Looking to Downsize? How to Find the Right Home

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 26 October 2016 14:28

Taking the plunge into buying a smaller home may seem daunting if you are used to rambling around in a large house. Downsizing doesn’t have to be challenging. With careful planning and the right team by your side, finding the perfect smaller home is a simple process.

Make a List of Non-Negotiables

When you have less room in your home, the features of the house become far more important. Before you begin looking for a new house, you should make a list of characteristics that you are not willing to compromise. If having a garage is important to you, put it on the list and make it a non-negotiable item.

Consider the Home’s Age

If you have owned more than one home, you already know that the age of your home will make a big difference in care and maintenance. If you are downsizing for financial reasons, you may want to look at newer homes. An older dwelling will require you to sink more dollars into upkeep over the course of your ownership. Investing in a new home up front can save money in the long run.

Partner With an Experienced Agent

When you choose a real estate agent to handle the sale of your large home and the purchase of a smaller house, you want someone who has a large list of the newest properties on the market. An agent that will quickly sell your home while offering an exclusive list of new properties freshly on the market will allow you to be in your new, smaller home quickly without having the burden of maintaining your larger home while you wait around for it to sell. Realtors like the
Marsee Wilhems Real Estate Team suggests that you look for an agent that you have good rapport with and has experience quickly selling homes.

Choose Your Ideal Neighborhood

If you are moving within the same city, you probably have a pretty good idea of the neighborhood you wish to live in. whether you choose a small house in a quiet area, or you want to be right in the thick of the action, narrowing your choices down to a specific area will make your search far easier.

Select a Home Type

When buying a smaller home, you have a few options. If you are downsizing to spend less time on yard work, you may want to consider a condo or townhouse. These generally come with far less outdoor maintenance and a more communal lifestyle. If you need less space or are looking for an affordable option, you may want to consider a single family home. These generally offer greater privacy and a small plot of land for planting flowers and maintaining a lawn.

Rate this item
(0 votes)
Lizzie Weakley

 About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Agent Resource

Limited time offer - 50% off - click here

Realty Times

From buying and selling advice for consumers to money-making tips for Agents, our content, updated daily, has made Realty Times® a must-read, and see, for anyone involved in Real Estate.