Is it Time to Downsize?

Hi I’m Michelle Davenport, I’m a real estate expert with the Art House Team, brokered by Realty South.  When you hear the phrase ‘downsizing’, you might think- “No, that’s not for me. That’s for people who don’t want to do stairs anymore!”  Often that is the case, but there are TONS of other reasons why my clients downsize, like changes in finances, needing a lower maintenance home OR more commonly, the size of their household changes. This past year, I helped a woman downsize after a divorce.  She no longer needed the basement home they’d bought together. At this stage in her life, she wanted less upkeep and expense, and we were able to work together to find the perfect home for her current needs. So- what does this process look like? It’s different for everyone and is largely driven by your timeline and financial goals. You’ll consider things like: Will you need lending for your next home, or pay cash from the proceeds of your current home? Lots of people would rather buy their next home first so that they can move out and get their old home market ready; but that’s not going to work for everybody. Others prefer to sell their current home first and stay in temporary housing until they find that perfect home.   However, I find that most people want to buy and sell simultaneously so that they only have to move once. That’s why it pays hire an expert agent with experience in both buying and selling, who can provide the tools and resources needed to help streamline this process and make it a little less stressful along the way. Let’s talk timelines: Number One: I’ll put together a price valuation of your current home so you know where you stand with it.  That will help determine how you want to pay for the next home. If you need a lender recommendation, I’ve got you covered! Number Two:  We’ll get out and start looking at neighborhoods and homes that fit your criteria, so you’ll know where you want to live when your home sells. Meanwhile, it might be time to par down your belongings in your current home in preparation for the upcoming move.  Organize! Donate or sell the items you no longer want or need!  And lastly, confident we know where you are headed next, we’ll get your home ready to go on the market. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, but to be successful, you’ll want a real estate teammate with lots of resources to help you.  Thats me!  If are in the Birmingham Metro Area, and are thinking about downsizing (or moving for any reason!) feel free to text, call, or email anytime!   -Michelle Davenport, Realtor® (205)475-6102 Michelle@SoldByArtHouse.com