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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.

Wade Wright ABR, CCIPS, CMHS, CREN, CRS, ePro, GRI, MHS, NCE Marshall Reddick Real Estate Alliso Viejo, CA (949) 365-4411 00990129 Wade Wright is an active selling Broker Associate. His “hands-on” approach puts him at the forefront of all aspects of real estate, and because of his vast knowledge and experience, he has the skills to make things happen. He has been a top-producing real estate agent since 1988 with over 1,200 past clients. Wade is experienced in residential, multi-family, and land sales. His expertise ranges from residential sales to investing in real estate through a comprehensive turn-key operation that helps people build their wealth four times faster than traditional retirement planning. Wade is also a master negotiator working for his client’s very best interests. Wade and his staff are committed to helping their clients find solutions and achieve positive results in any given situation. Always in pursuit of fine-tuning his skills, Wade has taken numerous classes from many distinguished real estate professionals and colleges. In addition to his ongoing education, he has received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, and was inducted into the National Dean’s list with honors. Wade´s impeccable reputation for professionalism, diligence, and integrity with his colleagues as well as his clients has earned him several appointments, including exchange counselor, being awarded accounts by banks to be their representative in the sale of their “Bank-Owned REO” properties, and being chosen by new home builders to sell their standing inventory of homes successfully. Wade has also helped many homeowners and banks by selling their over-encumbered properties through the “short sale” process, and his team has negotiated relocation funds for displaced homeowners.. Professional Affiliations: ABR Accredited Buyer Representative, CCIPS Certified Investment Property Specialist Institute, CMHS Certified Military Housing Specialist, CREIPS Certified Real Estate Investment Planning Specialist, CREN Certified Real Estate Negotiator, CRES Certified Real Estate Specialist, ePRO Electronic Professional Marketing Certified, GRI, Graduate Realtors Institute, NCREA National Commercial Real Estate Advisor, REO Trans Distressed Property/Bank-Owned Platinum Certification, National Association of Realtors; California Association of Realtors; Real Estate Investment Association of California, National Council of Exchangers, Orange County Association of Realtors – Selected as Grievance and Professional Standards Committee Member; Creative Marketing Association Served as Vice-President and on Board of Directors; Le Tip International Vice-President; National Commonwealth Institute. Awards: Five Star Professional 14 years in a row. The final list of Five Star Real Estate Agents is a select group, representing less than 2% of real estate agents in the area. Orange Coast Magazine annually surveys 18,800 homeowners and 250 mortgage and title companies throughout the county. Those who participated in the research provided the name of a real estate agent and rated that individual according to criteria such as integrity, communication, and customer service. The survey data was collected and scored, resulting in the list of Five Star Agents. Wade was inducted into the Global Directory of “Who’s Who in Real Estate Top Professionals” and was honored by Marquis Who’s Who for excellence in real estate services. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter