, rentals and manufactured homes. She was going through treatment for cancer and needed as little maintenance as possible. She was able to find a perfect manufactured home community within 5 minutes of her doctor’s. Treatment had been taking everything out of her. It was a brand new manufactured home being constructed during the covid so it took a little time.
While she waited, Mary began to pair down on her belongings. Finally, it was moving day. She moved everything she wanted to her new home. Friends and family pitched in and what was left was donated, sold or thrown out.
Now it was time to put the house on the market. I put it on the market on a Thursday morning and we presented offers the following Monday.
* We had 61 total showings!
* 10 offers
*Sold for $75,000 over asking price
*AS IS.
*NO INSPECTIONS.
* 21 day settlement
Needless to say Mary was THRILLED! She is on Chemotherapy and it is taking a toll on her body as she is extremely tired. I was willing to do whatever I had to do to make her life easier including driving up to see her to present offers as she did not have email access. In the end Mary was overjoyed and happy with the whole process, despite how hard it was to leave the house she had grown up in.
As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, I have guided hundreds of clients through the downsizing process as well as helped them identify what their next move is. Downsizing does not happen overnight; it is often a long process that takes time. And I understand that. I am here to help you, not push you. I want to make the process as easy as possible. So remember, hire a Realtor who understands your needs.
If you are thinking about downsizing and would like a FREE copy of my book, “Downsizing & Preparing to Sell” reach out to me at: (215) 757-7257
John & Mary's Story - October 2021
In my experience over the years not all people want to move to a 55+ yet, they do want to downsize to main floor living to make their life easier.
I had a new client reach out to me who found me on the internet because I specialize in downsizing and 55+ communities. John and his wife Mary were looking to move to PA to be closer to their daughter in Warrington. We did a phone consultation and we went over their needs, time frame, and price range. The next week we met over at the 55+ community – Lamplighter Village. We met in person at the house and I got a better feel for what their needs are as well as their wants. John & Mary knew they wanted main floor living yet weren’t sure that they wanted a 55+ or a single home. They did know that they did not want to have to do a lot of updating to home. We parted ways and I headed over to a put a past client’s downstairs condo on the market in Warrington.
The downstairs condo was gorgeous – it had that HGTV look! It was perfect and offered main floor living like they were looking for. So, I had an idea, why don’t I ask them to come over and check it out? At the very least, I will get feedback for my sellers and learn further what John & Mary liked and needed in a home. I discussed my idea with the sellers and they thought it was a perfect idea! Since John & Mary were in from out of town with their daughters they were able to come right over.
They loved the condo! It was completely remodeled and exactly what they were looking for! As an added bonus it was much closer to their daughter. The condo was less than 5 minutes away!
In the end, everyone was happy the sellers sold at the price they wanted and felt good they were able to help someone else who needed main floor living like they did.
Remember, hiring the right Realtor is key. Downsizing is a slower pace than most realtors are used to. You may not be ready right away. Hire an agent who understands that. Look for a realtor who thinks outside the box and actively engages with you to find solutions. Use them as a resource.
John & Barbara's Story - June 2021
5
I met John and Barbara at a Home Selling Seminar in 2018. Shortly after that I visited their home for a home salability assessment and advised them on what to do to get the home ready for the market. They knew the home would not be ready for the market for a while, but they wanted to be prepared. They also knew I would be happy to consult them over the years as they prepared and had questions. The yard and maintenance to the property was becoming too much, that is why downsizing became necessary. John and Barbara wanted something simpler like a condo.
As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, I have guided hundreds of clients through the downsizing process as well as helped them identify what their next move is. Downsizing does not happen overnight; it is often a long process that takes time. And I understand that. I am here to help you, not push you. I want to make the process as easy as possible. So remember, hire a Realtor who understands your needs.
If you are thinking about downsizing and would like to reserve a FREE copy, reach out to me at: (215) 757-7257 or Info@BucksCountyBoomers.com
Gene's Story - June 2021
I genuinely enjoy helping people buy and sell homes. Often, this is an emotional time and I know that it requires patience. I want my clients to love their new home and also feel comfortable leaving their old home. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, most of my clients are over 55 and have lived in their home for years. So, I truly understand it takes time and it can be emotional.
I had the pleasure of meeting, Gene. He was in the process of selling his home in New Jersey and downsizing. Gene wanted to make a move to a smaller home in Pennsylvania to be closer to his family. It was quite an emotional move for him since his wife had just passed. When I sat down to discuss his options with him, I asked if he was working with another realtor. He said yes, he had seen houses with one other realtor but he did not feel listened to. I said that was fine but, I do work exclusively with my clients. Gene was more than welcome to meet with me twice to see how I work before committing.
After our consultation, Gene told me he felt heard and that I had a good idea of what his main floor living options were. The second a home popped on the market that met his needs, I jumped to call him and would ask, “When are you available to see it?”. In this market you have to jump, or the house will be gone. At times when we would look at a house, it was hard for Gene. This was due to his wife’s passing, because she handled picking out the carpet colors. I would tell him, “Gene, anything you need I am happy to help”. I didn’t want him to be overwhelmed by small details that I would gladly help with.
