How do you begin downsizing? This is a question many people are asking these days. Let the Seward Group help! We are truly empathetic to what an extraordinary undertaking this is. First, consider these steps before selling your current home:
- Declutter. Room by room. Pack, donate, throw away! Decluttering is the most important part of this process. Remember you are downsizing! I have been in my house for 33 years and we do accumulate things. Remember that everything in your house will have to come out when this process is done. Allow a lot of time – six months or more – to slowly prepare and not overwhelm yourself. It may be worth the cost to hire an estate sale person and/or a professional organizer to help you sort through your treasures. If this is not an option for you, enlist the help of family and friends and maybe do one room a week. We all have much to sort, donate, and give away before we move on to our new adventures.
- We all have deferred maintenance. Address deficiencies that you are aware of - repair things that do not work properly. Evaluate the ages of your systems – hot water heater, air conditioner, furnace, appliances, roof, and windows. Talk to a realtor (hopefully me) about best practices regarding cost versus value in this regard. (This will be market dependent.) Consider getting a pre-listing home inspection, no one likes surprises.
Spruce up landscaping and curb appeal. Remove any dead trees/shrubs. Have any large branches trimmed so your house is completely visible. Maybe new house numbers and a new mailbox would enhance your curb appeal.
- Consider painting inside and outside (as needed).
- Refinish hardwood floors and/or get new carpeting (as needed).
- Talk to a realtor (think of us!) about recommendations for vendors and for decorating advice.
- Talk to a contractor/handyman – recommended by your realtor or trusted neighbors to take care of updates and repairs – contractors are very busy these days, so lead time is key.
- Think about your realistic timeline and what improvements you may be able to do and enjoy if your move will not be for a few years.
- Have your home and your windows professionally cleaned when you are within a month of putting your house on the market.
- If you are in a situation where you are unable to make any repairs, there is still a strong market for your home. Our geographic area is sought after, and we know builders are interested in homes that require work. You are not likely to get top dollar, but you will still do very well (This will be market dependent.)
- If your situation is one where you or a loved one is infirmed and financially limited, there are still resources available.
You may be making a move very soon, or you may be slowly thinking of where and when you want to move. Let us guide you with a plan to sell your current home for the highest price the market will bear.
The Seward Group is a team of full-service concierge realtors, and we will coordinate all home sale preparations once we are hired. We have partners who specialize in downsizing and senior moves who can help to ease the stress of this emotional process.
Please let us know how we may assist you now or in the future. It would be a pleasure to work with you.
