Thinking About Downsizing? Start Here Before You Make a Move
If you’ve been thinking about downsizing your home, you may have already discovered that deciding where to start can be the hardest part.
Maybe your home has more space than you need. Perhaps maintaining the house and yard is becoming more work than you want. You might be considering a 55+ community, a smaller home, or senior living — but you’re not sure what the right next step is.
Or maybe you’re simply thinking, “I know I’ll need to do this eventually, but I’m not ready yet.”
That’s completely fine.
Downsizing doesn’t have to begin with putting a FOR SALE sign in your yard. In fact, some of the best downsizing plans begin months — or even years — before a home is actually sold.
That’s why I created my FREE On-Demand Class: Downsizing & Preparing to Sell.
Watch From Home — Whenever You’re Ready
There is no scheduled seminar to attend and no pressure to make a decision.
This class is available on demand, which means you can watch it from the comfort of your own home and at a time that’s convenient for you.
I created the class specifically for homeowners who are thinking about their next chapter and want to understand their options before making major decisions.
What Will You Learn?
During the class, we’ll talk about some of the biggest questions homeowners have when considering downsizing, including:
- Where do I even begin?
- How far in advance should I start preparing?
- What should I do with everything I’ve accumulated over the years?
- Which repairs or improvements should I make before selling?
- Which improvements probably aren’t worth the money?
- How do I determine what my home may be worth?
- Should I sell first or find my next home first?
- What options do I have if I’m considering a 55+ community or senior living?
- How can I make the entire process less overwhelming?
The goal isn’t to convince you to sell your home.
It’s to give you the information you need to make a decision that’s right for you.
You Don’t Have to Get Rid of Everything Tomorrow
One of the biggest reasons people postpone downsizing is the thought of dealing with everything they’ve accumulated over 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years.
Furniture. Photographs. Holiday decorations. Children’s belongings. Collections. Paperwork. Family heirlooms.
It can feel overwhelming.
The key is realizing that you don’t have to tackle everything at once.
Having a plan and knowing what to work on first can turn an enormous project into a series of manageable steps.
Should You Fix Up Your House Before Selling?
This is another question I hear frequently.
Homeowners sometimes assume they need to completely renovate their home before putting it on the market. That can lead to spending tens of thousands of dollars on improvements that may not provide the return they expected.
Other homeowners assume they shouldn’t do anything at all.
Usually, the right answer is somewhere in between.
Before spending money, it’s important to understand your local real estate market, your home’s likely buyer, its current condition and which improvements are actually likely to matter when it’s time to sell.
A good downsizing plan should help you determine what to do, what not to do and where your money is best spent.
What If You’re Not Ready to Move?
Then now may actually be a great time to start learning.
You don’t need to have a moving date.
You don’t need to know where you’re going.
And you certainly don’t need to be ready to list your home.
If you think downsizing may be in your future, understanding the process now can give you more options later.
Helping a Parent Downsize?
This class can also be helpful for adult children who are beginning to have conversations with Mom or Dad about their home.
These conversations aren’t always easy.
The goal should never be to pressure someone into moving. Instead, families can start by understanding the options available and developing a plan together.
Knowing what will be involved with the house, belongings, moving process and next living arrangement can make future decisions much easier.
Get My Free Downsizing & Preparing to Sell Book
I’ve also created a Downsizing & Preparing to Sell book to help homeowners work through the process.
If you’d like a complimentary copy, I’d be happy to mail one to you.
[REQUEST MY FREE DOWNSIZING BOOK]
Ready to Watch?
If downsizing has been on your mind — whether you’re hoping to move soon or you’re simply trying to understand your options — I invite you to watch my free class.
FREE ON-DEMAND CLASS
Downsizing & Preparing to Sell
Watch from home. Watch on your schedule. And start creating a plan for your next chapter.
Have Questions About Your Own Home?
Every homeowner’s situation is different.
If you’d like to talk about your home, your timeline and what you should be doing now to prepare, I offer a complimentary 30-minute Downsizing & Home Selling Consultation. (215) 757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com
There is no obligation to sell and no pressure to make a decision.
Sometimes the most helpful first step is simply knowing your options.
Christina Swain, SRES®
Swain Real Estate
Helping homeowners navigate downsizing, 55+ living and the next chapter with a plan that works for them.