Strategize Your Downsize
10 Steps to Prepare
Step 1. Be Committed. Recognize that the decision to downsize will also give you moments of doubt. Stay focused on what the rewards and benefits will be in the end.
Step 2. Begin the Purge. Downsizing means many items will not be brought along on the next adventure. Begin making decisions on what to keep, donate or discard so it doesn’t become stressful during the move. Empty nesters are often storing old children’s items including, sports equipment. Consider donating to help others in your community.
Step 3. Decide Your “Must Have” Criteria in Your Next Home. Decide what features you can’t imagine living without in your next home and others you will need to be comfortable.
Step 4. Keep Your Wish List Short and Sweet. The more “must haves” will only limit your selection of possibilities. One of the biggest mistakes is evaluating downsizing possibilities based current lifestyle needs, such as furniture, storage space, etc.
Step 5. Be Open-Minded. Your next home may need an adjustment or two to make it perfect. If it checks off 75-80 percent of your wish list, then take a look. Try not to be too quick to rule out properties that do not meet 100% of your requests.
Step 6. Keep Your Emotions in Check. When selling, the buyers previewing your home will be evaluating it for their needs. Try not to let their feedback feel insulting. Instead, consider whether it is prudent to address the stated concerns with improvements or price adjustments.
Step 7. Keep Past Experiences in the Past. It has likely been many years since you were last in the real estate market as a buyer or seller. Much has changed including marketing, shopping, financing, inspections and appraisal. Don’t let past experiences dictate today’s decisions.
Step 8. Trust the Guidance of Professionals. A team of professionals will be working day in and day out to ensure that you are well guided throughout the transactions. Their experience is invaluable.
Step 9. Enjoy the Ride. This is an exciting time. You may be confronted with a few hurdles, but there still much to enjoy during the process.
Step 10. Breathe. There will be light at the end of the tunnel. That light will be a new and more manageable home that launches your next chapter.
Thinking of downsizing? Reach out to me: nancy.manby@kw.com.
Nancy Manby is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty servicing lower Fairfield County Connecticut. She has worked with hundreds of buyers and sellers over the last 24 years, and continaully remains in the top 5% of agents in the country. She can be reached at nancy.manby@kw.com.
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