Better Homeowners
Picture it SOLD!!

Home selling strategies for downsizing seniors - 5/29/2024

Downsizing can be a significant life transition for any age person, but especially for seniors who may have lived in this last home for some time. Follow these suggestions to make the downsizing process smoother and less stressful.

  • Start Early: Begin the downsizing process well in advance of your planned move. Give yourself plenty of time to make decisions and avoid feeling rushed.
  • Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your current and future needs in terms of space, accessibility, and location. Consider factors like health, mobility, and proximity to family and healthcare facilities.
  • Create a Plan: Develop a comprehensive downsizing plan that outlines your goals, priorities, and a timeline for each task. Having a plan will keep you organized and focused.
  • Declutter: Go through your belongings room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be realistic about what you truly need and use regularly.
  • Seek Professional Help: Consider hiring a professional organizer, downsizing specialist, or real estate agent experienced in working with seniors. They can offer guidance and support throughout the process.
  • Embrace Technology: Digitize important documents and photographs to reduce paper clutter. Consider using digital tools to keep track of your possessions.
  • Measure Your New Space: Obtain floor plans or measurements of your new home to ensure your furniture and belongings will fit comfortably. This can help you decide what to bring and what to leave behind.
  • Prioritize Sentimental Items: While downsizing often involves letting go of sentimental possessions, choose a few cherished items to keep and display in your new space. Consider passing down heirlooms to family members.
  • Hold an Estate Sale or Auction: If you have valuable items that you no longer need, consider selling them through an estate sale or auction to help fund your downsizing efforts.
  • Stay Positive: Downsizing can be emotionally challenging, but it also offers the opportunity for a fresh start and simplified living. Focus on the benefits of your new home and lifestyle.

Remember that downsizing is a personal journey, and it's essential to approach it with patience and a positive mindset. Don't hesitate to seek support from family and friends, and don't be too hard on yourself during this process.

For more information download our guide Downsizing Your Home.

Lilo Carroll Associate Broker ERA Brokers Consolidated Harker Heights, TX (254) 554-1292 0281463 Texas Lilo Carroll was born and raised in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, where she met and married John, a military aviator, now retired. John and Lilo have lived in the greater Fort Hood area since 1971, and chose to retire here and raise their 3 sons. Lilo offers a wealth of experience in real estate. She has practiced real estate in the greater Fort Hood and Temple/Belton areas since 1979. To show her commitment to the profession she has pursued continued education and obtained her broker license in 1984, her GRI, Graduate Realtor Institute, and CRS, Certified Residential Specialist, designations in 1984, her RRC, Referral and Relocation Certified designation in 1991, the coveted CRP, Certified Relocation Professional designation in 1992, the e-PRO designation endorsed by the National Association of Realtors in 2004, the RFC, Residential Finance Consultant designation in 2008, the MCRS - Military Certified Residential Specialist in 2013, and became a New Home Construction Specialist in 2023. She was instrumental in forming military relocation fairs in Ft. Leavenworth, KS, as well as providing relocation assistance seminars at various military installations nationwide. Her yearly attendance at real estate and relocation oriented conventions and educational sessions nationwide assures up-to-date knowledge of the real estate field. She has been an invited panel member/speaker at bi regional conferences on military relocation aspects. When you hire Lilo Carroll you get the benefit of her knowledge and judgment. She is eager to share her experience with customers and clients, as well as with fellow realtors. She does not measure her success in the number of closed transactions but in the number of satisfied clients. Lilo has been a member of the ERA Leaders Circle since Colonial Real Estate joined the ERA network in 1997. Lilo has been in the Top 10 every year in closed transactions among the combined ERA Colonial Real Estate offices. In 2023 Lilo ranked in the Top 20 for Individual agents within the ERA franchise nationally (Top 1%). Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter