In my downsizing/rightsizing work, I find most of the homeowners I work with are looking for “the 3 P’s”: a personalized, professional, and patient –  curated experience for their individual needs.  Selling your home, especially one you may have lived in for many years, may feel overwhelming.  You may already have a lot on your plate navigating a loss or health challenges. Those feelings are normal and feeling guided throughout the process sure helps. 

From start to finish, I am your advocate – overseeing each step of the process with the sale of your home considering your individual situation and needs and communicating with you throughout.  While each home sale is unique – the process and pathways are usually similar. As needed, I connect my clients with other reputable professionals who are needed throughout the moving process and the sale of your home. We work hard to make the process as simple, positive, and streamlined as possible.

Here are just a few of the common activities that I may handle throughout the sale of a home.

• Ensuring your home is ready for the market to be shown in its best light.  The first place buyers are going to see your home in today’s market is – online. First impressions really matter and directly impact the pace & price at which your home sells
• Coordinating an action plan for downsizing based on your individual situation
• Coordinating pre/post-inspection contractor bids & repairs, if needed and ensuring scope of work through completion
• Communication with stakeholders in the homeowners best interest, if applicable (family member, POA, trustee, etc)
• Scheduling and coordinating home inspections, communication with home inspectors & solutions, as needed
• Scheduling, coordinating, and communicating with private and lender property appraisers
• Screening potential buyers who express interest in your home
• Lining up, coordinating competent contractors (if needed) and ensuring follow-through with scope of work completion
• Communicating with other industry professionals as needed (insurance adjusters, insurance agents, CPAs, attorneys, trust administrators or other advocates)
• Negotiating on your behalf throughout the sales process

What about all of my stuff?

One of the most popular questions we get about downsizing is just where to begin with going through all of the belongings you may have accumulated in your home, garage, & beyond over the years. You may know you need to start going through it and feel overwhelmed with where to even start. Furthermore, you may feel anxious and reluctant about sentimental items or you may not physically be able to sort through boxes of items that require heavy lifting. Most importantly, know that there is support available to you throughout your downsizing process. You also may be joining the growing number of families who are combining households – and you may find yourself moving into a larger space with family but may not need all of your current home items when you move. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® we will craft a personalized plan for your needs and incorporate supports throughout the process based on your needs and goals.

You may be a candidate for an estate sale, online estate auction, or tag/garage sale. We will meet with you and be sure you know all of your options for your downsizing needs and personal situation. No matter if you need a little help or a lot we will work with you to create a plan for you. Here are a few tips if you’re anxious to get started!

Planning for Downsizing Tips from a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

1. Anytime you can begin the downsizing process before you HAVE to, is a win! Making a downsizing plan when you can empowers you to have more say in your choices and where you will move when the time comes.  You will feel lighter & more free!  

2. If you know you need to move, even quickly, life happens sometimes – there is support & resources available every step of the way to help. 

3. The most “fun” way to downsize is beginning before you have to – and involving family and/or friends if you can.  

*Offer to host a gathering of people you love – it doesn’t have to be fancy and you don’t have to do all of the cooking (unless you want to!)  Have tea or coffee, serve chocolate chip cookies, cookout or whatever you enjoy.  Enjoy the company and let your guests know which items are available for the taking (ex: dish set, bookcase, furniture items).  Share stories & memories!  If you wish for certain items to go with certain people, label with their name ahead of time. Send home as MANY items you are gifting to guests the day of, if possible.  For items that can’t be taken that day, set a deadline for pickup.

*If you are hosting an upcoming holiday or celebration be sure to visit with family/friends about items you know you won’t be taking with you when you do downsize (ex: the big grandfather clock, a piano) and if they would be interested in it. Or make a phone call ahead of time so they can plan to take the item home that day. Your loved items are going to a good appreciated home & you didn’t have to move it..win-win!  Sometimes people we love don’t want or can’t take our stuff. That’s OK. Trust that there is a good home where your piano will be loved again, even if it’s not family. 

*It’s always the hardest to go through our own “stuff.”  Invite a friend over and take turns helping each other sort through items – be sure to return the favor if you are able.

*Partner with a grandchild or tech-savvy person in your life & sell items on your local marketplace (ex: Facebook).  Offer them a commission of the items sold ( a win-win & bonding time!) Be sure item pick up is coordinated with safety in mind, such as a porch or garage pick up or community safe place.

Most people find that the downsizing of their physical possessions can take a variety of paths. For example:

• Cookbooks & family recipe collection to a niece who loves to cook
• A bookshelf & table to a women’s shelter or resource center for teens aging out of the foster care system who will be setting up a home from scratch.  These items are a TREASURE to someone starting over or brand new.
• Selling a coin collection and donating the money to a grandson’s baseball team.  Uniting 2 hobbies!
• A sale (estate sale, tag sale, online sale or combination) Professional marketing of your sale has a significant impact on connecting with buyers who are interested in the types of items you are offering & efficiency of downsizing items.
• Donation of items to charitable organizations (there are many!)..local community closets, community Santas, foster care organizations, shelters, thrift stores, community fundraisers, schools or non-profits, ReStore/Habitat for Humanity – includes garage/building items
• Utilizing community bulk pick up, recycling services

Your downsizing plan will be individualized for your goals, needs & timeline.

Consult with a local SRES® Seniors Real Estate Specialist® to talk about your options & a game plan for solutions to make your upcoming move more simple, streamlined, and less stressful.  We are here to help.

Recommended Reading

If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed and reluctant about decluttering & downsizing, check out a few of our popular recommended reads.

Another popular helpful read: