The 5 Critical Steps to Successfully Sell Your House & Downsize

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Home Downsizing Solutions

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Posted on

Sep 23, 2024

Book/Edition

Nebraska - Eastern Region

As we grow older, the desire and sometimes need for a different and safer living arrangement increases.  That new living arrangement may be a smaller home, moving in with a family member, apartment community, or other senior living arrangement.  It may also include staying in the house we’re already living in, with some modifications to provide a better living environment.

If the decision is to sell your house and move, this article will cover the 5 critical steps needed to sell your house and downsize.

Assess Your Current Living Situation

Before looking for a new living arrangement, it's important to assess your current situation, needs, and future needs if possible.  Take a realistic look at your health, mobility, and any medical conditions that may require special care and attention.  Do you need help with activities like bathing, dressing, or making meals?  Do you need medication management or help with medical equipment?

Make a list of your needs and desires to help you determine what level of care you need now or may likely need in the future.  This will help determine what type of living arrangement will be best for you.

Research Living Arrangement Options

Once you’ve determined your needs and preferences, you’ll be better prepared to research your living arrangement options.  Is a smaller home or apartment community a good option?  Or is a senior community, such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, or continuing care community (a community that have different levels of care that can adapt to your needs) a better option?

Look for a living arrangement or community that best fits your needs and preferences, that are hopefully located in areas that you want to be in and are close to services that you want or will need.  Often times, a knowledgeable senior placement agent can play an important role in helping locate a community that will fit your needs.

Preparing Your House for Sale

Typically, the next step is to get your house ready for sale.  This can include decluttering (getting rid of the sometimes decades of “stuff” that has accumulated in the house), getting a whole house inspection to discover known and unknown issues with the house that potential buyers will discover, making any necessary repairs and updates the house may need, and making the house inviting to potential buyers.

“What do I do with the stuff” is usually the most common statement I hear.  But taking care of the “stuff” and depersonalizing the house, so that the house is inviting to potential buyers are important steps when selling a house in a traditional manner.

If your house hasn’t been updated in the last several years, you may need to decide if you will need to find contractors to update the house to what most home buyers expect in the current market, or price the house accordingly if the repairs and updates are not done.

Locating The Right Real Estate Professional

I would recommend interviewing a few different real estate professionals to see what type of service is best for your specific situation.  Note- a friend or relative that happens to have a real estate license may not be your best choice.

If your house is in great condition or you want and are able to get the house into a “nice” retail condition, and don’t mind showings with strangers in your house or the other potential challenges that can go along with Listing a house, a great real estate agent may be your best solution.

If you prefer to not do any repairs or updates, don’t want to handle or deal with the “stuff” that’s not important to you, don’t want to get and keep the house in show ready condition, don’t want strangers in your house, and want more control over the closing date and how long you can stay in the house, a trusted and experienced home buying company like Home Downsizing Solutions home buyers may be a great solution.

The Move to Your New Home

Once you have the sale of your house taken care of, it's time to make the move!

You can start by creating a moving plan and schedule.  This can include going through your house, room by room, and identifying the items you want to take with you and ensuring they will fit in your new accommodations.  A senior moving/organizing company can help with sorting your “stuff” if needed.

If you have enough “good stuff” that you don’t want to take with you, you may want to contact a local estate sale company to monetize and get the most value from those items.

When it comes time to pack and move, you and your family will need to determine if you have the abilities and resources for these tasks, or if its best to contact a local move manager and moving company that are specialists when it comes to downsizing and moving to senior living.

And don’t forget to notify utility companies, the post office, and others about the change in service and your new address.

Downsizing and moving to new accommodations may be challenging, but with the right guidance and resources, can be rewarding and result in a better and more enjoyable life and lifestyle.

For additional information on how to sell your house and downsize, just go to www.HomeDownsizingSolutions.com

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Moving Made Easy: Simple Tips for Seniors

Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!

Moving to Senior Living: What to Pack and What to Leave Behind

When moving to a senior living community, it's important to know what to bring and what to leave behind. This guide will help you pack smart for your new home.Before You Start PackingVisit Your New Home: Take a look at how big your new space is.Talk to Residents: Ask people who already live there about what they brought and what they wish they had.Check with Staff: Find out what furniture and items the community provides and which items are not allowed.Involve Family: Let your family pick items they might want to keep, especially heirlooms.What to BringClothes and Personal ItemsEveryday clothesToiletries like toothbrush and shampooMedicationsMobility aids, like walkers or canesSpecial ItemsPhotos and artwork that you loveSmall mementos that make you feel at homeFurniture (if there's room)A comfortable chairA small table or nightstandA bed (if not provided)Lamps for lightingOther Important ThingsBedding and blanketsKitchen items if you have a small kitchen areaTV or radio (if allowed)Pet supplies if pets are permittedWhat Not to BringExpensive jewelry or valuable items that could be lost or damagedClothes you no longer wearLarge furniture pieces that won't fitBig appliances that the community providesHeaters or air conditioners that may not be allowedLarge rugs that could be a tripping hazardRemember, your new home will be smaller, so you'll need to choose carefully what to bring. It's perfectly okay to ask for help from family or friends if packing feels overwhelming.

A Senior's Guide To A Stress-Free Relocation

Moving can be a big challenge, especially for seniors. But don't worry! With some planning and help, you can make your move smooth and easy. Let's look at some simple ways to make your summer move a success.Plan AheadStart by making a list of everything you need to do. Write down important dates and tasks. This will help you stay organized and not forget anything. Ask family or friends to help you make this list if you need to.Sort Through Your StuffBefore you start packing, go through your things. Decide what you want to keep, give away, or throw out. This is a great chance to make your new home less cluttered. Think about what will fit in your new place and what's really important to you.Stay Cool and SafeMoving in hot weather can be tough. Here are some tips to stay safe:Start early in the morning when it's coolerDrink lots of waterTake breaks in the shadeWear light, comfy clothes and a hatUse sunscreenAsk for help with heavy liftingPack SmartWhen you're ready to pack, follow these tips:Use strong boxesLabel each box clearlyPack a special box with things you'll need right away in your new homeIf packing is hard for you, ask for help or hire someone to do itTake Care of Special ItemsSome things need extra care when moving, depending on the weather.   Electronics, art, and musical instruments might need to be moved in a cool truck. If you have things like this, ask for advice on how to move them safely.Get HelpMoving can be a lot of work. It's okay to ask for help. Family, friends, or professional movers can make your move much easier. They can help with packing, lifting heavy things, and setting up your new home.Stay PositiveRemember, moving to a new home can be exciting! Think about the good things about your new place. Maybe you'll be closer to family or in a nicer neighborhood. Keeping a positive attitude can make the whole process feel better.Final TipsChange your address with the post officeSet up utilities in your new home before you movePack a bag with clothes and toiletries for your first few daysTake breaks and rest when you need toMoving doesn't have to be hard. With these tips and some help, you can have a great move to your new home. Remember to take your time, stay cool, and ask for help when you need it. Happy moving!

Local Services By This Author

Home Downsizing Solutions

Veteran Services 128 North 13th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508

Home Downsizing Solutions home buyers, powered by The Sierra Group LLC, is a Professional Home Buying company. We have been providing custom selling solutions to sellers for more than 25 years. We are also a member of the Better Business Bureau.  Our motto is Sell Your House As Is, for a Fair Price, on Your Date of Choice. We offer the Fastest, most Convenient way to Sell Your House!!

Home Downsizing Solutions

Downsizing and Relocation 128 North 13th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508

Discover Stress-Free Home Downsizing Solutions in Nebraska with Home Downsizing SolutionsAre you contemplating a shift to a more manageable living space in Nebraska? Home Downsizing Solutions offers tailored services to help you sell your house quickly and transition to a carefree lifestyle. Our comprehensive solutions are designed to streamline the entire downsizing process, allowing you to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling life without the usual stress and hassle.What is Home Downsizing?Home downsizing typically involves moving to a smaller, more manageable property. This can mean selling a large family home and relocating to a condo, apartment, or a smaller single-family home. The decision to downsize is often motivated by the desire to reduce living expenses, minimize upkeep, and align ones living situation with changing lifestyle needs.Why Choose Home Downsizing Solutions in Nebraska?Home Downsizing Solutions understands the unique needs of homeowners in Nebraska looking to downsize. With our expert knowledge of the Nebraska real estate market, we offer fast, efficient service that ensures you can sell your home quickly and for a great price. Here's how we stand out:Speed: We specialize in quick sales, helping you move on to your next phase of life without delay.Convenience: Our process removes the usual complications of selling a home, providing a smooth transition.Experience: With years of expertise in the Nebraska market, we understand local trends and buyer demands.Customization: Every downsizing plan is tailored to the specific needs of our clients, ensuring a personalized experience.The Benefits of Downsizing Your Home in NebraskaFinancial AdvantagesBy selling your larger home and moving into a smaller property, you could significantly reduce your monthly expenditures. Smaller homes often come with lower utility costs, reduced maintenance fees, and cheaper property taxes. This financial freedom can open up new opportunities for travel, hobbies, and even early retirement.Simplified MaintenanceSmaller properties require less upkeep, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your passions. With less space to clean and maintain, you can focus on what truly matters to you.Enhanced LifestyleDownsizing can also lead to a more socially active and engaged lifestyle. Many downsizing destinations in Nebraska offer vibrant communities with amenities tailored to adults and retirees, fostering a sense of community and belonging.Our Home Downsizing Services in NebraskaHome Downsizing Solutions offers a variety of services designed to facilitate an easy and effective transition:Quick Home Sales: We specialize in expedited home sales, ensuring that you can move forward with your downsizing plans without unnecessary delays.Comprehensive Market Analysis: Our team provides detailed market insights to position your home competitively, ensuring you get the best possible offer.Professional Home Staging: We help your home make an outstanding first impression, increasing its marketability and sale price.Decluttering and Moving Assistance: We assist with sorting and removing unwanted items and coordinate moving services that respect your belongings and time.How to Start Downsizing in NebraskaAssess Your NeedsConsider what you truly need in your new living arrangement. How much space do you require? What kind of lifestyle do you wish to lead? Answering these questions can help determine the type of property you should be looking for.Plan Your FinancesReview your financial situation to understand how the sale of your current home can fund your downsizing move. If necessary, consult with financial advisors to plan your budget effectively.Choose the Right LocationWhether you prefer the bustling streets of Omaha or the peaceful ambiance of a smaller town like Kearney, choosing the right location is crucial. Consider factors such as proximity to family, healthcare facilities, and social activities.Contact Home Downsizing SolutionsReach out to us to learn more about how we can assist you in making a seamless transition to a downsized home. Our friendly team is ready to provide you with all the information you need and guide you through every step of the process.ConclusionDownsizing your home in Nebraska doesn't have to be a daunting task. With Home Downsizing Solutions, you can sell your house quickly and move towards a more manageable, cost-effective, and fulfilling lifestyle. Contact us today to discover how easy and stress-free downsizing can be. Prepare to enjoy the benefits of a simpler life, with fewer responsibilities and more freedom to enjoy your golden years in beautiful Nebraska. Get in touch now and take the first step towards a carefree lifestyle with Home Downsizing Solutions.

Home Downsizing Solutions

Real Estate 128 North 13th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508

Home Downsizing Solutions home buyers, powered by The Sierra Group LLC, is a Professional Home Buying company. We have been providing custom selling solutions to sellers for more than 25 years. We are also a member of the Better Business Bureau.Our motto is Sell Your House As Is, for a Fair Price, on Your Date of Choice. We offer the Fastest, most Convenient way to Sell Your House!!