Any kind of lifestyle change can be a challenge at any stage of life, but for seniors, it can be monumentally complicated - and overwhelming.
If you - or your parents - have come to that point in life when it’s time to move out of the family home, the process can be an emotional roller coaster for everyone. Even if the need for a move has been acknowledged, it can be difficult to make a final decision. As a real estate agent and senior specialist, I have walked many families down this road. It’s not easy for anyone to leave their long-term home and venture into a new lifestyle, but with the right approach, it can be a pleasant experience with the right outcome.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE FEAR
As you start discussing or considering downsizing, it is okay to acknowledge that you’re afraid to make the move. This is a significant change to your life, not only with respect to location, but certainly with lifestyle. It’s natural to be reluctant to move from your spacious home to a smaller house, a condominium or a retirement residence. Instead of worrying about what you may be sacrificing, consider the positive side of this kind of move. A smaller home is likely one that’s more manageable and could eliminate the hazard and risks associated with stairs; a condo offers amenities on site and removes the burden of lawn care and other internal and external maintenance you’ve had to take care of in your single family home. A retirement residence doesn’t limit your independence, it opens your world to a new social circle while supporting you for any ongoing care you might need.
ASK QUESTIONS
Lack of knowledge and understanding can be a barrier to moving forward. It’s okay to ask all the questions that are on your mind. When you work with a Master Accredited Senior Agent (M-ASA) like myself, you will be in very good hands. My expertise lies in being able to give you the answers you seek, even if you need to ask the questions more than once. Downsizing or rightsizing is not a process that can be rushed. Take your time to make lists of pros and cons. Ask yourself if you are really ready to make this kind of change. I’m happy to show you all the options that are available. My goal is to help you make your decisions about future housing by choice rather than by circumstances.
IS THIS THE RIGHT CHOICE?
A common question I hear from my clients is “What happens if I get there and I don’t like it?” An important step in this process is to consider what is important to you, what are the must-haves in your new home. Are amenities such as a pool or gym something you will use? You’ll want to think about the location and size of your new home (the unit) not only for the life you are living now, but for what you envision for your future. For example, a new home near your current office might be convenient today, but when you retire, will it be better to be closer to a golf course? You may want space for the grandchildren to come visit, but in five years, will they be off to university? The way your new space feels should also matter. Do you want big windows? An open flow into the living spaces? Knowing what you want and need for the future will ensure we find the perfect home.
TAKE A LEAP
Wanting to make a move requires you to take a huge leap of faith. You need to put your trust in your family, your instinct and your REALTOR®. Hiring a senior specialist to help you navigate this change allows an outside party to help determine and find what’s best for you. As a Master Accredited Senior Agent and Senior Real Estate Specialist I am equipped to show you all the options and facilitate everything that happens with a relocation. Caring about your real estate needs means not pushing you where you aren’t ready to go. I listen to what you are telling me. If you ultimately decide to stay put, I will support you in that decision as well. Did you know there’s also an option to Sell ‘n STAY? More on that in a future article.
I understand how difficult this transition can be and I am here to serve as your guide with patience, compassion and understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or visit the Seniors pages on my website.