Our family homes are precious to us, but as we get older, it becomes clear that we don’t need as much space once our kids have left home. Large houses can feel empty once the children have flown the nest, plus, they are expensive to run, clean, and furnish too. If you are considering downsizing your home to buy a smaller one that’s perfect for your lifestyle, you have come to the right place. Hereare three tips for downsizing to a smaller home when the time is right. Let’s get started!
Be honest with your real estate agent
Real estate agents are awesome allies to have in your house search, but if you aren’t honest about why you’re moving and what you want, it can waste everybody’s time. Before you start seriously looking for a new home and thinking about contacting your real estate lawyer, you first need to curate your search by sharing your vision with your real estate agent.
Details to share with your real estate agent include:
- The number of bedrooms you would want (ideally) for your new place.
- How much you are willing to spend on your new home, and the size of the deposit you can put down.
- The areas in which you would consider living.
- The features you would like to prioritize – for example, a large backyard, a well-built kitchen, high ceilings or good light.
By being totally clear with your priorities and requirements, you can find a house sooner, with minimal time wasting!
Cut out clutter from your life
One aspect of downsizing your home is that, once you find a home to move into, you will likely have far too many items to put in the smaller home you have bought. Culling your belongings can be difficult, particularly when they come from your family home, as they may carry significant nostalgic value for you. One way to cut out clutter without fully getting rid of it is to rent a small storage unit near your home, in which to store your beloved belongings. Alternatively, you could offer furniture pieces for free to other family members, so they can continue making memories with these items.
Make small improvements to sell your current home faster
Finally, when it comes to selling your family home, you may need to make small investments in the space in order to sell it more easily. These could include:
- A paint job. Faded walls make a place look shabby, and you’d be surprised what a fresh lick of paint can do to transform your home.
- A professional grade clean. Having your home professionally cleaned before beginning to offer viewings will put you in a better position with potential buyers.
- Cleaning up the backyard. Buyers want to see potential, and a buyer who is starting their own family will be attracted to a home with a backyard that shows potential for years of family fun!
All in all, downsizing is a great way to earn money on your old home and find a place that suits your current needs.
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