We ended up putting three offers in on three different condos before we got one. And honestly, everything happens for a reason. I think the fourth condo was the best! I worked diligently to try to get him the best price possible, despite the market.
He told me repeatedly how thankful he was for me being on it and always being there to help. And I was happy to help Gene!
After settlement, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a tasty Edible Arrangement from him as well as a Google Review :
“I could not ask for a better realtor than Christina. In these crazy times, she was always there for me. She got me the right house at the right price. I would recommend her for anybody I know and I do not say that about just anyone!”
Blanche's Story - May 2021
My phone rang one day in January and on the other end was a lovely woman, Blanche. She was interested in one of our local 55+ communities, The Villages at Flowers Mill. We chatted for a while about the community and I explained to her the different types of houses in Flowers Mill.Flowers Mills has single homes, quads and twins. A quad came on the market and I called Flowers Mill right away. Blanche and her husband still had to sell their home, but needed to know where they were going to go before putting it up for sale. As they prepared their home for the market, we continued to look at Flowers Mill options. Their son would be moving with them so a quad became their best option as it offered a private upstairs with a full bathroom off the back of the house.
They put their house up for sale and it sold within 3 days for $25K over asking price. Now it was time to get serious and find a home! We put in 2 offers but were rejected each time because we were competing with cash buyers and we had a home sale contingency. Since their house did not actually go to settlement yet they were not considered a cash buyer. So, we got creative. We moved up their settlement of their home to mid-May and had them rent back from the new owners. This made them a cash buyer who could compete and get a home in Flowers Mill. It worked!
A quad came on the market and we jumped on it. We made an aggressive offer with a 2-week settlement, since the house was vacant, and GOT IT! They were ecstatic! The sellers even left some furniture for the buyers which Blanche and her husband happily accepted. I couldn’t have asked for nicer people to work with.
Peggy's Story - April 2021
I had been speaking with Peggy for a few months. Her home was sold and she needed to downsize to main floor living as her mobility was not great. She had her eye on the 55+ community Avenrowe, as she wanted to stay in the Fairless Hills area, but nothing was coming on the market. We started to explore other options like expanded ranch homes in Fairless Hills. Finally, we found one. It was beautiful, it fit her needs, and her son approved! We put in an offer but we were up against several others.
As I am sure you have heard, houses are hard to come by these days. Often, buyers are competing against MANY other buyers to get a home. It can be very stressful and overwhelming. This is where the agent you choose matters. An experienced realtor knows how to make your deal stand out from the crowd.
I reached out to the listing agent who I happened to know well and asked her guidance on our offer. What did we have to do to be the best? In these situations your realtor’s relationships and reputation greatly helps. Let’s face it, every realtor would rather work with another realtor they know will get the job done with the least amount of hassle.
After speaking with the listing agent, I reached back out to my client and updated her. She wanted the house and increased her offer by $5,000 to secure it, and we got the house!
In the end, she was thrilled! Peggy could stay close to her family in Fairless Hills and be able to enjoy her new home.
Pearl's Story - March 2021
As a senior real estate specialist, I often work with family members and seniors to make the transition of moving as easy as possible. That is my main focus. I want to try to take the stress out of selling. I want to share a recent selling story with you.
If you or a family member is thinking about making a move yet is overwhelmed by the thought, reach out to me at 215-757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com. I am happy to help give you tips and strategies to ease the stress.
I met with Pearl, back before Covid really hit in March of 2020 she wanted to sell her large her home in a 55+ community. She had visited and reserved an apartment at Shenandoah Senior Living Community in Shenandoah Pa which was closer to her daughter. Well once the covid really hit she put the move on hold. And I can’t say I blame her. It was clear to me that she still should move because her memory was declining. At the beginning of September, she reached out to me again and said I am thinking about moving in the spring. I said ok, whatever you need I am here to help you. If you need resources or names of vendors to help. Let me know.
Soon after that she reached out again and I asked her for her daughter’s contact info as I could tell how overwhelmed she was. I wanted to make things easier on her. I reached out to Pearl’s daughter and we connected. Pearl’s daughter, Lynette was very helpful. She knew her mother needed to get out of that 3000 sq foot house and closer to her as her memory was failing. Lynette and I created a plan together. As an experienced senior real estate professional I could tell it was time to have another family member step in. It was clear that Pearl was struggling with feeling overwhelmed because her memory was failing. So Lynette and I put the home on the market in the beginning of November. It was very overwhelming to Pearl as she was having trouble keeping track of appointments. So Lynette and I spoke and decided to take the house off the market and wait till she had moved out to put it back on the market. This way her exposure to the covid was minimal and the stress of selling was gone for her. It worked perfectly! We put the house back on the market right before Christmas and it was sold right away!
I called Pearl after the settlement to see how she was making out at Shenandoah and she loves it! If you or a loved one needs help preparing a home for the market, please feel free to contact me. I understand it takes time to prepare the home for the market and have resources that I can recommend to help ease the stress and take tasks off your plate.
If you or a family member is thinking about making a move yet is overwhelmed by the thought, reach out to me at 215-757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com. I am happy to help give you tips and strategies to ease the stress.