For many people, it is as simple as one day realizing that there are rooms in your home that you never go in, or that keeping the house clean has become a full-time job. When that time comes, looking into buying a smaller home is the next logical step.
Some of the benefits that come with downsizing are:
- Saving money. Not only is a smaller house less expensive to purchase, the ancillary costs of the home are also reduced. You will likely use less electricity to heat, cool or light a smaller home. This could bring down your utility bills. Less house also means less to maintain, meaning costs for repairs, gardening, etc., will go down as well.
- Less to clean and maintain. If you decrease the size of your living space, logically you decrease the space you need to clean. Downsizing can also force you to re-examine your “stuff” and how much of it you actually need, helping you to declutter.
- More free time. With less to clean and take care of comes more time for other things. What would you do with an extra five-to-10 hours a week? For those starting their retirement, this is more time to start a new hobby, spend time with your family or to simply relax and enjoy life.
If you are considering or in the process of downsizing, the most important thing you can do is hire a Realtor. Realtors can provide valuable counsel, discuss listings, show you homes in person and negotiate on your behalf. Realtors with NAR’s “Seniors Real Estate Specialist” designation are not only trained to meet the needs of new and younger families but are experienced and knowledgeable in meeting the specific needs of older buyers. Contact a Realtor today to discuss your downsizing needs.