What is the best way to start downsizing?
The best way to start the downsizing process is with an action game plan for your goals. Whether you need minimal support throughout the process or guidance every step of the way – we can craft a plan tailored to your needs. If you’re ambitious and ready to start on your own – gather some boxes and begin packing up the items you for sure plan to keep, but don’t need anytime soon (seasonal decorations, off-season clothing). Stack the boxes in the corner of each room or your garage. If the items are already in your basement, you can use that space, but don’t do extra work bringing boxes downstairs that are on upper levels. Downsizing usually isn’t just decluttering – it involves paring down items that you truly need, love, and will be used in your next home. By packing in boxes, you can clearly begin to see progress. Start with the “FOR SURE” items you plan to keep, the “FOR SURE” items you plan to donate or discard – and save the “MAYBE” items for last.
Where are the best places to get boxes to begin the decluttering process if I want to start myself?
If you have access to free boxes from work or business or leftover boxes from items you’ve ordered like Amazon great! Home improvement stores like Menards (take advantage of the 11% rebate when applicable), Home Depot, & Lowe’s have inexpensive moving boxes that are very sturdy and a variety of sizes that are easy to pack. We packed our last personal home using a majority of medium sized boxes (21”x15”x10”), some small, and some large. The medium sized boxes are easy to handle, they stack really well, and they don’t get super heavy. Packing paper is cost effective for protecting items (can also be purchased by the moving boxes) and allows you to reserve specialty boxes and wrapping for very fragile or heirloom items. Don’t forget to pick up some packing tape which can be purchased at many local retail stores or of course ordered online.
If you get stuck accessing boxes, let us know!
What is the best time of year to sell your house or property?
If you get to pick or are planning ahead, in our area the ideal time to list your home for sale is between March – June. This is driven by warmer weather during these months and home buyers with school-aged children who want to make their decisions & move before the upcoming school year. We tend to see buyer activity slow around the 4th of July holiday. That being said, we list & sell homes 12 months of the year. Sometimes life happens and you may need to move quickly for health or family reasons. That’s okay too!
If you own investment properties or a home that is a fixer-upper, buyers who purchase those properties shop year round.
Will I have to pay capital gains tax when I sell my house?
Many of the home owners we work with qualify for a home sale tax exclusion when selling their primary residence. Consult your tax/financial advisor for information on your personal situation.
What is the number one piece of advice you’d give to homeowners planning to sell their home or downsizers?
Don’t guess! Homeowners can overlook important items while focusing on not-so-important items when planning to sell their home or downsize. Spending money on unnecessary improvement projects you won’t get back is one example. Most of our clients have never worked with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® before and are (happily!) surprised to learn of the guidance, support, resources and expertise available throughout the process. Schedule a complimentary consultation with us to discuss your real estate needs and questions. We look forward to speaking with you!
What important documents will I need when I sell my home?
Not many. If your home is in a trust or LLC, you will need to provide a copy of the trust certificate or operating agreement for the LLC to the title company prior to closing. If a power of attorney will be signing on your behalf, a copy of the legal paperwork confirming your POA will be needed. If you don’t possess a digital copy, the attorney who drafted the documents for you or your financial professional may have a copy on file. We will work with you at the beginning of the process to coordinate gathering any documents the title company may need for the sale of your home.
If you own your property with a family member, spouse or partner who has passed away and is still listed on the deed we will coordinate with the title company and kindly confirm any documents needed for the sale of your home.
Isn’t everything online today? I’m not tech savvy or don’t know how to use email well.
No worries! While digital technology allows for streamlined communication throughout the process, if you’re not comfortable using it we understand that. We can coordinate with you ahead of time so you can sign paper copies of the documents needed for the sale of your home.
What areas do you serve?
Our team is licensed in Kansas & Missouri and serves the Greater Kansas City area including Lawrence & Topeka, KS. Additionally we are also able to connect & refer you to a great agent in your area if you don’t live locally or plan to re-locate out of the area.