Getting ready to move to an active adult retirement community opens the door for cleaning the slate and prepping for a new beginning. For many that means downsizing and getting a home ready to sell. It may seem daunting but there are many ways to make it easier, less stressful, and more beneficial financially. When getting ready to sell, take these tips from experts who know the drill.
Don’t just downsize – rightsize!
Before anything can move ahead with a home sale and move, it is essential to downsize. That means “rightsizing,” rather than downsizing. According to the whereyoulivematters.com article, “What Is Rightsizing?,” rightsizing is not just downsizing by getting rid of stuff but rather the conscious choices made to enable the new desired lifestyle. So, while there will be plenty of pitching, giving and donating, what is left will be what is needed and wanted for a new and exciting retirement. To help make these essential choices, take the advice provided in our blog, “On the Move: Downsizing Tips for Active Adult Retirement Living.”
Finding a realtor
Once downsizing is underway, it’s time to find a realtor. For many seniors, this is as easy as calling cousin Mary or an old friend who is licensed to sell real estate. Others may ask friends or family who have recently sold a home for recommendations. Another tactic is to check out homes for sale in the neighborhood and make note of the names on the for-sale signs. The key is to find a real estate agent who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to get the best price for your home in a timely manner.
There are also specific personal attributes to look for when choosing a realtor. According to the zillow.com article, “What Makes a Good Real Estate Agent for Home Sellers,” these include great communications skills and quick response to calls and questions, an excellent professional reputation, knowledge of and experience in the local market, willingness to go above and beyond if needed, and most important of all to a majority of sellers, trustworthiness. For more information about choosing the right realtor, the realtor.com article, “How to Find a Real Estate Agent: Where to Look and What to Ask,” is a great resource.
Set the stage – home staging basics
For many seniors, it’s been decades since they last sold a home, and boy have things changed! The biggest change is “staging” which is now considered key to preparing a home for sale and second only to downsizing. Gone are the days when showing a home just meant making sure all beds were made, toys put away and surfaces clean and neat. Today’s buyers expect to see a home at its very best so staging is not only important, but essential. For some this may mean high-end renovations like kitchens and baths, or less costly additions like new paint, updated lighting, new flooring, or additional built-in storage.
One area that’s easy to neglect is the outside of the home. When staging a home be sure to make changes that increase curb appeal outdoors such as paint, a new garage door, or a new deck or patio, and be sure all concrete and asphalt surfaces are in good repair. For a look at how to get the best return on investment from pre-sale home improvements, check out the hgtv.com article, “Top 15 Home Updates That Pay Off.”
Home staging tips
Downsizing is arguably the start of home staging because it opens up the home by getting rid of clutter so the home itself can shine through. But there are more tips for staging that can really help a home sell. These include:
- Super cleaning – From ceilings to floors (including baseboards, windows and doors) super cleaning shows the home has been well cared for and is in good repair.
- Depersonalizing – When still living in a home while selling, remove personal items like photos, refrigerator art, and other personal items that detract from the overall “model home” ambiance. This helps prospective buyers better visualize the home as their own and encourages offers.
- Emphasize best attributes – Whether a home has a great fireplace, beautiful parquet floors or a new bathroom, make sure to spotlight all the best attributes so they are fully appreciated.
For more expert advice on home staging read the homesandgardens.com article, “Staging a house – 15 home staging tips from real estate experts.”
Before moving to an active retirement community like Sonrisa Senior Living, download our “Active Adult Decision Guide” then contact us today find out all we have to offer!
