home selling resources

Downsizing is Actually Rightsizing!

There comes a time when most everyone re-evaluates their lifestyle. This can be for several reasons, but cost, up keep and health care-related issues are usually at the top of the list. And for many people, the big house with the pool or one that requires a lot of lawn maintenance isn’t as important – or as needed – as it once was. What’s more, the costs of owning and keeping a property can add up to thousands of dollars each year.

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Even still, the thought of moving out of the family home can be difficult for homeowners and grown children, too. But downsizing doesn’t have to be about losing things – it’s about freedom and independence.

When you think about downsizing to condo living, independent living communities or assisted living communities, it can mean breaking free of financial burdens often associated with things or services that aren’t serving you well anymore. Imagine cutting these costs and keeping that extra cash in the bank! You could even put that money toward services to make your life easier – like laundry, housekeeping or eating out more frequently with friends.  

When it’s time to move to a smaller and more customized space, I encourage my clients think about the positive – fewer bills, less responsibility and reduced liability. When you ‘rightsize’ you have more options – and more cash.  

If you’re thinking that your large family home – that once suited your family’s needs perfectly – is no longer meeting your needs, we’re here to help you consider the options, not fear them. There are many ways of downsizing that don’t include selling everything you hold dear to fit into a one-bedroom apartment.

It’s been a privilege for me to work with families – sometimes for several years – as they go through the process of deciding to move, finding the best new place, and then selling their existing home. It can be emotional, but it’s also really rewarding.

Are you thinking about making a change? If so, we’re here to help you find affordable options that fit your life now, create savings in fees, taxes, upkeep and liability, and provide peace of mind. What could be more relaxing than that?

Cheryl

Home Conditioning Checklist

The flowers are blooming and sky is finally blue! If you're like me, these are my signals for a top to bottom cleaning and organizing session. If you're thinking about selling your home in the coming months - or even if you're not - this checklist can help you get your home clean and ready for the year ahead! 

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Exterior
Trim lawn, shrubs, trees, and around sidewalks
Put away bikes, toys, tools
Clean or paint front door
Place a pot of flowers next to the door
Fix the doorbell
Keep walks clear of ice, snow, leaves
Replace burnt out light bulbs

Throughout the House
Shampoo carpets, wax floors
Wash windows, clean blinds
Create space. Scale down collectibles and family photos
Organize closets and cupboards
Pack and store unused items
Remove bugs and cobwebs from light fixtures and corners of rooms
Wash and touch up paint as needed on doors and walls, particularly knobs and switches

Kitchen
Keep countertops clear
Polish appliances, do not use refrigerator as a bulletin board
Clean the oven and degrease the fan hood
Clean and organize cabinets
Keep the sink and faucet shining

Basement
Brighten the walls and floors with paint
Clean the outside of the water heater and furnace, replace furnace filter
Put in bright overhead lights

Make Repairs
Replace washers on leaky faucets
Oil squeaky hinges, nail down squeaky floor boards and steps
Wax sticky drawers
Put sliding doors on track
Replace broken windows
Replace torn screens

Living Areas
Keep drapes and blinds open
Arrange furniture to maximize space and flow of traffic
Hang a mirror where it will reflect outdoor light to add dimension
Remove ashes from the fireplace; set logs in the winter, place green or flowering plant on the hearth in the summer

Bathrooms
Polish fixtures and mirrors
Wash the shower curtain
Repair, caulk, and clean grout
Hang towels neatly
Put away cosmetics and hair appliances
Keep the toilet clean and the lid down

Garage
Sweep the floor, clean oil stains left from cars
Remove cobwebs
Hang tools or place them on shelves
Replace bulbs, make sure electronic garage door opener works