Downsizing doesn’t have to be daunting. Even if you haven’t bought or sold real estate in some time, there are steps you can take to make the process easy. Read the following 5 straightforward tips for empowering your next move.
1. Partner With The Right Agent
Work with someone who has proven experience working with buyers and sellers in your position. Realtors have their specialties, so it’s important for you to work with someone who knows what to expect, and has the proven solutions and strategies to empower you.
Interview a few agents and ask them about their track record. Find an agent that is familiar with your current area and the neighbourhood you want to move to; it’s important that your realtor has extensive knowledge about the micro-markets you’re looking in.
You’ll be spending a lot of time with your realtor, so it’s also important to partner with one that aligns with your personality and how you like to work.
2. Consider Your Next Chapter
Spend some time early in your selling journey figuring out exactly what your next stage looks like. Are you moving in with family? Continuing to live independently? Transitioning to assisted living?
Whatever your new life looks like, it’s important to figure out the details, so you and your realtor can plan exactly how to strategize. Figuring out your next step early on will make the rest of the process easier.
You’ll know what things to keep and which items to get rid of, and you’ll save yourself the stress of figuring it all out later on, when there’s more you have to focus on.
Need more advice on home downsizing? Explore these other blogs next!
- Should You Hire a Senior Real Estate Specialist?
- I Want to Sell My Home But I Have Too Much Stuff
- Should I Buy a Home or Sell First as a Downsizer?
3. Make A List
Get organized about your sale. While your realtor manages your listing, it’s still important for you to be clear about what you want, what you need, and what you want to avoid. You’ll have greater peace of mind and your realtor will be able to meet and exceed your expectations easily.
Think about what you’re looking for in your next home. Consider things like:
- Property specifications (maybe you want a single-story home or an open concept floor plan)
- Location
- Price point
- Lifestyle goals
- Etc.
With a clear outline of what you’re looking for your home search and sale will not only be manageable but streamlined, and swift.
4. Understand The Current Market
If it’s been years—or even decades—since you’ve moved, you might feel overwhelmed by the idea of entering the market again. With an experienced agent who knows your neighbourhood, you don’t have to worry.
Your realtor will explain the current market to you, and your position within it so you feel confident about buying or selling under any conditions.
5. Stay Open-minded
The benefit of working with a professional is having access to unique real estate opportunities. Your agent will help you see the potential in properties that you may have overlooked, and they will offer creative solutions to help you reach your goals.
Licensed real estate agents have access to data, listings, and information not readily available to the general public. Keeping an open mind will give you greater likelihood of finding the best real estate option in the shortest time.
Downsizing is a big life change, and it can be an exciting one. Whatever your reasons for moving on, you deserve a simple, straightforward path to your next chapter. Follow these 5 steps to get started on the right foot.
If you have any questions, give me a call at 647.283.2127 or email stuart@stuartnodell.com. I am happy to help!
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